Despite their Latest Success, Cleveland Needs to Solve One Specific Problem

Why the Cavs Need a Center?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are now in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference as they currently have a 14-7 win-loss record in the season. LeBron James and company are riding on a 9-game winning streak. They are the top-scoring team in the East, averaging 110 points per game- 3rd among all teams. 

However, injuries to notable players have struck the team. 

To start off, Isaiah Thomas hasn't played a single NBA game this season since he was traded from the Boston Celtics because he is still recovering from the injury that he sustained last season. 

Tristan Thompson, one of the Cavs' best rebounders and rim defenders, has missed a big chunk of the current season due to injuries as well. 

Iman Shumpert will undergo a surgery for his injured left knee which means the Cavs will have to find other players who can score. 

And don't forget about Derrick Rose who is dealing with his own injury issue on top of other personal matters.  

The Cavaliers have one problem that might affect them soon if not dealt with properly. They don't have a legitimate center. Sure, Tristan Thompson is currently listed as a center but if you have been watching him in the last few seasons, then you will know that he's more of a power forward than a center. Coach Tyronn Lue has chosen to go for Kevin Love as his starting center but we all know that doing so can create mismatches which will not favor Love because he is usually forced to defend some of the best centers in the league right now such as DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol and Anthony Davis.

What can the Cavs do?

Trade Tristan Thompson plus Iman Shumpert and a draft pick for a legitimate center. Now, since Marc Gasol is off the market, for now,  the only choice the Cavs have right now is to offer the best trade offer to the Los Angeles Clippers- who are in deep trouble of missing the playoffs due to injuries to starters including the latest one, Blake Griffin. 

Assuming that this trade works out, it will benefit the Cavs because having DeAndre Jordan will mean that Kevin Love can go back to his natural position. However, this pundit on wheels doesn't think that this trade will work out as the Clippers will get two players who are still recovering from their respective injuries as they are already dealing with players who are injured as well. But hey, this is the NBA. Anything can happen,. right?

Conclusion

One way or another, the Cavs will need to solve that "center" issue if they want another shot against the Golden State Warriors- should both teams meet again come the Finals next June. And whether we like it or not, the Clippers will definitely make a trade involving DeAndre Jordan. The question is: will the Cavs have enough to offer to the Clippers?