The Cleveland Cavaliers are learning that just because the roster is filled with big names and All-Star appearances does not mean wins are guaranteed. The new teammates are working to build chemistry and work out weaknesses on the court, something that is taking a bit longer than anticipated. LeBron James told the media that success would build slowly that is looking more true than ever after a close loss to the San Antonio Spurs. James thinks the issue could be the amount of minutes the Big 3 is putting up.
James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving all rank in the top five in minutes this season. James comes in at 3rd with 39.1 per game. Irving is ranked 4th with 38.4 while Love is in 5th with 37.0. While it was expected that the Cavaliers would rely heavily on these three all season considering their talent levels, James is concerned the amount of minutes is factoring into the team's struggles.
"I wouldn't mind it. I think we have to give our guys on the bench more of an opportunity. I looked at a stat and myself, Kyrie [Irving], and Kevin [Love] are three of the top five guys in the league in minutes per game and that has to come down," James said, via Cleveland.com. "I really think it might be a good idea for our guys to play some shorter stretches harder rather than longer stretches. We're going to see how we can incorporate that philosophy."
Fatigue could become an issue as the heart of the season is just around the corner. The Cavaliers have a very deep bench after offseason signings of Mike Miller, Shawn Marion and James Jones, but they have yet to truly dive into it. James admits that things have been a struggle to start the year as he believes leading the Cavaliers could be the biggest test of his career.
"I've taken on the burden of leading young guys," James said, "getting them to understand what it takes to win. And it takes more than just basketball. It's about being a professional, not having a sense of entitlement, being grateful that you're a part of this league. Those things have a lot to do with winning. It's going to take a while. When you're losing, you pick up a lot of bad habits. When you walk into the building every night and don't even expect to win, that wears on you, and it takes a while to break it."
If struggles continue, the Cavaliers might seek to make a trade or two before the mid-season deadline. They have shopped around both Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson and if they have a chance to get a player that can excel on defense, they might be inclined on making a move. Until then, James will have to continue working to eliminate the weaknesses.
