At 12-46 the Cleveland Cavaliers have 24 games left and have the third-worst record in basketball, what can be expected for the rest of the season?
After LeBron James departed for Los Angeles most expected a rough season for Cleveland. Although few probably expected things to work out in this manner. While a poor record was all but inevitable, the way that record played out is a work of unpredictability. Considering how the season has gone thus far and key players returning, what is in store for the final 26 games of the season?
The return and improved roles of Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love
Kevin Love has already made his return and Tristan Thompson’s return does not appear to be far off. While it will not be immediate, it appears to be coming sooner rather than later. Thompson has been spotted taking shots in practice and in pregame warmups. This all points towards an impending return.
Love expects to play in all games moving forward. Although the minutes seen in those games may vary on game-by-game basis. This would be mostly related to the Cavaliers getting blown out and not wanting to risk their best player suffering another significant injury. The Cavaliers already lost Love for 50 games, the team would prefer not to lose him again for any length of time.
The development of Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton is developing as the season goes on. While the months of December and January were quite rough, he has rebounded in the first six games in the month of February. The returns of Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love should help. Cedi Osman returning and playing significant minutes can also help Sexton as he will not have to be relied upon to be one of the main scoring threats.
With 24 games remaining in his rookie season, Collin Sexton should seek to go out on a high note. Improving a little bit more each game until the season eventually comes to a conclusion. Building upon each performance will be crucial to his development as an NBA player.
Jordan Clarkson’s Sixth Man case
The Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten surprising production from Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson is scoring a career-high 17.2 points per game for the Cavaliers. Leading the league in double-digit scoring efforts off the bench (50), Jordan Clarkson is a candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year Award. While the Cavaliers poor record will certainly hinder his chances, he should at least be in consideration.
Marquese Chriss and Brandon Knight
Marquese Chriss and Brandon Knight were both acquired at the trade deadline. Both players were essentially discarded to Cleveland and have played fairly well in their limited action. Knight is still under contract for next season, but Chriss is a free agent when the year is up. Look for both players to continue their streak of improved play as Knight looks to reestablish himself and Chriss looks to shed the “bust” label.
Ante Zizic
Ante Zizic appears to be developing into a fairly backup reserve center. Obviously he is limited, but he can grab rebounds quite well and block the occasional shot. Offensively he is challenged and can essentially only score in the paint. The other issue with Zizic is that he is notoriously slow. This presents problems on both ends of the court. Zizic is either not quick enough to get back on defense or too slow running a play/setting a screen/rolling off a pick that the offense struggles to score. It could be possible that Zizic improves in the future, but backup center seems like a solid role for him moving forward.
Tank for Zion
The mantra most have embraced is “Tank for Zion”. The team is not good and will have one of the top picks. While the team will win some games, (not many), it is important to remember the new Draft Lottery rules. As long as the Cavaliers have one of the three-worst records, (currently they do), they are in the mix for the top pick. The worst three teams in the league all have equal odds of landing the top pick.
Even if the Cavaliers do not land the top pick, they are a near lock for the Top 3. As long as the Cavaliers fall into this category they should be in position to draft one of the best players in the draft. Whether they take Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett or someone else will be found out on draft day.
