Predicting the Cleveland Cavaliers' Starting Five Following Free Agency

Predicting the Cleveland Cavaliers' Starting Five Following Free Agency

By Brandon Austin

July 13, 2015

Predicting the Cleveland Cavaliers' Starting Five Following Free Agency

david blatt — The Cleveland Cavaliers were two wins away from winning their first NBA championship in franchise history. Had it not been for injuries, they probably would have done it. Cleveland has re-tooled and is primed and ready to make another run at it. Here's a look at the starting five that should be taking the floor when the season tips off.

The Cleveland Cavaliers were two wins away from winning their first NBA championship in franchise history. Had it not been for injuries, they probably would have done it. Cleveland has re-tooled and is primed and ready to make another run at it. Here's a look at the starting five that should be taking the floor when the season tips off.

Point Guard: Kyrie Irving

kyrie irving

Point Guard: Kyrie Irving

kyrie irving — Kyrie Irving's importance to the Cavaliers cannot be overstated. Had he stayed healthy during NBA Finals, we may have seen a different outcome. Irving is only four years in, and he's already one of the top point guards in the league. Last season, he averaged 21.7 points, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. With arguably the best handles in the league, 'Uncle Drew' is dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Kyrie Irving's importance to the Cavaliers cannot be overstated. Had he stayed healthy during NBA Finals, we may have seen a different outcome. Irving is only four years in, and he's already one of the top point guards in the league. Last season, he averaged 21.7 points, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. With arguably the best handles in the league, 'Uncle Drew' is dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Shooting Guard: Iman Shumpert

iman shumpert

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Shooting Guard: Iman Shumpert

iman shumpert — The Cavaliers locked up Shumpert for four more years this offseason. They are hoping he can turn into more of a consistent role player next season. Shumpert's numbers weren't eye-popping, but he's a solid player. He specializes as a three-and-D player, which makes him a valuable asset to any team. Shumpert's shot selection needs to improve, but he won't need to take many shots if the Cavs are healthy.

The Cavaliers locked up Shumpert for four more years this offseason. They are hoping he can turn into more of a consistent role player next season. Shumpert's numbers weren't eye-popping, but he's a solid player. He specializes as a three-and-D player, which makes him a valuable asset to any team. Shumpert's shot selection needs to improve, but he won't need to take many shots if the Cavs are healthy.

Small Forward: LeBron James

lebron james

Small Forward: LeBron James

lebron james — James turns 31 next season, but he still has at least three seasons left at his peak performance. He averaged 25.3 points, 7.4 assists and 6.0 rebounds in his first year back with Cleveland. LeBron is still the best player in the game, although he may have lost a baby step. The Cavaliers will only go as far as King James takes them next season.

James turns 31 next season, but he still has at least three seasons left at his peak performance. He averaged 25.3 points, 7.4 assists and 6.0 rebounds in his first year back with Cleveland. LeBron is still the best player in the game, although he may have lost a baby step. The Cavaliers will only go as far as King James takes them next season.

Power Forward: Tristan Thompson

tristan thompson

Power Forward: Tristan Thompson

tristan thompson — The Cavaliers have yet to strike a deal with Tristan Thompson, but there is no way he won't be in Cleveland next season. Thompson really had a breakout year in the 2014-15 season. The big man from Canada brings a motor that goes unrivaled by most other players. He's one of the elite rebounders in the league and proved it in the playoffs this past season.

The Cavaliers have yet to strike a deal with Tristan Thompson, but there is no way he won't be in Cleveland next season. Thompson really had a breakout year in the 2014-15 season. The big man from Canada brings a motor that goes unrivaled by most other players. He's one of the elite rebounders in the league and proved it in the playoffs this past season.

Center: Kevin Love

kevin love

Center: Kevin Love

kevin love — Last season proved that Kevin Love is not a superstar, but he is still a star nonetheless. His numbers were down, but that's expected, given he was playing with James and Irving. He still averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Love is a big part of what the Cavaliers are doing, and if they are going to win a championship next season, he's a guy who must play well.

Last season proved that Kevin Love is not a superstar, but he is still a star nonetheless. His numbers were down, but that's expected, given he was playing with James and Irving. He still averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Love is a big part of what the Cavaliers are doing, and if they are going to win a championship next season, he's a guy who must play well.

Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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