Tyronn Lue: Cavaliers Replacing Jae Crowder with Tristan Thompson in Starting Lineup

In the hopes of shoring up one of the worst defenses in the league while shaking the Cleveland Cavaliers from their month-long slump, the Cavs are replacing Jae Crowder with Tristan Thompson in the starting lineup, coach Tyronn Lue said Thursday.

“We’re going to start Tristan,” Lue said. “Jae has been playing good the last few games and it has nothing to do with Jae. He’s been great. He’s all about the right things. He’s all about the team. You hate to make these changes. Not saying it’s permanent, but he’s about the team. Went and talked to him this morning and he said, ‘Whatever is best for the team. I’m all in.'”

Lue said that Thompson’s presence will shift Kevin Love back to his natural position at power forward. He also said Thompson should be able to mesh well with Isaiah Thomas in both covering pick-and-rolls on defense and executing them on offense.

Source: Dave McMenamin of ESPN