3. Cavs’ Roles Are Clearly Defined
One of the more crucial aspects of any championship team comes when the team is actually formed.
First, there are the superstars.
These guys are obvious and seldom. For Cleveland, there are two: LeBron and Irving. Although, it could easily be stated that there is only one at the current moment with Irving’s nagging injury concerns.
After that comes fitting in the pieces around those guys. This is something the New York Knicks have never been able to do as it relates to Carmelo Anthony.
Admittedly, it’s a ton easier to fit guys around James because of the way he adapts his environment, the way the rotation is clicking at this moment seems flawless.
Shumpert and Smith have provided studly perimeter defense and secondary scoring. Anthony Mozgov has given the Cavs a talented presence on the block. Tristan Thompson – who remains their most underrated player – is the heart and glue of the squad.
Thompson’s garbage work in and around the bucket means more to this group than anything any other role player showcases on a nightly basis. He and Timofey Mozgov will have a field day against a very average rebounding team in the Warriors.
Thompson knows what his role is, and is happy to give 100 percent.