There’s an axiom in sports that remains true to this day: Father Time is Undefeated. No matter the sport an athlete happens to be in, there’s only so many miles in the odometer.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are hoping to make their fourth straight trip to the NBA Finals, minutes will be limited for everyone. With the additions of Dwyane Wade, Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose and Jeff Green, there won’t be much playing time to go around for the incumbent guards on the team, much less the forwards. However, Tristan Thompson has already felt the minutes crunch as he’s reportedly being asked to come off the bench while Kevin Love will starting at center.
Another member of the Cavaliers who’s feeling the minutes crunch is veteran forward Channing Frye. The former No. 8 pick in the 2005 NBA Draft has been told by head coach Tyronn Lue that there aren’t enough minutes for him to play regularly. According to Lue, the 13-year veteran took it in stride.
“I was like man I’m sorry,” Lue said, recounting his conversation with Frye to reporters after the Cavaliers lost 102-94 to the Wizards in a preseason game Sunday. “(Frye) said, ‘listen, I’m very excited about our team, not too many opportunities to get to play on a team like this.'”
Lue also said Frye told him that “I have to wear a suit all season for us to win, that’s what I’ll do. Don’t worry about me, I’m going to continue to keep working. If you need me I’ll be ready.
“That’s the type of vet you want around,” Lue said. “Unbelievable character guy. He understands it’s a long season. There’s going to be opportunities.”
At the outset, Frye deserves credit for being willing to taking a backseat to others when it comes to minutes. Even if it’s the Cavs, everyone in the NBA is a competitor or else they’d be at home on the couch by now.
However, with the Cavaliers, things like rest and injuries will play a major factor in who plays. If Tristan Thompson goes down or Jeff Green underwhelms in his third stop in as many seasons, Frye might find himself back in the rotation. It’s up to Frye to take advantage of the opportunity should it arise again.
