Yahoo Sports’ 5 Most Interesting NBA Teams: The Cleveland Cavaliers

As the countdown to the 2023-24 NBA season begins, I am taking a deep dive into some of the most fascinating teams in the NBA. After examining teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and Philadelphia 76ers, our next stop is Ohio, a state known for its passionate fans, talented players, and home to the birthplace of Superman.

Nikola Jokić, the center for the Denver Nuggets and the reigning NBA champions, once shared his thoughts on what it takes for a team to reach their goals. “Success requires time,” he said. “You have to go through the ups and downs, learn from your failures, and use that experience to propel you forward.” Experience, according to Jokić, isn’t about what has happened to you, but rather what you make of those experiences.

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This narrative reflects the common hero’s journey that many teams have taken to achieve greatness. We can trace it back to the story of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, who had to face tough opponents like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons before becoming champions. The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently on a similar path, but can they fast-track their journey?

First, they must go through the “be bad” phase. And they have already checked that box. After LeBron James left the team, the Cavaliers had three seasons with 19, 19, and 22 wins, going through multiple head coaches during that time. However, this period of struggle had its benefits. They secured high lottery picks, which turned into promising players like point guard Darius Garland, defensive specialist Isaac Okoro, and versatile big man Evan Mobley.

Next up is the “be good” phase. And the Cavaliers have also accomplished that. They made a significant improvement, winning 22 more games from the previous season. Garland emerged as an All-Star, and coach J.B. Bickerstaff embraced a unique strategy, employing a lineup with towering players like Jarrett Allen, Mobley, and Lauri Markkanen. Their defensive prowess helped the Cavaliers become the 6th best defensive team in the NBA. They surprised everyone by staying within striking distance of the top spot in the Eastern Conference before injuries derailed their season. Despite missing out on the playoffs, they displayed immense potential.

To erase the disappointment of missing the playoffs, the Cavaliers made a bold move by acquiring All-Star point guard Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. This unexpected move bolstered their backcourt, with Mitchell and Garland forming a formidable duo. Mitchell had an incredible debut season in Cleveland, averaging a career-high of 28.3 points per game and earning his first All-NBA selection. With Mitchell and Garland leading the offense, and Mobley excelling on the defensive end (finishing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting), the Cavaliers boasted the second-best net rating in the NBA, trailing only the Boston Celtics. They achieved the 50-win mark and made the playoffs without the presence of LeBron James for the first time since 1998.

But their playoff journey was short-lived, as the New York Knicks eliminated them in the first round. The Knicks exploited Cleveland’s weakness in rebounding and took advantage of lineups with non-shooters. This exposed the Cavaliers’ offensive struggles when Mitchell and Garland were not performing at their best. As a result, Cleveland’s offense faltered, and they suffered some of their worst performances of the season.

This defeat forced the Cavaliers to reflect on their shortcomings. What did they learn about themselves during their regular-season success? What did their self-assessment reveal about their weaknesses? How can they bounce back from this disappointment and ensure they are better prepared for the future?

One solution is to surround their talented roster with more shooters. The Cavaliers made significant acquisitions, such as Max Strus, a sharpshooter who shot 37.6% from beyond the arc over the past two seasons. Cleveland also secured Georges Niang, a proficient stretch 4 who has consistently shot over 40% from deep. These additions will provide much-needed shooting and spacing. Additionally, Ty Jerome, a reserve guard known for his three-point shooting, could play a more prominent role this season due to Ricky Rubio’s absence. Emoni Bates, a promising young player and second-round draft pick, brings further intrigue to the team.

By incorporating more elite shooters who can knock down shots from all angles, the Cavaliers aim to elevate their offense to new heights. However, this could also lead to a challenging balance, particularly with Okoro, who has become a liability on offense but remains the team’s best defender against top perimeter players. The coaching staff will need to find ways to navigate this tricky situation against formidable opponents with strong defenses and dangerous wing scorers.

For the Cavaliers to surpass these formidable opponents, the key lies in the development of Evan Mobley. He has already proven to be an outstanding defender but struggled offensively during the playoffs. How will he respond to this setback? Can he take on a bigger role in the offense and become a reliable playmaker when defenses focus on Mitchell and Garland? Can he improve his shooting from beyond the arc to punish defenses that clog the paint?

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Mobley’s versatility might be limited initially if he has to fill in for the injured Allen at center. It will give players like Damian Jones and Tristan Thompson more opportunities to showcase their skills. Additionally, power forward Dean Wade, who dealt with a shoulder injury last season, has shown great potential during the preseason.

Allen’s absence presents a unique challenge for the Cavaliers. If Mobley excels in the center position with the team performing exceptionally well, doubts about the long-term viability of a two-big lineup could arise. On the other hand, if the Cavaliers struggle without Allen, questions will be raised about the team’s overall abilities and potential. Finding the right balance will be crucial for the team’s success.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have embarked on an exciting journey filled with potential and promise. With a mix of seasoned veterans and talented young players, they have the pieces to challenge the Eastern Conference powerhouses. It all hinges on how they adapt, evolve, and push through the obstacles they encounter along the way. The 2023-24 NBA season holds the promise of a fresh start and a chance for the Cavaliers to prove they are a force to be reckoned with.

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.