It’s been a couple weeks since the NBA trade deadline, and now that some of the Cavaliers’ newest players have had some time to adjust to their new surroundings, it’s time to grade the performance of the Cavs’ front office.
Let’s start with the acquisition of Kyle Korver. The three-point specialist provides a skill set that the Cavs needed. He helps the team stretch the floor, can shoot in transition and is deadly off of catch-and-shoot plays. Most of all, he’s a viable scoring threat that has to be guarded.
As he’s become ingrained in the offense, it’s been clear that this makes the team more dynamic. Now, when ball-dominant players like LeBron James or Kyrie Irving drive to the hoop, defenders cannot collapse to stop the dribble penetration. Doing so leaves Korver with a wide-open shot. On the other hand, anyone foolish enough to not double-team James when he drives is asking for trouble. It’s perfect catch-22.
The Andrew Bogut signing looked good. Well, for 58 seconds anyway. That’s how much the Australian big man played in wine and gold before breaking his leg. This bad break (pun very much intended) hurts the team, but does not affect the front office’s grade. it’s their their fault he got hurt.
Finally, there’s Deron Williams. The Cavs got the veteran ballhandler after his contract was bought out. He’s struggled a bit — throwing some errant passes, missing shots, dribbling into double teams — but he’s a competitor. When the playoffs roll around, having a viable backup to Irving is essential, and while Williams is not even a poor man’s Matthew Dellavedova, he’s better than anything the Cavs had.
Final Front Office Grade – A. The Cavs have limited cap room, but GM David Griffin still managed to improve the roster.
-Ethan Kibbe
Cleveland Sports Scene 