Toronto Raptors: Is the Central Division a threat to win the conference?

By Brian Boake | Oct 6, 2018

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at the Bradley Center on March 2, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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Toronto Raptors – Serge Ibaka and Cleveland Cavaliers – Kevin Love (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Last season: 50 – 32

This season: 30 – 52

Raptors vs. Cavs: In Toronto Oct. 17 & Dec. 21- In Cleveland Dec. 1 & March 11

Welcome: Collin Sexton & Channing Frye

Farewell: LeBron James, Jose Calderon & Jeff Green

The departure of King James brings this team back down to earth with a resounding thud. After four straight NBA finals appearances, and one championship, Cleveland won’t make the post-season.

Coach Tyronn Lue must take a page out of Houston’s playbook, and ask his guys to start firing up 3-balls from everywhere. If they don’t make a decent percentage, the Cavs might be the lowest scoring team in the league.

They need major offensive production from Kevin Love, Kyle Korver and J.R. Smith, the youngest of whom is 30-year-old Love. The trio will miss LeBron’s brilliant passes and ability to distract defenders. And speaking of D: how’s it going to succeed with those three grey-beards on the floor?

I’m unimpressed with their kids. Collin Sexton, the #8 pick in June, should have lots of opportunity to show what he’s got.

George Hill can direct an offense, but he’s 32 and can’t do much damage anymore.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see half the roster turn over before the trade deadline.

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