• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cleveland Daily

Cleveland Sports News, Rumors & Highlights

  • Home
  • Guardians News
  • Cavs News
  • Browns News
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • About

What Are Fair Expectations For The Cavs Next Year?

By Robert Marvi May 3, 2022

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
(Photo by Rick Osentoski/Getty Images)

 

Virtually no one outside of the state of Ohio was expecting the Cleveland Cavaliers to have any shot at making the National Basketball Association playoffs coming into this season.

But instead, they were one of the league’s most pleasant surprises.

Instead of posting a paltry win total in the mid-20s, as many national pundits predicted, Cleveland finished with a decent 44-38 record, good enough for the eighth-best record in the Eastern Conference and a spot in the play-in tournament.

It came within minutes of its first playoff berth since LeBron James left for a second time when it blew a sizeable lead against the Atlanta Hawks in the second game of the tournament.

Some view that as a failure, but the fact is that the Cavs have a legitimate foundation to build on now.

What should be a reasonable expectation for them next season?

 

The Cavs Have A Few Foundational Pillars In Place

In 2019, after an ugly first season without the greatest player in franchise history, Cleveland was gifted the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft, which they used to select Darius Garland.

Garland had a very nice season, averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game while making 38.3 percent of his attempts from 3-point range and earning his first trip to the All-Star game.

He seemed to come of age in the Cavs’ first play-in game versus the Brooklyn Nets when he had 34 points on 13-of-24 shooting, matching the scoring output of Kyrie Irving.

“Darius Garland isn’t built for big moments” 🥴🥴 pic.twitter.com/QGHfkD3fRu

— Projectnba_ (@Projectnba1) April 30, 2022

Evan Mobley, the rookie out of the University of Southern California, was also impressive, putting up 15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds a game this year.

Just Evan Mobley things.

(🎥 @cavs) pic.twitter.com/LanPrF6KiU

— Cavs Nation (@CavsNationCP) May 2, 2022

He also shined bright against Brooklyn with 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting, seven rebounds and two blocked shots.

Many feel that superstardom is in Mobley’s future, and a few even think he will someday be an MVP candidate.

In addition, Kevin Love had a positive bounce-back season with 13.6 points a game while knocking down 39.2 percent of his 3-point shots.

There is always the chance that the Cavs trade him away this summer, as he has been involved in trade rumors for a few years, but if not, he can continue to be a healthy element on next year’s squad.

 

Internal Improvement Or External Help?

There is no doubt that the Cavs need more pieces in order to become a true force in the NBA, just as they were during James’ better years with them.

But as is always the case, trades are hard to pull off, especially since they don’t have a ton of tradable assets that seem attractive to other teams.

However, continued improvement from Garland, Collin Sexton, Jarrett Allen and especially Mobley could be enough to take Cleveland to the 2023 playoffs.

After all, its calling card is defense (the team ranked seventh in defensive rating this season), and defense is always something that a squad can rely on, regardless of its roster.

With the Cavs’ need for help at the wing, it would help them even more if Isaac Okoro develops into a good 3-point shooter and gets better on the defensive end.

    Get ALL the latest Cleveland sports news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cleveland daily newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Cleveland Cavaliers Rumors And News (Updated Daily)

Reader Interactions

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News

The Cleveland Cavaliers tip-off against the Charlotte Hornets with 300 fans in attendance at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hornets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Will The Cavs' Beat Their Win-Loss Projection?

7 months ago

Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles as Seth Curry #30 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the second half of the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Cedi Osman Discussed In Cavs Trade Talks This Summer

7 months ago

A basketball hoop, net and backboard are shown before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament between the Saint Mary's Gaels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Orleans Arena on March 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Gaels 82-69.

Who Might The Cavs Move If Collin Sexton Returns?

7 months ago

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 08, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 118-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Fans React To Epic Darius Garland Workout Tape

7 months ago

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the second half of the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

2 Realistic Trade Targets For The Cavs Before The Season Starts

7 months ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Lakers defeated the Cavaliers 131-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Former Cavalier Weighs In On Potential LeBron James Return

7 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 05, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bucks defeated the Cavaliers 123-105.

Report: Collin Sexton Holdout "Unlikely"

7 months ago

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, second from right, sits on the bench with his team during the preseason game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on October 2, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie

Can The Cavs Win Their Division Next Season?

7 months ago

The Cleveland Cavaliers tip-off against the Charlotte Hornets with 300 fans in attendance at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hornets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

ESPN Reveals Their Cavaliers Projection For Next Season

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks against Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on October 06, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Collin Sexton Putting In Offseason Work With Anthony Edwards

8 months ago

Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Could Andrew Wiggins And The Cavaliers Be "Reunited"?

8 months ago

Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 24, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Evan Mobley Draws Comparisons To Two NBA Greats

8 months ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Lakers defeated the Cavaliers 131-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Cavs Not Expected To Pursue LeBron James Next Summer

8 months ago

Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is defended by Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on December 06, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

What Can Fans Expect From Lauri Markkanen Next Season?

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Cavs Have Already Offered "Absolute Maximum" To Collin Sexton

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at Staples Center on October 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Is League Interest In Collin Sexton Heating Up?

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks against Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on October 06, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Collin Sexton "More Likely" To Take Qualifying Offer Over Multi-Year Extension

8 months ago

Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches a replay during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

What Is Cedi Osman's Future In Cleveland?

8 months ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers watches from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 121-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Are The Cavs Making Room For A Big Homecoming?

8 months ago

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 115-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Are The Cavs Primed For A Deep Postseason Run?

8 months ago

Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots in front of Daniel Gafford #21 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Is A Big Season Ahead For Isaac Okoro?

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Sexton Negotiations Could Extend Into Season

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 05, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bucks defeated the Cavaliers 123-105.

What's Next After The Cavs' Latest Sexton Offer?

8 months ago

Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket as Nic Claxton #33 and Seth Curry #30 of the Brooklyn Nets defend during the second half at Barclays Center on April 08, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 118-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Understanding The Cavs' Long-Term Plan For Caris LeVert

8 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search Cleveland Daily

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms And Conditions

Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - ClevelandDaily.com is not affiliated with the Cleveland Indians or Major League Baseball.