This Monday through Friday, I’m going to give my season predictions in a countdown from worst to first. The format will be three teams per post, one post in the morning and one in the afternoon. Whichever team you’re a fan of, there’s a good chance you’ll feel like I’m disrespecting them. I understand this, and I promise you I won’t take your insults personally.
27. Cleveland Cavaliers
Kyrie Irving is the favorite to win the 2011-12 Rookie of the Year award, but I expect him to have the standard growing pains that come with being a rookie point guard in the NBA, including a high rate of turnovers and a low shooting percentage. He has top-five point guard potential when he hits his prime years, but he’ll struggle along with his young supporting cast this season.
That supporting cast includes rugged rookie power forward Tristan Thompson, who will provide a much-needed boost to the Cavs’ interior defense and rebounding. Unfortunately, Thompson will be competing for minutes with Antawn Jamison and his $15 million expiring contract. Jamison’s presence makes no sense on this team, but Cavaliers GM Chris Grant would be wise to hang on to that expiring contract for the cap space it will create after the season.
The Cavs are in the same boat as the Raptors this season, as both teams need to develop their young talent and preserve their cap flexibility going forward. The Cavs have the edge, for the moment, because they have a potential franchise player in Irving. During what should be another challenging season, there will be reason for hope for the future.
