NBA Finals 2017: 5 reasons the Cavaliers can repeat as champions
4. The additions of Deron Williams and Kyle Korver
The Cavaliers had just dropped a game in January against an Anthony Davis-less New Orleans Pelicans. They were on a down stretch while battling injuries to key players. LeBron James spoke out and requested that GM David Griffin trade for playmakers that could help shore up their bench. James was most likely looking out West and seeing how well the Warriors were playing. He knew the pressure was on to improve the Cavaliers to compete with Golden State in June.
GM David Griffin worked his magic and traded for Kyle Korver and then signed Deron Williams. Boom. LeBron James got exactly what he wanted, a backup point guard and another sharpshooter — two players that had played together in Utah during their younger days had now reunited to chase for a title in Cleveland.
Many weren’t huge on the additions of Korver and Williams. Everyone thought Korver’s defensive liabilities and Williams’ age and ineffectiveness would mean that they wouldn’t see much time on the floor. Well, those people were wrong. The new Cavaliers were key pieces of the second units and each have had signature moments in the playoffs so far.
Korver had a huge game in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semis against the Raptors. He had 18 points and five rebounds on 4-for-6 shooting from 3-point range. He was the beneficiary of LeBron James’ drive-and-kicks and drilled 3-pointer after 3-pointer. His energy on the offensive end has spilled over to the defensive end, as Korver has been more engaged in his man-to-man defense and staying locked in on his assignment. He didn’t see as much time in the Boston series due to matchups, but expect him to get a lot of time against the Warriors. Having him on the floor reduces the help defense that defenders can give to penetration by LeBron and Kyrie Irving.
Williams had his signature playoff moment in closeout games against Indiana and Boston. In those games, he averaged 14 points on 90 percent shooting and 75 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s become the primary ball handler for the second unit and has found a niche role for himself. He’s not being asked to score a lot of points, but his high pick-and-roll offense is generating a lot of open baskets. The Cavaliers had a huge void at the backup point guard spot for a majority of the season. Matthew Dellevadova has been a pest in the past, but he is now a Milwaukee Buck. Williams won’t be as good on the defensive end as Delly, but can be a better playmaker for Cleveland.
These two additions are huge for the depth of the Cavaliers. Not every night can Cleveland expect big contributions from Korver and Williams, but they will each have a signature game during the Finals and the Cavaliers will use that performance to propel them to a victory. It’ll be the first NBA Finals appearance for the two veterans who have been in the NBA for a combined 26 years. Their shining moment on the big stage could swing the Cavaliers a victory or two, making the difference in a best-of-seven series.