By George Efkarpides / info@eurohoops.net
It has been a puzzling season for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even though the team was able to put together some great pieces to help LeBron James give the Warriors “a run for their money” things haven’t been looking good as of late.
The Cavaliers started off the season 5-7 and even though they were underperforming there was a sense that when Isaiah Thomas would come back they would turn it around.
Even though they were without Kyrie Irving’s replacement, the Cavs won 13 straight games with LeBron James playing some of the best basketball of his career.
A 57-point game, spectacular defense on “bigs” such as Kristaps Porzingis and “smalls”, like Kemba Walker and Dennis Schroder had everyone raving about the best player in the world.
Ever since, the Cavaliers have been embarrassed in every aspect of the game, both on and off the court.
After getting “hammered” by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the players had a team meeting and questioned Kevin Love’s illness legitimacy.
“The King” didn’t seem too demoralized after all as he went on to hug, Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook and Paul George even though his team lost by 24, conceding 148 points on their home floor.
After achieving another milestone with 30,000 career points, LeBron James didn’t seem to be bothered about yet another loss to the Kawhi-less San Antonio Spurs as he enjoyed his achievement with a bottle of wine. As if though everything is fine despite the fact that he finished with a negative plus-minus for a 7th straight game, tied for the longest streak of his career.
The big question
James, 33, will be a free-agent this year and with the trade deadline right around the corner the Cleveland Cavaliers’ direction has a lot to do with what he is going to do.
At the moment, the Cavaliers greatest asset is the Brooklyn pick acquired in the Kyrie trade.
If LeBron James would commit to staying in Cleveland, the Cavs would have no problem moving that pick as James’ presence guarantees them being a contender for the foreseeable future.
But if James were to leave, Cleveland would almost automatically enter rebuilding mode and what better way to do that than with a potential lottery pick.
And the rumor mill about LeBron leaving for the Lakers, or the Rockets is already in motion.
With Cleveland desperate to make trades happen and LeBron James’ future up in the air, the February 8 deadline is destined to be something more than just an important date for Cleveland and their fans. And once more, it’s all about LeBron.