Top 5 issues Cleveland Cavaliers need to address after their elimination from playoff contention | 2020-21 NBA season

#3- Trade/release Kevin Love

Toronto Raptors v Cleveland Cavaliers

Veteran power forward Kevin Love signed a multi-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, and it is safe to say his impact has been nowhere near the guaranteed money he is making. An injury-prone player who is in the twilight of his career, Love has averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds on 39% shooting from the field.

These numbers might look good for a fringe player, but for a star making $31,300,000 next season, they're not nearly good enough. The Cleveland Cavaliers need to find a new destination for Love as a priority in their basketball operations.

#2- Regain their defensive identity

Cleveland Cavaliers v Los Angeles Lakers

In the initial stages of the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were the no.1 defense in the league in terms of ratings. Their offense wasn't clicking, but the defense held its fort and ensured that the team could grind out results.

Fast forward to May and the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in the 25th spot, amongst the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Their defense has gone from solid to fragile and this is another area the coaching staff will have to look at going into next year.

#1- Nurture their young players better

Houston Rockets v Cleveland Cavaliers

As mentioned before, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a decent core of young players - Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Cedi Osman and Jarrett Allen. All of them have warranted some high praise in their relatively young careers. These four players have the potential to be difference-makers for the franchise in the long term.

They had another gem in Kevin Porter Jr. but had to let him go because of disciplinary issues. Still, the Cavs have four youngsters who play different positions, but they will have to nurture them more carefully if the team wants long-term success.