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Very interested in tracking the pace of play this season. Last year, the Cavaliers ended the season fifth slowest in the NBA at pace ranking:
As you can see, slowest does not necessarily equate to bad teams. Slower than the Cavs in 2021/22 were the Mavericks, Knicks, Heat and Raptors. I don't believe Thibs knows how to coach a fast-paced team. The other teams prioritize defense and getting high usage out of one or two players. Some teams are just built to operate in the half-court.
The Cavaliers suffered a ton of guard injuries and carried better bigs than the opponent, so I see the tactical advantage of Tower City and a slower pace... But are the Cavs still that same team?
I'd like to see a back court which features two high-octane guards pick up the pace to create more possessions by the end of the game. Utah finished ninth - I'm assuming for similar reasons the Cavs slowed the pace. An offense that needs the primary ball handler playing around 35-37 minutes a game can't maintain a fast pace.
Our Big Four need scoring chances. Even Love and LeVert gotta get a few looks to be effective. Picking up the pace of play feels like the key to the season, and a goal more depth can help actualize.
Feel free to throw your opinions on pace of play here. I'll be watching all season for how pace and wins correlate.
Fastest Pace NBA Teams 2021-2022 | StatMuse
The Dallas Mavericks had the slowest pace by a team in 2021-22, with a 95.37 pace.
www.statmuse.com
As you can see, slowest does not necessarily equate to bad teams. Slower than the Cavs in 2021/22 were the Mavericks, Knicks, Heat and Raptors. I don't believe Thibs knows how to coach a fast-paced team. The other teams prioritize defense and getting high usage out of one or two players. Some teams are just built to operate in the half-court.
The Cavaliers suffered a ton of guard injuries and carried better bigs than the opponent, so I see the tactical advantage of Tower City and a slower pace... But are the Cavs still that same team?
I'd like to see a back court which features two high-octane guards pick up the pace to create more possessions by the end of the game. Utah finished ninth - I'm assuming for similar reasons the Cavs slowed the pace. An offense that needs the primary ball handler playing around 35-37 minutes a game can't maintain a fast pace.
Our Big Four need scoring chances. Even Love and LeVert gotta get a few looks to be effective. Picking up the pace of play feels like the key to the season, and a goal more depth can help actualize.
Feel free to throw your opinions on pace of play here. I'll be watching all season for how pace and wins correlate.