Channing Frye reflects on 2016 Cavaliers' strength without Draymond Green
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 11:25 PM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Channing Frye, a former player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, affirmed his belief that the 2016 Cavaliers would have triumphed in the NBA Finals even if Warriors forward Draymond Green had played. Frye discussed the team's confidence during an interview while recalling their comeback from a 3-1 series deficit against the Warriors. He noted that Green's suspension in Game 5 played a critical role in the Cavaliers' winning strategy, allowing star players LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to exploit the Warriors' lack of defensive presence. The Cavaliers went on to claim the championship, marking a historic comeback in NBA Finals history. Frye's reflections come nearly a decade after that pivotal series.
- •Frye expresses confidence in the 2016 Cavaliers' ability to win without Green.
- •Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against Golden State.
- •Green's suspension for Game 5 allowed James and Irving to dominate.
- •Frye pointed to injuries to Warriors players as a contributing factor.
- •Cleveland's championship marked one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history.
- 11:25 PMYahoo Sports — Even if Draymond Green played, Channing Frye confident 2016 Cavs were unbeatable
"Former Cavaliers big man Channing Frye isn’t shy to show confidence in his championship-winning team from the 2016 NBA Finals. In an interview feature by Bleacher Report highlighting “How 2016...
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