It’s no secret the Cleveland Cavaliers have been struggling since the season began. In fact, it seems as if they have picked up where they left off last season where they struggled defensively.
The snowball didn’t quite stop either as the Cavs defensive struggles went from bad to worse, hitting a league historical record low defensive rating by allowing 4.4 points more than last season.
Surely Kyrie Irving isn’t strong enough to hold back such an intense defensive slide, but he was able to help close out games late in the fourth quarter to help make up for some of the mistakes on the defensive end. The Cavs are missing that option this season, and are hoping Isaiah Thomas can help at least help seal the breach.
Thomas is still recovering from a hip injury suffered last season but hopes to be back soon. He has a similar killer mentality as a scoring point guard as Irving, and he has at least the most important person that believes in him. LeBron James.
James told Cleveland.com that he does see similarities between the two guards and loves what Thomas brings to the table.
The one thing about both of them that I learned being with Kyrie and getting to know Isaiah is they’re fierce. They’re fierce and they love to play ball. They’re gym rats and when you’re a gym rat, that’s a great feeling.
Thomas who averaged 28.9 points per game last season is more than capable of replenishing the 25.2 points per game lost when Irving was sent packing to Boston.
Once the 5’9 point guard adjusts to his new role, he has no doubts that there will be no issue meshing with James and the rest in due time.
James himself warns not to put too much pressure on the 28-year-old guard by expecting him to be the savior of the team.
To be honest, I don’t think it’s too much expected. I don’t think we’re relying on IT to come back. We want him to take his time. When he feels he’s ready, he’s going to fit right in.
What you can expect is a similar fire and will to win once the team gains the type of cohesion needed to play on a championship level again.
