During the playoffs, we have seen LeBron James turn on the switch to lead his team to the Conference Finals with ease by putting up monster numbers. Kyrie Irving has been exceptional as well, constantly being the second best player on the team behind LeBron. We all know what the Cavs are going to get from their two superstars, but the rest of the players are wildcards. It is expected that Cleveland will return to the Finals, but to avoid an unexpected upset, they need these players to raise their level of play.
Kevin Love
Being a part of the “Big 3," Kevin Love has been highly disappointing again.
He averaged a double-double during the season but has not delivered during the playoffs, being inconsistent and inefficient as usual. Love’s lackluster play hasn’t affected the Cavaliers much at all, but it could trouble them moving forward. James and Irving need another player that they can count on, and Love must be that third guy.
J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith is one of the streakiest guys in the league. When he is hot, he simply cannot miss. But, when he is cold, he becomes a complete non-factor. Thankfully, he has slightly raised his level of play on the defensive end, but he is only averaging 6.4 points on 43.6 percent from field during the playoffs. The Cavaliers need Smith to put up a few double-digit scoring games if they want to secure another trip to the Finals and perhaps win it all again.
Otherwise, teams are going to pack the paint while putting very little focus on Smith.
Deron Williams
During the regular season, James begged for another playmaker, and they got one after the trade deadline in Deron Williams. Now that they have made it to the Conference Finals, Williams must show his value by becoming a key asset off the bench with his ability to playmake, score, and provide veteran leadership.
Last year, the Cavaliers had Matthew Dellavedova, who was more of a scrappy defensive point guard with the ability to space the floor and shoot. Now they have a veteran who can dictate the offense and orchestrate the second unit.
Channing Frye
Last season during the Conference Finals, Channing Frye was a major offensive weapon off the bench, providing a ton of floor spacing and three-point shooting.
The Cavaliers need a strong effort from the 33-year-old again because when Frye is efficiently knocking down outside shots, they are virtually unbeatable. When Frye becomes a major threat from distance, teams struggle to defend the Cavs because they simply cannot pick their poison. James and Irving command too much attention on defense, which leaves Frye open for threes. Teams also try to play man-to-man defense, which allows James and Irving to drive to the basket.
