THE PRESENT AND FUTURE:
Let me start by talking about what these trades do for the present.
Let’s be clear. This was a youth movement that gives Cleveland the following: Youth, Athleticism, length, scoring and defense on the perimeter. While the Cavaliers could still use a rim-protector, they did three really important things. First, they went from being the oldest team in the NBA (Average age 30), to an average age of 26. Unfortunately, I can’t find a site that is updated with the average NBA teams’ age.
Bottom line, Cleveland is no longer the oldest team, and that’s definitely a good thing. Secondly, this team just got better defensively. Unless you haven’t noticed or have been living under a rock, you know that Cleveland has been the worst defensive team in the NBA. These trades should change that. And finally, they kept the Brooklyn Nets pick for this summer’s draft. That is extremely big!
Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. are only 25 and from what I’ve read, are extremely excited to be coming to Cleveland. Who wouldn’t? Other than maybe Kyrie Irving…….wait, who cares. Nance Jr. is 6’9 and he loves to defend, set picks and yes, he loves to finish at the rim strong. Nance Jr. is very athletic and unselfish.
Clarkson is 6’5 and can shoot the ball. Plus, he’s an energy guy. Clarkson is averaging 14 points while shooting 45 percent from the field. I can see Clarkson as a perfect fit for Cleveland’s bench. I’m guessing Smith will remain in the starter at the two-guard spot.
Nance Jr. is under contract for the rest of this season ($1.4 million) and next season ($2.2 million). His rookie contract will end then. But, if I were a betting man I’d bet the Cavs will sign Nance Jr. to an extension before his rookie year ends.
Clarkson is under contract for three more seasons. 2017-2018 ($11.5 million), 2018-2019 ($12.5 million) and in 2019-2020 (#13.5 million).
Hey, what do you know, another 25-year-old who can provide offense. I’m talking about Rodney Hood, who is coming from Utah. Hood is 6’7 and is averaging 17 points and is shooting 42 percent (39 percent from deep).
All of the sudden, the Cavaliers bench has some much-needed youth along with scoring. Lue can bring in Kyle Korver, Jeff Green, Cedi Osman, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood and Jose Calderon.
Not bad.
This bring me to George Hill. Though Hill is 31, he is an upgrade on defense compared to Thomas and has the ability to set up the offense. Oh, and he can shoot the 3-point shot. Hill is a career 38 percent from deep and this season alone, Hill is shooting 45 percent from deep. George Hill is also shooting 46 percent from the field.
So, what does all this movement mean?
For one, I had to laugh when quite a few media members nationally said Cleveland just helped the Lakers out by allowing the Lakers to clear cap-space to now possibly sign LeBron James this summer. Give me a break already.
Next, let’s talk about the fact that Cleveland fessed up to the reality of the problems with the Boston trade. It started to become more and more obvious that Crowder and Thomas just weren’t going to fit with Cleveland. They admitted to their mistakes by making these trades. Again, they were able to keep the Brooklyn pick.
With these trades, James will have a chance to play with some young but energetic, hungry and talented players. I think you’ll see better effort and more consistent effort at both ends, on a nightly basis.
From what I’ve read, LeBron is thrilled about these trades and was actually told about these potential trades before the game against Minnesota. Based on how he played, I’d say he was really hoping for these trades to work out, and they did. James played with a lot more effort and energy in the Cavs thrilling win over Minnesota.
Now, what these trades also do is help the Cavs out, just in case James does leave. They’ll now have some young players that they could build around or trade for future high draft picks. Koby Altman did a great job of helping Cleveland improve for this year and have Cleveland better prepared in case James does leave.
And before I forget, do you realize it took me until the end of my article to talk about the fact that Kevin Love will be rejoining this already improved roster, in April? He’ll be nice and fresh and won’t need much time to gel.
Do these trades put Cleveland over Golden State? I still say no, but I think they closed the gap, just due to having better defenders and younger players that are more athletic. And remember, there are still players who will be bought-out by teams and Cleveland could sign a rim-protector that way.
Koby Altman felt the Cavs needed a culture change and he definitely did something about it.
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