Five things the Cavs must do to go all the way

After shocking the basketball world and replacing former head coach David Blatt with Tyronn Lue, the Cleveland Cavaliers have continued their domination so far this year. With the All-Star break behind them, the Cavs have started off the second half of the season right by dismantling elite teams like the Thunder and the Bulls in back to back games. But if there is one thing that Clevelanders know about the Cavs, it’s that it takes a lot more than just outstanding regular season play to bring home rings. Here are the five, absolutely necessary prerequisites that the Cavs must reach if they want any chance at bringing the hardware home.

1. STAY HEALTHY!

Quite possibly the most crucial component to the Cavaliers’ success this offseason is staying healthy. But at the same time, there is no way to prevent it and no way to evade it. Simply put, the Cavs need to get lucky this year, and for the city of Cleveland, that is asking a lot. It is a firm belief among Cavs fans that had PG Kyrie Irving not been injured in Game 1 of last year’s Finals, the series would have ended in a slightly different manner. And for that matter, PF Kevin Love leaving the playoff run early in the first round due to a torn labrum was no help either. The past obviously cannot be changed, but it is evident that this team would have been given a much stronger chance had certain injuries not transpired. Keeping our players on the floor and out of the Cleveland Clinic is the first step to a title.

2. INTEGRATE KEVIN LOVE

Kevin, Kevin, Kevin. It seems like every NBA analyst has taken a jab at Kevin Love at least once in the past year for his continued lack of production. However, things are looking up as new head coach Tyronn Lue looks to play Love at the elbow more frequently. As a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, this style of play is where Love made his money, dominating as a floor spacer as well as a post-threat. This is where he will likely be most comfortable. But it will take much more than that to institute Love as an integral part of our offense. Ball movement and faster play makes Love a dangerous outside threat and a unique floor-spreader, but even with this Love needs to find his own, natural role on this team and stick to it. Forcing the ball into his hands and commanding him to score will not take this team anywhere. The best teams in the NBA balance each of their players usage by not forcing possession and allowing player improvisation. When Kevin Love’s game becomes flowing and natural, instead of forced and stagnant, his full potential can be reached.

3. ESTABLISH SOME SORT OF DEFENSE

When it comes to the Cavs’ offense, we are as potent a squad as any in the NBA. But on the defensive end, things could use some major tweaking. The two biggest defensive liabilities on the team, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, are also the second and third best offensive players on the team. This is creating a major problem. Opposing teams absolutely abuse the Cavs using the pick and roll because of Irving’s inability to fight through screens and Love’s lackluster defense down low. It’s a recipe for disaster that can only be remedied through enforced aggressive play and a new emphasis on defense that Tyronn Lue can hopefully institute. If the defensive grit and attitude of PG Matthew Dellavedova and SG Iman Shumpert reflected upon the entire team, the Cavs would be much better equipped for the predestined date with Golden State in June. But as of right now, they simply are not prepared.

4. KYRIE MUST EVOLVE FOR GOOD

   

We have seen, on multiple occasions, Kyrie Irving’s true form shine through the bleak and miserable aura that surrounds Cleveland sports. Before and after Lebron James’ return, Irving has demonstrated that in big games he is capable of single-handedly commanding an offense and bending the defense to his will. It’s obviously still a transition for Irving, having missed the first quarter of the year and coming off a fractured kneecap (not to mention several other minor injuries). But come playoff time, we want that unstoppable version of Uncle Drew back. Beating Golden State or San Antonio is out of the question without an explosive Irving controlling the game tempo. This means slowing the game down as well as speeding it up; it’s a key skill that Irving is slowly but surely developing. Many fans are forgetting the astronomical influence of Irving when he’s at his best. Many fans are opting for the old Lebron to become unleashed and ball hog the entire game. Don’t be one of those fans; a healthy, focused Irving is easily a top-five point guard in the league. Here’s to hoping he can reach that final evolution this offseason.

5. LEBRON, BRING US HOME

Last year, we witnessed arguably the greatest single-player performance in NBA Finals history. We witnessed one man almost win an NBA championship all by himself. Sure, let’s debate Irving, let’s debate Love, let’s debate the defense. None of these individual aspects matter in the slightest without our leader. LeBron James, the kid from Akron, is the wheel that keeps this team turning and gives us a fighting chance against superb teams like the Warriors. Cross your fingers that James won’t have to do everything that he was forced to last June by himself, but regardless, his continued excellence is what takes us all the way.