The Cleveland Cavaliers made significant roster changes at the beginning of the month by trading several rotation players to acquire James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis. Since these trades, the team has played eight games, providing an opportunity to analyze their performance and the impact of the new additions, despite the limited sample size and the varying quality of their opponents.
James Harden has notably elevated the Cavaliers’ offensive efficiency, contributing to a striking 128.1 offensive rating (99th percentile) when he is on the court. This marks a substantial improvement, showing a nine-point increase compared to the team’s performance without him. For context, the Cavs previously had a 116.3 offensive rating (61st percentile) with Darius Garland earlier in the season.
Harden’s ability to create offense has been pivotal across multiple facets. The Cavs have increased their shots at the rim by 3.4%, with a remarkable 69.8% conversion rate, further establishing their scoring methods. Additionally, their free-throw rate soared to 28.2 with Harden, a significant jump from the seasonal average of 20, allowing them to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The team has also seen a boost in three-point shooting, converting 37.3% from beyond the arc with Harden on the floor.
The offensive dynamics between Harden and fellow star Donovan Mitchell have proven seamless, with their combined presence yielding an outstanding 132 offensive rating (100th percentile). This synergy has enabled the Cavaliers to outscore opponents significantly when both players share the court.
However, Harden’s defensive contributions have not matched his offensive prowess. The Cavaliers’ defense has struggled while he is on the floor, recording a 120.8 defensive rating (16th percentile), highlighting the challenges of masking his defensive liabilities. The team ranks among the worst in defensive rebounding percentage, particularly with Harden in the lineup, which has led to opponents securing a high percentage of offensive rebounds.
In contrast, the lineup combinations featuring Schroder and Ellis have shown strong defensive potential, performing particularly well defensively, a notable contrast to Harden’s influence. Early data suggests that Schroder’s skill set complements Mitchell’s, while the Ellis-Harden pairing enhances both offense and defense.
Evaluating the overall impact since the trades, the Cavaliers have emerged as a top offensive team, now holding the second-best offensive rating in the league at 124.9. They have excelled in half-court offense and in generating free-throw opportunities, managing to achieve a favorable net rating of +12.9.
As the Cavaliers work through these adjustments, Coach Kenny Atkinson faces the challenge of balancing experimentation with consistency in the lineup. While they have shown significant potential, further refinement is necessary as they aim to excel as they approach playoffs. The trades initiated a transformative bet, and it is essential for Atkinson to harness this potential effectively moving forward. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining if the Cavaliers can translate their offensive improvements into meaningful success on both ends of the court.