Chemistry. It’s one of the most complex elements of a team’s success but it’s often ignored or marginalized in favor of talent. Great teams are more than just a collection of talented individuals – great teams strategically combine the strengths and abilities of talented individuals to create a winning combination.
Exhibit A: the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers.
Just a little more than a week ago, the Cavs were stuck in third place in the Eastern Conference. Locker-room bickering, finger pointing and toxic comments on social and traditional media were becoming the norm. Something needed to change, and the Cav’s management didn’t mess around.
In three massive trades, the Cavaliers shed 6 talented (and popular) players for 4 arguably less-talented, but better-fitting players and some draft picks. Notably, they sent their most significant acquisition from the offseason, Isaiah Thomas, to the Los Angeles Lakers. Thomas was in the news for publicly criticizing his teammates and the Cav’s management, while reaffirming his desire to stay in Cleveland.