The hype surrounding the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers is as much as it has been in a long while. After a half season of drama and under-performance, the Cavs are riding a four-game winning streak and appear to be ready for another NBA Finals run. But is this sqaud better than the teams that made the 2016 and 2017 Finals?
Guards
2016
Kyrie Irving was at his best in this series, averaging 27.1 points per game. His exceptional isolation scoring ability allowed the Cavs' offense to function even if LeBron James wasn't shooting well.
The Warriors had to specifically gameplan for not one, but two superstars, and that opened the game up for role players such as J.R. Smith and, in that series, Kevin Love.
Matthew Dellavedova was Irving's primary backup and while he shot just 26%, his defense and energy was vital to the entire team.
Mo Williams played sparingly but was a very good third point guard.
J.R. Smith averaged 1.6 points and shot 36% from three-point range. His defense was quite good and he was able to defend multiple players. Iman Shumpert played his best basketball as Cavalier, including a four-point play early in game seven. Jordan McRae played a total of three minutes, making both of his shot attempts. In his small amount of playing time, Dahntay Jones provided energy and toughness off the bench. His veteran tenacity certainly rubbed off on the younger players.
2017
Irving was his usual brilliant self, averaging 29.4 points. This time however, his backup was a brutal failure. Deron Williams, a buy-out acquisition from the Dallas Mavericks, was supposed to be LeBron James' “playmaker” he had been seeking. Once one of the NBA's premier guards, Williams had a solid second half with the Cavs, and then the bottom dropped out in the playoffs. He was representative of a lackluster Cleveland bench in the Finals loss against Golden State.
In 61 total minutes, Williams shot 13% from the field and 11% from three-point range. His atrocious performance greatly contributed to Cleveland's close losses in games three and five. His age(32) and injury history had caught up with him. He was unable to keep any Warrior player in front of him on defense, and he appeared out of shape and disinterested.
J.R. Smith shot a ridiculous 58% from three, although his effectiveness was limited for the first three games. Both Shumpert's performance and playing time dropped significantly, as he couldn't find a way to see the floor consistently. New addition Kyle Korver shot 31% on three-pointers but missed a crucial shot that would have given the Cavs the lead with under a minute to go in game three. Dahntay Jones was ineffective in his extremely limited time.
Now
Irving is gone, replaced by former Sacramento King George Hill. Hill provides good defense, solid playmaking ability, and is shooting 45% from three-point range this season. He is backed up by former Laker Jordan Clarkson, who in his two games with Cleveland, is shooting 57% from three. This is unlikely to continue, but Clarkson should see an improvement in his shot selection from his Laker days, as he will not have to work as hard to get open, due to Cleveland's vastly superior talent.
Veteran Jose Calderon has played fairly well in his limited time this year, but he will most likely not see the floor much in the postseason.
After a difficult start to the season, Smith is shooting 51% from the field over his last ten games, and the new additions appear to have motivated him.
Korver remains one of the league's premier shooters, with his 43% mark from three.
Rookie Cedi Osman has recently been inserted into the starting lineup and has performed admirably.
It's unclear whether or not he'll see time in the playoffs, but he's certainly earned himself a longer look from the remainder of the regular season. In a surprise move, the Cavs traded Jae Crowder and Derrick Rose to Utah for Rodney Hood. Hood is a 26-year-old with a 6'8″ frame, solid defense, a great three-point shot (40%). His addition gives the Cavs not only another spot up shooter, but a player who can create his own shot and score in isolation.
Verdict
This season's guard group lacks the star power of Irving, but basically, all of the players are able to consistently contribute at both ends of the floor. This depth and versatility this season potentially put them in a better position group to face Golden State than ever before.
Wings
2016
LeBron James graced NBA fans with another other-worldly performance in these Finals. Richard Jefferson played very well as James' primary backup, as he was able to play solid defense on Andre Igoudala and Draymond Green. James Jones played sparingly but was a key member in the locker room.
2017
The only difference from 2016 for this group was the addition of Derrick Williams, and despite a strong regular season, he played just ten total minutes. Richard Jefferson's performance took a nosedive, as his age was evident.
Now
LeBron James continues to put up MVP-level numbers. With all due respect to Jefferson, Jeff Green is clearly the best backup James has ever had. In 22 minutes per game, he is averaging 10.7 points on 49% shooting, along with 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists. His defensive versatility has been a welcome addition to the Cavs' bench.
Verdict
With Hood and Osman able to play the small forward position, the 2018 group has the most amount of depth, versatility, and offensive skill.
Bigs
2016
Tristan Thompson's performance during the 2016 Finals was exceptional. His rebounding and defense kept the Cavs close until Irving and James were able to take over. Timofey Mozgov provided size and deterred Golden State from intentionally fouling him due to his solid free-throw shooting. Sasha Kaun did not play much during the regular season and didn't see the floor in the Finals.
Channing Frye was ineffective defensively which prevented Cleveland from playing him for extended periods, but his locker room presence was invaluable.
Kevin Love is a matchup nightmare against 28 NBA teams, but for some reason, he is ineffective against Golden State. His subpar defense allows Draymond Green to score consistently, while Green is able to defend Love effectively.
All in all, the 2017 Cleveland ran into depth issues as they lost rebound battle after rebound battle against the Warriors in the Finals.
2017
Thompson looked like a shell of himself during the 2017 Finals. His offensive game was non-existent, he struggled to defend anywhere, and he was continually drawn out to around the three-point line, completely eliminating any rim protection he could have provided. Channing Frye again did not play much because of his lack of defense. Edy Tavares did not see the floor. Love's performance was almost identical to 2016.
Now
Love has performed well this season, and unfortunately suffered a hand injury which has cost him time. He is still the same player, so his matchup against the Warriors is still the same. Rookie Ante Zizic has seen essentially zero action. Larry Nance Jr. has provided the team with something they haven't' had; a versatile PF/C who can protect the rim, defend the pick and roll, and score inside. Nance is a supercharged version of Tristan Thompson and provides a perfect matchup for Golden State.
Verdict
Nance's presence gives the edge to the current team. The Cavs finally have a big man who can be effective in the Finals. Nance's versatility may also help Kevin Love be involved more in the offense, as well as masking his shortcomings on defense. Tristan Thompson will be relegated to at most a platoon role with Nance and could be more effective when playing fewer minutes.
The Cavs are now younger, more athletic, and more versatile. They may not have the star power of teams past, but they appear to be better suited to match up specifically with Golden State. While the Warriors have the advantage of having Keivin Durant, the Cavs' starters actually outscored the Warriors' in last years Finals. Their bench was the problem, and they have certainly improved it. We'll have to wait and seeif it was enough.
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