The Cavs made the biggest splash at the before of the NBA trade deadline.
Cleveland traded away six different players. The front office brought in youth and energy in order to increase the tempo on both the offensive and defensive ends. With the likes of Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance, Rodney Hood and George Hill, there is limited playoff experience. Hill is the only player with post-season experience.
LeBron James and Tristen Thompson are the current Cavalier leaders , with Kevin Love joining them once he returns next month, with the playoffs around the corner. He will have a limited time to find his rhythm for a deep playoff run. The Cavs’ success will be in the hands of Love’s ability to quickly bounce back from his hand injury. Love has been out since January 30, after suffering a fracture on his left hand against the Pistons.
What looked like a bright light at the end of the tunnel, lasted for a short period of time. Every NBA team goes through a down stretch over the 82 game season. Since the NBA All-Star break, the Cavaliers have dropped 4 of their last 6. Chemistry, defense and a relentless effort will propel the Cavs to make a title run. With more than half of their roster without playoff experience, it’ll be a new test for them.
The one advantage that they hold over any team is they have LeBron James. The four-time NBA MVP is currently second in minutes played per game, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Cavaliers are home against the Detroit Pistons tonight, after losing two straight.
