The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off one of the best seasons in franchise history, at least record-wise.
They clearly needed more toughness and veteran leadership, and Koby Altman didn’t waste a second to address those needs early in the offseason.
While losing Ty Jerome in free agency was tough, he made up for it by trading for Lonzo Ball and bringing back Larry Nance Jr., who should give this team another versatile and mobile defender in the paint.
With that in mind, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report gave the Cavs a B- grade for their free-agency moves, questioning their decision to let Jerome go but applauding everything else:
“Cleveland Cavaliers: B-,” Swartz wrote. “Not offering Ty Jerome a contract after he finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting was a bizarre decision by the Cleveland Cavaliers front office, especially since they essentially gave the same money to Sam Merrill instead. Cleveland has to hope that Lonzo Ball can stay healthy or else playmaking will be an issue. Nance was the perfect third big for this team, however, someone who can play alongside Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen while spacing the floor.”
Jerome had the best season of his career last season, and it seemed like he was going to get more money in free agency.
Nevertheless, he was exposed in the playoffs, and the Cavs needed more of a lead guard to pull the strings of the second unit.
Also, Sam Merrill’s improved defense and reliable shot-making made him an easy choice for the front office, especially with the potential of adding Lonzo Ball to the mix.
The Cavs didn’t need to make a lot of moves.
It’s not usual to watch a team win 60+ games and then blow up their roster.
Also, they didn’t have that much money or assets to move and get a big-name player.
All things considered, they’ve done a great job with the hand they were given and the resources they had at their disposal.
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