Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of NBA fans. All year long we’ll be asking questions from the nation’s most ardent Cavaliers fans and fans. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed survey.
Last week, we asked you a series of questions. Let’s see how Cleveland Cavaliers fans react.
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First, we raise a long-standing question that has become increasingly important over time. Do the Cavs need to make big changes before the trade deadline?
A whopping 61% of fans voted in favor; the Cavs need to make big changes. A third of voters said they wanted to see a new list in February.
Making changes to this team will be difficult given the secondary apron. Cleveland has limited options on how to retool its roster. Unless you plan on cutting about $20 million in salary without taking a salary any Coming back, I had a hard time imagining how this team could make meaningful changes without regressing dramatically.
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There’s also the reality that Cleveland’s biggest trade chip may lack value. We just saw Trae Young get traded for a bag of chips. Do you think Darius Garland will be worth more given his recent injury history? Or Jarrett Allen, who has been known to be a weirdo for years?
Don’t get me wrong. I understand the frustrations. But I have to disagree with 61% of the fans here. Any changes to this team should happen after the season is over. Unless you’re in favor of blowing it all up and immediately starting to rebuild.
Our second question focuses on Kenny Atkinson. In short, are you satisfied with the way he’s been coaching this season?
Only 53% of fans voted for Atkinson. We don’t have last season’s numbers, but I would imagine his approval rating is 20-30 points higher than it is now. It’s crazy what a difference a year makes.
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It is worth noting that we conducted this survey forward In the loss to Minnesota, Atkinson elected to start Craig Porter Jr. next to the core four. I wonder if this tips the scales and drops his approval rating below 50%.
I would say I have confidence in Atkinson. I think most of Cleveland’s problems are a product of the players, not the coaches. But I can’t deny that Kenny has made some questionable decisions this season.
Let’s hope the next investigation is more positive for both players and coaching staff.