The Cleveland Cavaliers have been an absolute mess to start this 2018-19 season. Sure, many predicted that they’d be in a better spot this year than they were in 2010 when LeBron James departed for another franchise, but a combination of injuries and uncertainty in the direction of the franchise has made this situation seemingly toxic.
NBA Champion head coach Tyronn Lue was fired after an 0-6 start to the season. Kevin Love is in the midst of a month-long absence due to a foot injury. J.R. Smith will be away from the team until he and his camp can find a trade for the veteran guard. Kyle Korver is playing with the knowledge that many teams are interested in him and that the Cavs are likely to trade him by the February trade deadline.
On Wednesday night, LeBron James made his return to Cleveland to take on the Cavs with his new-look Los Angeles Lakers. It was a very winnable game for the Cavs, who held an eight-point, fourth quarter lead, but they eventually fell 109-105.
After the game, The Athletic’s Joe Vardon spoke with Korver in the locker room, until he was approached by the father of teammate Rodney Hood. Vardon detailed the brief exchange the two had following the four-point loss.
While I was talking to Korver, Rodney Hood’s father approached and told Korver: “thank you for your professionalism and how you’ve handled this situation. It means a lot to my son.” Korver told Mr. Hood he’d raised a good young man.
Korver’s veteran leadership has clearly been a staple among the Cavs locker room, and even Hood’s father took notice of the 16-year guard’s professionalism amid a confusing situation in Cleveland.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Cavs, who will visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday before hosting the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves after that.
