With LeBron James leaving, the Cleveland Cavaliers dynamic changes in so many ways, both offensively and defensively.
Whether its production, lineups or matchups, LeBron certainly had an effect on all parts of the game. When looking at the on-court production of players like J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson, though, LeBron’s near omnipotence begs the question: was LeBron their source of success?
Through much of last year, Thomspon didn’t start and he struggled to see the court with the Cavs choosing to start Kevin Love at center. Last season, Thompson started 34 games for the Cavs and clearly wasn’t favored by the staff even when starting.