2014-2015 Review

The Cleveland Cavaliers coasted through the Eastern Conference Playoffs last season as a two seed. Undermanned in the NBA Finals due to injuries on Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, the Cavs lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

New Additions

Mo Williams

The veteran guard rejoins LeBron James in what is undoubtedly one final run at a NBA title. As displayed last season, Mo is still a great shooter who can help a Cavs offense with sputtered when Kyrie Irving went down with an injury. 

Richard Jefferson

Similar to Mo, R.J. joins the Cavs in a quest for a NBA Title before retiring. The veteran forward doesn’t offer much outside of experience and a warm body to put on the floor.

Key Losses

Shawn Marion

After 16 season in the NBA, “The Matrix” announced his retirement after the 2015 NBA Finals. Marion didn’t do much for the Cavs, but his veteran presence should be missed.

Biggest Strengths 

The Big Three

Locking down Kevin Love to a long-term deal solidifies the Cavs tarrying trio of superstars. There were many rumors going around that Love wanted to be the main option somewhere, but those voices were silenced when he inked a big deal. Irving, LeBron, and Love are the best “Big Three” in the NBA

Biggest Weakness

Tristan Thompson holdout

The Cavs off-season was rather boring due to the stalemate between the front office and T.T. There is still no deal in place. The Cavs absolutely need T.T. as insurance on Love, and T.T. earned whatever he wants from the Cavs by saving many quarters with his energy and offensive rebounding. The holdout shows weakness by the Cavs, and a short memory on what their blossoming star has done for them. The longer that a deal isn’t reached, the closer another team is to snagging a great player in T.T.

Bottom Line

Similar to last season, the Cavs should coast through most months. NBA writers everywhere will have a conniption when they lose a few games in a row, or some lame rumor about locker room issues arises, but when LeBron is on your team you are all but guaranteed and conference finals appearance. The Cavs should make it back to the NBA Finals once again, but the Western Conference looks more frightening than ever. I wouldn’t expect the Cavs to fend off a battle-tested West team in the Finals.

Fantasy Slant

Most Overrated

LeBron James

It’s difficult to say the consensus number one basketball player on the planet is overated, but for fantasy purposes this year he may be. Last season, the Cavs were given an awful fantasy playoff schedule making LeBron last attractive in the early picks. For this year’s draft, some owners may have concerns about decline in all major categories from his last season with Miami to last year in Cleveland. For fantasy purposes, players like Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Anthony Davis are much more intriguing picks due to their specialty stats which are more difficult to come by. I may eat my words since LeBron is fresh off a NBA Finals loss and has an offseason to gel with teammates more. Still, I don’t see him as top three fantasy asset anymore, the younger guys are here.  

Most Underrated

J.R. Smith

Smith was the bright spot off the bench for the Cavs last season, even averaging a career high in threes (2.8). As a late round choice, Smith can help categories with his patented shooting surges. If you want to build a team around three point shooting and overall scoring, Smith should make the roster. For many fantasy owners, he is simply a late-round flier due to his reputation. 

Biggest Surprise

Kevin Love

Last season, Love saw significant drops in all categories due to his reduced role. With a season under his belt, and a commitment to the Cavs, Coach David Blatt should look to involve Love more in the offense instead of having him simply stand around the arc and wait for leftovers. Look for Love to increase his output in most of the meatier categories.