Looking at sub lineup data, it appears the Cavs should play 3 or 4 of James, Wade, Korver and Green as much as possible and abandon the rest of what they have been doing completely for that and some other new things. The difference in results between with most of that quartet and everything else is monstrous. Coach Lue has put all four on floor together only 40 minutes for season. It probably should be 20 minutes per game. The pair and trio data is dynamite and the quad killed at plus 29 per 100 possessions.
Lue gets some credit for playing the lesser 3 together but it is only after the starting combinations blow it badly and only in brief passing with James. A change in the proportions should be tried.
Fixing the Cavs
Re: Fixing the Cavs
Playing time for this recommended quad is up from about 3 minutes per game before the recommendation to about 7. Still going great, though not as great. Probably should be used even more.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
That quad is still dynamite for season but Lue has cut back to about 6 minutes per game in last 10. Doing fine but I'd step up the gas of this quad as needed and probably in playoffs depending on matchup.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
Wade and team rocking it when he is at PG, getting rocked when he plays SG.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
Crowder playing far worse than last season (which was one of his best seasons) by box score stats (including shooting) and RPM. Generally better with bench guys. Doesn't get good results with James. And yet he starts almost always. Hmm... Best with Calderon, ok with Wade, horrible with Rose or no PG. Seems like the usage is poor. And performance.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
The highlighted quad is still being used about 6 minutes per game (merely for brief rotation transitions, may not even be an actual priority) but none on Jan. 11.
I can see no good reason for not trying it 20 plus minutes per game to get out of this slump AND to see what happens when you use it 20 plus minutes, including evaluating what you do and what happens with the rest of the minutes.
I'd consider trading anyone outside that quad and to a lesser extent those within it not named LeBron.
I can see no good reason for not trying it 20 plus minutes per game to get out of this slump AND to see what happens when you use it 20 plus minutes, including evaluating what you do and what happens with the rest of the minutes.
I'd consider trading anyone outside that quad and to a lesser extent those within it not named LeBron.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
EVERY positive lineup in top 20 most used except the top one has at least 3 of Wade, Korver, Green, James. So Lue changes starting lineup. If he doesn't increase use of this quad and these trio options it may be mistake for starter change (unless it outperforms good old one) and continued mistake for bench rotations. These sets are not getting near enough time (best bet further trials).
Re: Fixing the Cavs
New starting lineup begins well but ends negative in 1/26 game. Wade out, Korver, Green, James trio used lightly. Not so good on these specific points but overall the lineups were very concentrated.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
LeBron and Green are the team's 2 PF, though they have previously been SF; and they total 59 mpg.
The center position is being manned by their 2 PF, Love and Thompson. Oh, and Frye.
Their PG have totaled 22 mpg, led by 36-yr old journeyman Jose Calderon.
Almost everyone on the team is playing out of position. One healthy center and point guard might make a world of difference.
The center position is being manned by their 2 PF, Love and Thompson. Oh, and Frye.
Their PG have totaled 22 mpg, led by 36-yr old journeyman Jose Calderon.
Almost everyone on the team is playing out of position. One healthy center and point guard might make a world of difference.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
Yes, they need several trades. And lineup management improvements. And defense. And probably a new coach. And / or more unity. For this title. We know what they did before. They might get close to that but it depends on how much of these things they do. And overall effort / execution.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
Latest game, Korver, Green, James trio around 12 minutes, responsible for most of victory margin.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
What I have seen is lack of an interior stopper. Consequently their forwards all have to cheat toward the rim. This leaves the perimeter poorly defended.
They can leave the inside or the outside undefended, but that would be worse.
They can implore their 30-somethings to work harder and hustle more, and good luck with that.
They can totally go into panic mode with trades, at least half of which will make them worse. Then fire the coach to be sure.
They could hire motivational speakers to add insult to injury.
Or they could go after a center.
They can leave the inside or the outside undefended, but that would be worse.
They can implore their 30-somethings to work harder and hustle more, and good luck with that.
They can totally go into panic mode with trades, at least half of which will make them worse. Then fire the coach to be sure.
They could hire motivational speakers to add insult to injury.
Or they could go after a center.
Re: Fixing the Cavs
The Cavs are the oldest team in the league by far, in player minutes. While the league has gotten younger and leaner, Cle plays a young man's game, going centerless.
The old guys do tend to win close games, and they're 10 games over .500 with a zero SRS.
Now there may be a decent center on a non-contending team, that could use Kevin Love next year.
Dwight? Biyombo? a Lopez?
The old guys do tend to win close games, and they're 10 games over .500 with a zero SRS.
Now there may be a decent center on a non-contending team, that could use Kevin Love next year.
Dwight? Biyombo? a Lopez?
Re: Fixing the Cavs
The Cavs do appear too old but more teams make the error of being too young to win the title.
The players most disappointing are not too old- Thomas, Rose, Crowder, Thompson.
Among the many Cavs issues are Thompson's fouling (and the perimeter D that leads to it), Rose not passing, Thomas not hitting and Crowder not really fitting.
Cavs need different center solution but could also benefit from different PG and moving one or more SGs for other. Howard would be the splashiest Center move. O'Quinn would be good. Mejiri or Dakari Johnson might be better than nothing (especially if they intend to still play small most of the time).
The players most disappointing are not too old- Thomas, Rose, Crowder, Thompson.
Among the many Cavs issues are Thompson's fouling (and the perimeter D that leads to it), Rose not passing, Thomas not hitting and Crowder not really fitting.
Cavs need different center solution but could also benefit from different PG and moving one or more SGs for other. Howard would be the splashiest Center move. O'Quinn would be good. Mejiri or Dakari Johnson might be better than nothing (especially if they intend to still play small most of the time).
Re: Fixing the Cavs
Lost interest in the Cavs but might get around to a re-visit later. Anybody else on this case?