The Cleveland Cavaliers are being underestimated this season, and to everyone’s surprise, they do have some players that could win NBA awards.
After a hectic offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers are settling in and creating a strategy to fit their new roster. They can no longer just give the ball to LeBron and let him operate.
That said, this team will need more movement, more separation and more trust as they try to creep their way into the Eastern Conference playoffs. Major media sites like ESPN and others have Cleveland just outside the top-eight in the East.
While many fans might appreciate a bottom-ten finish since they could retain their 2019 first-round pick, that’s certainly not what management is shooting for. The Cavs recent four-year extension of Kevin Love’s contract is proof of Gilbert’s plan to continue with relevance.
Love’s extension was the quintessential move for both parties and possibly even raises his trade value as his last season is far less than the max he could’ve requested. Love’s presence in Cleveland and how he rebounds from James’ departure will make or break the season for Cleveland.
However, there are numerous factors that come into play when previewing Cleveland upcoming season. How will Sexton do? How will Hood and Osman develop? Can they get efficient minutes from veterans like Tristan Thompson and JR Smith?
With that, let’s get into how these four Cavs can contend for different end-of-the-year NBA awards.