Don't Laugh: How the Cleveland Cavaliers Can Still Make the Playoffs
As of this publication, the Cleveland Cavaliers record stands at 8-31, the worst in the entire league.
However, this is the NBA, "Where Bad-Teams-Making-The-Playoffs Happens."
Believe it or not, this squad was at one time 7-9, with a win over the Boston Celtics. They were still playing like they had, well, something to play for.
Running some numbers however, this could still be the case. What would it take? How many wins would they need to grab an eighth seed? Was the author drinking while writing this piece?
Let's take a look.
What Record Would It Take?
1 of 7
If the playoffs started today, the 16-23 Philadelphia 76ers would grab the eighth seed in the East.
That record correlates to a .410 winning percentage—no doubt a pathetic way to make the playoffs.
Over an 82-game schedule, a .410 winning percentage would be 34-48.
Stay with me here.
The Cavaliers, given their current record, would have to finish 26-17 to accumulate a .410 winning percentage. If the current system holds true, that record would be good enough to make the postseason.
A record of 26-17 seems ridiculously absurd for a team that's won a whopping one game since November, but that's only if the team remains the same.
Now comes the fun part....
What Deals Would It Take?
2 of 7
Alright Dan, time to put up or shut up.
There are an intriguing number of players supposedly available—a number of them former high draft picks who have disappointed with their current team.
Probably some with a lot to prove, looking for enough minutes, even on a bad team, to prove their worth.
This is where Chris Grant can get creative. What have they got to lose right?
Let's look at some possible deals.
Deal No. 1: Trade for Gerald Wallace
3 of 7
With Wallace supposedly available by the penny-pinching Bobcats, the Cavaliers time to pounce is now.
It's rumored that the Cavs and Cats are in talks to send Wallace and a lottery protected first-round pick to the Cavs for a portion of their trade exception to cover Wallace's $9.8 million salary.
Let's see, an All-Star forward and first-round pick—for basically nothing?
Wallace is a lock down defender. The Cavaliers are 24th in points allowed.
Wallace averaged 10 rebounds a game last year and eight this year. The Cavaliers are 26th in rebounding.
Wallace averages over 16.5 points a game. The Cavaliers current starter at small forward, Anthony Parker, chips in only nine.
Would adding Gerald Wallace for essentially nothing help the team?
Just look at the numbers.
Deal No. 2: Trade for Anthony Randolph
4 of 7
Another player supposedly on the move is the tall-and-talented Anthony Randolph.
With Amare Stoudemire holding down the power forward position for the Knicks, they are reportedly shopping the former 14th overall pick for a first rounder.
Last year with Golden State, Randolph put up 11 points and six rebounds a game in only 22 minutes of work.
Over 36 minutes, those stats would correlate to 18 and 10, with 2.5 blocks a game as well.
The Cavaliers could take the first rounder acquired in the Wallace trade and send it to New York for Randolph.
Deal No. 3: The Blockbuster
5 of 7
A trade with the Memphis Grizzlies could turn out a couple different ways.
For the Cavs, get OJ Mayo and Hasheem Thabeet to Cleveland any way you can.
Mayo is a former Ohio Mr. Basketball who, let's face it, desperately needs a change of scenery, as does former No. 2 overall pick Thabeet.
It just so happens the two players' salaries match up very nicely with one Mo Williams—would be a nice upgrade in their starting lineup over Tony Allen.
Williams would better suit a team like the Grizzlies who may only be one guy from making a playoff leap, and the Cavs can afford to wait to build around Mayo and Thabeet.
Blockbuster Part 2
6 of 7
Zach Randolph has had a nice stay in Memphis, but after extending Rudy Gay and Mike Conley, it's unlikely the Grizz offer him a new contract as well.
With no future in Memphis, here comes Cleveland!
Adding to the Williams for Mayo and Thabeet, the Cavs could send Antawn Jamison and the expiring contracts of Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker for Randolph.
Jamison has flourished in a starting role for the Cavs and can still put up 20 on any given night. Parker and Moon can be used for a playoff push this year and salary cap space the next.
Hell hath no fury like an athlete playing for a new contract, and Randolph could put up big numbers in the second half for the Cavs.
The New Lineup
7 of 7
Here's what the new Cavaliers depth chart could look like:
Point Guard: Ramon Sessions, Daniel Gibson
Shooting Guard: OJ Mayo, Manny Harris, Christian Eyenga
Small Forward: Gerald Wallace, Joey Graham, Alonzo Gee
Power Forward: Zach Randolph, Anthony Randolph, JJ Hickson
Center: Hasheem Thabeet, Ryan Hollins, Leon Powe, Anderson Varejao (next year)
With this new lineup you would not only have an increase in defense, rebounding, youth, athleticism and scoring, but most of these players would be playing with a chip on their shoulder.
Guys playing with effort and intensity.
It sure would be nice to see in Cleveland again.
