Some recent reports claim that the Cleveland Cavaliers are finally thinking about breaking up their core.
Jarrett Allen was a liability in the playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers, and it was the third consecutive year he wasn’t a factor in the postseason.
The same applied to Darius Garland, whose numbers in elimination games are far from impressive, and who’s been either injured or has played poorly in the postseason multiple times.
Yet, Allen’s big contract makes him hard to move, and Garland’s recent injury also likely takes a big toll on his trade value.
With that in mind, an unnamed NBA scout told Sam Amico of Hoops Wire that the Cavs should take a different approach.
Instead of getting spare parts for their struggling stars, he believes the team needs to strengthen the bench.
“[Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen] aren’t going to bring back what the Cavs need to get over the top anyway, I don’t think. Those are some darn good players. The Cavs just need to surround their nucleus with some 10-15-minute tough guys, in my opinion. And that’s entirely doable,” the scout said.
Unfortunately, that will be easier said than done.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson had a long rotation this season, and it’s not like they didn’t get plenty of production from their second unit.
On top of that, the Cavs won’t have a lot of money to spend on free agents because of salary cap concerns, and they might find it tough to re-sign their own.
This is a team sport, and the Cavs need everybody to do their part to get to the next level.
The harsh truth about this team is that unless their stars play as such in the playoffs, the outcome will always be the same.
NEXT: NBA Scout Warns Cavs From Making 'Silly' Roster Decision
