OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings -Griffin buyout shifts ladder at half way mark

Cleveland Cavaliers:

Week 11: 1-1
Won vs: Rockets 101-90
Lost to: Pacers 111-114

Week 12 opponents: @Pelicans, @Hawks

Offense: (104.8) 29th
Defense: (112.4) 22nd
Net: (Minus -7.5) 29th

The young Cavaliers can see a light at the end of the tunnel and will utilize the second half to build chemistry with the core who is becoming more defined.

The goal for JB Bickerstaff during the next 36 games should be to get his young squad to focus on the defensive side of the court. While the Cavs struggle on both sides roster additions in the offseason can bolster their offense but getting his youngsters to buy-in for the defensive principles should take precedence.

As the trade deadline approaches of course Kevin Love is once again a name thrown out as a potential big who could help a playoff contender. The problem is Love hasn’t played since December 27th and only then for 8:50 after one other appearance in the game prior.

The issue of course is his $31.3 million and $28.9 million owed this and next season. If Love could stay on the court he offers a big with career averages of 18.2 points and 11.1 rebounds with the ability to stretch the court. But — again — where is he healthwise?

The other big asset the Cavs have in-house is Andre Drummond who they’ve shut down seeking trade partners but like Blake Griffin, it’s likely teams won’t bite knowing he’s the more likely contract to be bought out since he will be a free agent this offseason. Drummond is in the final year of his $28.7 million deal so the Cavs would be eating far less in his case.