Lue: Winning requires giving up playing time

Six players on the Cavaliers roster have played in a total of 35 NBA All-Star games, and at least two of them are hoping this season will be a springboard to a big payday next summer.

So much talent, and only one basketball to share.

The challenge for head coach Tyronn Lue is going to be keeping everybody on his very deep roster happy. Dwyane Wade, (12 AllStar games), Derrick Rose (three) and Isaiah Thomas (two All-Star games) are among players new

ter. Rose and Thomas are hoping to cash in when free agency hits in July.

“We have some great veterans that understand,” Lue said after practice on Sept. 28 in Independence. “When you have great veterans like J.R. (Smith) and Channing (Frye) that have been a big part of what we’ve been doing the last couple years, they spread the right message. That’s what it’s all about.

“They can get guys to understand you have to sacrifice if you want to win. The group we have has been here before. They understand

it’s all about winning.”

The Cavs have been to the NBA Finals three straight times and won the championship in 2016.

Wade was not in Independence on Sept. 28. He was absent to take care of personal business. He practiced Sept. 27 after signing his contract and is expected to be back for practice on Sept. 29.

LeBron James, a 13-time All-Star, was in the building but did not practice after injuring his ankle on Sept. 27. He is day-to-day.

Smith has never been an All-Star in 13 seasons. His playing time could diminish with the addition of Wade, so he has a message for anyone who grumbles

about losing minutes.

“It’s the coach’s decision how everything works out,” Smith said. “If anything, it makes us stronger, whether I come off the bench or (Wade) comes off the bench, however it works.

“This is my 14th year. I’ve had a lot of (baloney) in my past. I don’t plan on bringing any of that to camp. We all know who the big dog (James) is. Everybody else has to get in where they fit in. If you’re going to come in here with an ego, you shouldn’t have signed. This is the wrong place to go.”

The Cavaliers’ first regular-season game is Oct. 17 against the Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena. Before

that, they have the Wine and Gold Scrimmage at 6 p.m. on Oct. 2 at The Q, plus five preseason games to squeeze in before the regular season begins.

The tight time frame doesn’t give Lue much opportunity to convince everyone the team is more important than the individuals on it.

“It’s my job to be honest with those guys,” Lue said. “We can’t play 12 or 13 people. We understand that. They have to be ready to step up when their name’s called because things happen through the course of the season.”

The preseason opens for the Cavaliers at home against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 4.