Looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers will be going with a new small ball look in their starting lineup. According to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, the Cavs plan to start Jae Crowder at the “four” and move Kevin Love to the “five.” That means Tristan Thompson will come off the bench.
This move is really not much of a surprise as the Cavs moves are all done with two distinct goals in mind. Being in the best position to beat the Warriors and doing whatever they can to keep LeBron, who becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
The current starting lineup would be: Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, LeBron, Crowder, and Love. Until Isaiah Thomas returns, that lineup will be a bit problematic as Rose and Wade don’t shoot 3’s well, so spacing will be an issue. But, with Love at center and his three point range that will present a serious matchup problem for many teams. Plus Crowder at power forward means they can switch almost all pick and rolls and he shoots 40% from three.
This lineup change will also make the bench stronger with Thompson on that unit and Rose as well when Thomas returns from injury. The million dollar question of course is, will it be enough to beat the Warriors? Time will tell.
