During Thursday’s official press conference, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue addressed how the team will changed now that Kyrie Irving is gone, and Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, and Ante Zizic have all been added. Lue talked about Irving’s importance to the team:
“He was a big part of what we did. Thanks to him for what he’s done, but my thing is moving forward.”
Irving was by far the second most important player on the Cavs’ roster for the past three seasons. His offensive contributions to the team were invaluable. But he’s gone now, and the coaching staff needs to figure out how to incorporate the new additions into the gameplan, while replacing Irving.
“I’m just excited for what we have. We’re gonna change our offense a little bit, you know, do things a little bit different.”
Tyronn Lue said that by necessity, things will have to change for the Cavs. Isaiah Thomas provides similar offensive ability to Kyrie Irving, but is a different player. Jae Crowder gives the team a capable backup to LeBron James, a player who would start on a great deal of NBA squads. Crowder is a very good 3-and-D wing with the offensive and defensive versatility to play and defend multiple positions. Ante Zizic is a young developmental big man who will garner minutes because of his physical talent.
The Cavs will be a work-in-progress this season, and won’t be able to completely gel until Isaiah Thomas gets back onto the court, but judging by GM Koby Altman’s comments, that won’t be anytime soon.
Hopefully, the offensive adjustments will be able to take pressure off of LeBron James, and reduce the amount of isolation possessions taken during the course of the game. The Cavs will need to be at full strength during the playoffs, and that means knowing the new gameplan inside and out.