Golden State Warriors: 5 Teams That Could Be Like Them In 2013-14

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers offseason escapades have been well covered.  They shockingly picked Anthony Bennett first overall, signed former Warrior Jarrett Jack, and added the mercurial, oft-injured Andrew Bynum.  While Bynum’s health may be key to the Cavs’ ceiling, the internal improvements of their young core – Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and Tristan Thompson – will be key to the team’s success.

Apr 5, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson (13), shooting guard C.J. Miles (0) and point guard Kyrie Irving (2) celebrate against the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The underrated (and literally not rated often enough) Thompson made a significant jump last season, and a similar improvement, especially involving a reliable jump shot and an improved ability to finish and pass on the move, would greatly increase the Cavs’ prospects.

Like Portland, Cleveland’s bench handicapped them for much of last season.  Jack should benefit Cleveland in many of the same ways he did the Warriors last season, providing relatively efficient scoring and bench creation and the ability to create efficient off-ball opportunities for Kyrie Irving.

Bynum’s addition allows Cleveland to bring Anderson Varejao, who produced at near all-star levels when healthy last season, off the bench (Varejao and Bynum are both significant health risks, however Cleveland should be able to limit their respective minutes by having them split playing time).

Anthony Bennett will likely be a valuable pick and roll or pop partner with Jarrett Jack and could merit a greater role as the season progresses.  By adding Earl Clark and Sergey Karasev, the Cavaliers strengthened their shaky wing rotation, though it may still be a long-term issue.

Also, lest our collective infatuation with Stephen Curry make us forget, Kyrie Irving is very good, and very young.  Already an efficient scorer (he had a true shooting percentage of 55.3 percent last season) and reliable offensive creator, Irving has the time, and seemingly the will, if recent quotes are any indication, to improve both on defense and on offense.

Many of Irving’s defensive issues were systemic.  Or rather, they were due to the Cavaliers’ apparent lack of an organized defensive system.  He was inconsistent in his pick and roll coverage, often forcing a ball handler one direction while the big man hedged another.

The Cavaliers have the talent to make the playoffs next season and the potential to do so for many years beyond.