Written by Josh Yankovich, Austin TX. Follow Josh on Twitter @joshyankovich
You can pretend all you want that the NBA regular season matters, but it’s really about what happens in the postseason. So keep yourself together, Golden State: unless Russell Westbrook is submerged in molten lava it’s going to take everything you have just to get out of the 1st round.
And as entertaining as the Western Conference fight will be, the story of the postseason starts and ends with LeBron and the Cavs. The anticipation and drama that came last year (during his “decision” period) could repeat itself if the Cavs don’t show a meaningful effort towards winning a championship. No one is more aware of that possiblilty than the Cleveland Cavaliers.
I don’t care what he said in his carefully crafted letter in Sports Illustrated, if this season ends in disappointment LeBron is not going wait around for the “right team” to assemble. The best case scenarios are that the Cavs will either win it all or that LeBron will be convinced he has a substantial chance at winning next year after the team makes “a few strategic tweaks.” Worst case scenario? LeBron drops 30-40 points a game, but the Cavs lose in the 2nd round. If that happens, then Cleveland will have to make dramatic roster changes to appease The King.
Courtesy: kreativesouls.com
Kevin Love is always the first name brought up, and deservedly so, because of his contract situation. But the media doesn’t focus on that issue. Instead, the media talk about Love and LeBron as though they are children–as ESPN did when it created a news segment, “No LOVE for LeBron!?” on its tickler.
If the Cavs sputter in the postseason it won’t be because of Kevin Love’s game (even though he’ll likely be blamed for it). And it won’t be the consequence of trading away Andrew Wiggins.
Here’s what matters more. In January the Cavs put together one of many mid-season roster moves in a ‘Now or Never’ effort to bring a ring to Northeast Ohio. But one move rose above the others: it was a roster move that could define this team, this organization, and this season: the decision to acquire J.R. Smith.
You may know J.R. Smith for many different reasons, but most likely you know him for not giving all he has. J.R. showed immaturity in Denver, admitting he acted that way just to mess with George Karl. And while he had his fair share of criticism for stunts in New York, it was evident that J.R. was a tad less unpredictable in The Big Apple. Face it: you expect an 18-year old to have growing pains in the NBA spotlight.
Courtesy: twitter.com
But since his very first game in the league several things have been evident: J.R.’s absurdly athletic and he’s also the best “bad shot” shooter in the game.
J.R. is a critical cog in the Cav machine for another reason. When the Cavs dealt Dion Walters for Shumpert and Smith (a necessary move) it shifted the identity of the team. Now the NBA postseason is looming, and it will test the depth of this (and every other) team. You’re forced to rely on every player, series after series. Games are sometimes decided by contributions made (or unmade) by the weakest player on the floor.
By no means is Smith is a weak player, but here’s what could happen: the Cavs will live or die with J.R. Would it be a surprise if the Cavs drew up a play for Kyrie in the corner? Or would it be more likely that J.R. will intercept a pass and launch a one-foot fade away to win game 5?
Courtesy: keepcalm-omatic-co.uk
Either way, if LeBron’s return to Cleveland ends in shambles, J.R could be the man who drives him away. Or, if “that” shot goes in, then J.R. could be the missing piece in what could be ‘LeBron’s favorite championship.’
Cavs fans certainly love The King. But, come June, they may be singing “In J.R. We Trust.”
