Cavs Begin Their Run Now

Photo via the Cavs

Cleveland Oh. – The Cavs are starting to understand being the hunted. They realize last year, they may have caught some by surprise, but this year is different. At the same time, the Cavs also feel like last season was stopped short. The overall theme of Media Day was, “The end of last year sucked. But we are using it as fuel for this year.” That was the sentiment from everyone from Koby Altman, down to some of the guys from the Charge. The work has been put in, now it’s time to see results.

Make no mistake, the Cavs are loaded with talent this year. From top to bottom, the Cavs have star level and superstar level players. Obviously, it starts with Donovan Mitchell. The scoring guard coming into his 7^th season in the NBA, and second with the Cavs, is the clear leader. Mitchell is coming off his best season as a pro, averaging 28 points to go along with 4 rebounds and assists. He was named All NBA Second Team. He comes in with a renewed focus, and clear goals that no matter what, “I feel like we’re right there. I know what Milwaukee did, and Boston did, but at the end of the day, we have high hopes and there’s a high ceiling for us this year!”

Then there is Evan Mobley. The third-year big man coming off an All Defensive First Team nod, and finishing third in DMVP voting, Mobley is looking to take the next step on the offensive side of the ball. I have said it before, the Cavs will be dominant once Mobley becomes the focal point of the offense. That’s how much he can change the game. Defensively we know the potential and skillset. The offensive side is where the Cavs will need the biggest jump from Mobley. And he’s ready for the jump.

Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are no slouches. Garland is one of the most dynamic guards in the league. He picks spots to score, but also can lead the league in assists. The playoff game against New York last year showed how unstoppable he can be. In the Cavs lone win, Garland came out and was extra aggressive and the Cavs dominated the game. Allen meanwhile is the perfect complement to Mobley. A rim protecting center, who can rebound and block shots, Allen is fine doing the dirty work. The always smiling Allen is an All-Star caliber center and if he can stay healthy, he and Mobley anchor the league’s best defense.

The Cavs added depth and addressed their need for shooting in free agency. In comes Max Strus and George Niang. Both players come over with a wealth of experience and shot making ability. Strus coming off an NBA Finals run with the Heat, and Niang coming from the Sixers, both can stretch the floor, and are eager to come play with Mitchell and Mobley and the rest of the guys. This team has options. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff seemed giddy at the opportunity to coach these guys. The signings of Strus, and Niang, along with the return of Tristan Thompson, has Bickerstaff ready to draw up plays. Of course, he didn’t give any hints as to who the 5^th starter would be, he did mention the late game issues the Cavs had in several games last year. And with the new additions, the spacing will be there so it should open possibilities.

This team is loaded. Don’t be fooled, this team has what it needs to contend this year. The season is long, and the Cavs don’t have to worry about many things. Yes, the Donovan Mitchell contract situation is a question that will be asked all year until he signs, but… the Cavs don’t have to deal with continuity issues, there aren’t any disgruntled players, the vibes in Camp are of a team that is ready to get to it. After the bad taste in their mouths last year, this team is ready to erase the perception that they aren’t tough. Coach Bickerstaff was especially emphatic this team is tough saying, “You don’t become the number one defense in the league if you’re not tough. We had the best defense in the playoffs too. You can’t do that if you’re not tough.” This year though, not only will they be tough… they should win some games in the playoffs. Are you ready? It’s basketball time in Cleveland!