NBA: Finals Guarantee still a long way from expiring

Kyrie Irving’s trade inquiry has upset the Cavaliers’ plans.But the new GM kept calm and took maximum advantage of its possibilities: present and future appear promising.The off-season analysis.

The Cavs did not have a pick in the draft, but they still welcome a rookie for the new season: Cedi Osman, who had already been drafted in the second round in 2015, signed a three-year contract for $8.3 million.The Turks’ appearance at the EuroBasket is likely to have delighted the front office in Ohio.

Speaking of the front office: The long-time GM David Griffin was dismissed by owner Dan Gilbert.Koby Altman, who has known the organisation for five years and was previously Assistant General Manager, will succeed him.

In the Free Agency, the Vicechamp then tied up smaller deals – with one exception.Derrick Rose, who fell out of favour in New York, came to Cleveland for a year at the minimum.It is hoped that the MVP will return to its former strength in 2011.Jeff Green and Jose Calderon also signed for one year each.Dahntay Jones and Larry Sanders were dismissed, James Jones ended his career.The future of Deron Williams is still open.

But the big bang was yet to come: Kyrie Irving demanded a trade and presented the first big challenge for New-GM Altman.Finally, there was a deal with the Celtics, who in exchange for Irving Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, the first-round pick of the Nets 2018 as well as the 2020 second-round pick of the Heat.

Originally, the strategy was probably to improve the squad selectively in order to narrow the gap to the Warriors.The Free Agency deals did not necessarily give us hope that this would succeed, but we were on the right track.But then came Kyrie Irving.

At least for the public and the other teams, his trade enquiry came out of nowhere, so rumors spread and the ESPN Trade Machine ran hot.But the new GM Altman kept calm and didn’t let himself get involved in any hasty deals.On the contrary, he got the most out of the trade with Celtics.Especially when you consider that Irving’s trade value had dropped as a result of his actions.

Assuming that Thomas’ hip injury heals as planned and he reaches his highest level during the season, the squad – especially the arrival of workhorse Jae Crowder should not be underestimated – has not worsened, especially as D-Rose is a player who can be more than just a backup.

So much for the present.But what about the future?In this case, the deal has meant that – roughly speaking – two scenarios can be implemented.Scenario 1: LeBron James leaves his contract in 2018 and leaves the cavs.Then it’s time for rebuild.This can be quickly and promisingly initiated by the acquired Brooklyn-Pick and expiring contracts (Thomas, Frye, Calderon, Green, Rose, Shumpert).

Scenario 2: James remains a cavalier beyond 2018, so that you automatically remain a contender.This status, in turn, could be exploited differently.Thomas and the said pick also play a role here – you could let Thomas go and get another point guard with the saved salary.Or you can rely on IT4.The course of the season provides the necessary impressions with regard to this question.And the pick?The Cavs can either use it themselves (what’s going on at Luka Doncic?) and design the time after LeBron, or they can exchange it for more Starpower to get more Starpower and thus provide for further Championship-Runs.

The backcourt defence was already a problem last season.The starter combination Irving/Smith has defended rather alibi-wise, as long as no playoffs ran.The hope that this will be better with Thomas or Rose is something no one has.Basically crowder helps defensively, but not in the backcourt and not in the starting five.

Special attention should also be paid to the threesome.The Cavs are a shooting team and depend on the longball.However, Irving (40 percent 3FG) lacks a constant beyond the three-line.Thomas could catch it, but he is missing at first and has to be replaced by a rose allergy sufferer.

So the question arises as to which offensive concepts Lue offers.LeBron James may be a cyborg, but he’s turning 33 this year.Eventually, he himself should experience signs of wear and tear.This must be absorbed by the collective.The past finals in particular have shown that this will be difficult.

nearby

about LeBron doesn’t have to be said much anymore.He is the most successful player in the league and he is still the best player in the league.But since even he can’t do everything by himself, he needs a wingman – and that’s where Isaiah Thomas comes in.

On paper, his strengths should complement those of LeBron.But it is also a fact that IT4 has never acted alongside such a dominant player as LBJ.How well does it work off the ball?How strong is his playmaking?And above all: How bad is his hip injury really?

The Irving trade forced the cavs to become more active than they originally wanted to be.But GM Altman did a good job and got the best out of the situation.Thus, the Cavs remain the top contenders for the finals and have several options for a successful future.The gap to the Warriors could not be closed – but this was not possible under the given circumstances anyway.

The grade: 2-