Since losing the NBA Finals in 5 games, you’d think the Cavs would want to stack their team up and find the right pieces to help them beat the Warriors in 2018. Their steps, on the other hand, would make you believe that they’re okay winning the East but not the Championship
Who’s running the show?
It’s hard to let your GM walk away without offering a contract extension after 3 trips consecutive trips to the finals AND a Championship for the city that hadn’t won one in 50 plus years. To top it all off, they low-balled leading candidate Chauncey Billups, offering an initial $1.5 million when the league average is $4million for the position. The team is currently left without a GM, and it goes to show since they agreed to terms with Jose Calderon on July 1.. good first move
Rumor Mill
Although the free agency market isn’t necessarily on fire at the moment (since Cleveland’s salary cap is already well above the max), even the rumors for the team haven’t been pleasant. After picking up Jose Calderon on the first day of talks with free agents, the Cavs were then in talks with Jamal Crawford. So what’s the idea to beat the young, long, and athletic Warriors? Pick up Calderon, an aging unathletic point guard who’s never been known for his defensive prowess, and chase Jamal Crawford (same description as Calderon but not as aged). Inevitably Crawford signed with Minnesota, who’s got a very promising team going forward (shoutout to Cleveland for the Wiggins for Love trade).
What’s Next?
That’s a good question. Cleveland doesn’t have many options left. The main young athletic wing players that could combat Golden State have been traded (Butler and George) and the latest rumor is to add Carmelo Anthony who could stretch the floor but doesn’t help with the defensive woes. The Cavs have a long way to go, and step 1 should be to get an executive leader to make real decisions. Step 2? Get younger, more athletic two way players rather than specialty players.
