The Cleveland Cavaliers adding Channing Frye creates the spacing needed with the second unit
With nearly a 7-foot wingspan, new Cavalier Channing Frye (right, against Washington's Garrett Temple) can add more than just a 3-point shooting touch.
(Alex Brandon, Associated Press)
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Chris Haynes, Cleveland.com
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on February 18, 2016 at 2:18 PM
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – The Cleveland Cavaliers had to make a move by the trade deadline and they did so by trading for stretch-four Channing Frye of the Orlando Magic.
It's an addition that will save the organization around $10 million in luxury tax penalties, but is more clearly a move targeted at a possible Finals matchup with Golden State or San Antonio.
Frye's arrival doesn't just enhance an already deep Cavalier frontcourt. It insures that head coach Tyronn Lue has the option of having a perimeter threat from a big on the court at all times.
The paint was too clogged whenever Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mozgov shared the court. It cut off driving lanes for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Spacing is essential for the way the Cavaliers like to run their half-court offense.
Frye is also a solid low-post defender and can spell Kevin Love late in games if a defensive lineup is needed. He's a decent shot-blocker too. Cleveland dealt away center Anderson Varejao and guard Jared Cunningham, two guys who didn't play often, for a rotation fixture.
At 32, Frye is equally desperate to win a championship and is a consummate professional. His locker room presence will be just as a vital component as his on-court resume.
Does this move help them gain ground on the Warriors or San Antonio Spurs? Assuming Thompson plays most of the center minutes, the 3-point threats surrounding James are any combination of Kyrie Irving, Matthew Dellavedova, J.R. Smith, Richard Jefferson, Iman Shumpert, Love and Frye. Yet this improvement was also about internal needs. The talent is there. It's about consistently and buying in to a team-oriented spirit.
The Cavaliers' move was not about solidifying their place in the Eastern Conference landscape. It was about giving them a better chance of matching up with their Western Conference foes.
It's championship or bust.
The problem for Lue now lies in distributing the minutes and incorporating Frye into the fold with 30 games left to play. He admits his team still isn't quite there when it comes to playing at his accelerated pace and the defensive intensity has slipped a bit.
Owner Dan Gilbert isn't messing around. Now it's time for management, coaches and players to produce. The ingredients have been purchased, with the possible exception of a waiver wire addition. It's time for a championship meal.