The Cleveland Cavaliers are not where they want to be, at least not yet. Fortunately for them, the season is still very young, and the Cavs could once again be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. However, right now, they aren’t playing like the dominant squad they were just a couple of seasons ago.
There is plenty of blame to go around in Cleveland, but several players are receiving the most attention, and rightfully so. When it comes to the Cavs’ roster, James Harden and Peyton Watson don’t look like the superstars they were supposed to be this year.
Harden’s numbers aren’t necessarily bad, which makes sense considering who he is and his innate talent. He is putting up 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists for the season. However, the past is prologue here, and the Cavs are learning what other teams already have: Harden can be painfully inconsistent.
During the team’s loss to the New York Knicks, Harden was only 2-for-9 from the field for just seven points. A player of Harden’s caliber not producing double digits is unforgivable, especially against a team like the Knicks. He didn’t bring his A-game, and it showed.
Remember, Harden is supposed to be a team leader and one of the most important players not just for the team, but for the league. He’s an 11-time All-Star and three-time scoring champion. His inconsistency will have to be addressed ASAP if the Cavaliers wish to climb to the top of the East.
As for Watson, he gets a bit more leeway because he’s not as vital as Harden. However, he was Cleveland’s big offseason move and was envisioned as an immediate benefit to the team. So far, he has failed to fit in with this lineup and really make his presence known. Again, 11.3 points and 4.9 rebounds aren’t awful, but it’s obvious that he isn’t playing like he did last year during his final season in Denver.
Watson was supposed to be an overpowering two-way player, and Harden was set to be an unstoppable shooter and team leader. So far, neither of these guys are playing that way. They aren’t disasters, but they have plenty of room for growth.
Luckily for them, they have time too.
NEXT: The Cavs’ Star Backcourt Has A Numbers Problem
