The Cleveland Cavaliers were having a wonderful year before the start of the 2023 NBA playoffs. After barely missing the playoffs the year before Cleveland snuck in a deal to land super-star Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. Mitchell seemed like a perfect fit for this young team’s rise. He joined fellow all-stars Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, as well as rising star Evan Mobley.
Cleveland’s Time Is Now!
Cleveland finished with the NBA’s best defense and at the number four seed in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs were walking tall heading into the postseason. Then came the New York Knicks. New York was the 5th seed in the east and they smacked Cleveland around in the first round. The Cavs got sent home far earlier than they thought in just five games. Mitchell was not himself at all in that series. The same could be said about Garland, Allen, and Mobley as well.
After Mitchell was having the best season of his career and scored 71 points in a single game earlier in the year, he and the Cavs were going home. Fast forward to NBA free agency. The Cleveland Cavaliers have added some depth and floor spacing. Max Strus is the headliner of Cleveland’s offseason so far. Strus shot 40% from deep last season. Even though CLE had to give up Osman and Stevens, Strus will help this team compete.
According to SportsIllustrated.com, this is a crucial year for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even with the moves from this offseason, the time is ticking on this experiment in Cleveland. This is especially a big season for Jarrett Allen. Allen was the most disappointing in the loss to New York. He has found himself on the chopping block when it comes to Cleveland handing out extensions. Allen has been in the middle of many trade rumors already this offseason.
ECF Or Bust!
If The Cleveland Cavaliers can not make a deep playoff push this coming season it may indicate that the Donovan Mitchell trade was a bust. If the Cavs can not get it done all of the moves they have made this offseason were for nothing. Cleveland needs to show that they can compete with the top teams in the league in the playoffs. We know they can do it in the regular season. It is the Eastern Conference finals or bust for this Cavaliers team next season. Will they rise to the challenge or will their window begin to close? Only time will tell.
Image Credits: YouTube.com/ClevelandCavaliers.