The Cleveland Cavaliers, with Kevin Love’s recent extension, seemingly vowed to keep their sights aimed on the postseason even in the post-LeBron era.
One of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ most recent addition has the same thoughts towards Cleveland’s targets. Sam Dekker, the power forwarded traded from LA to Cleveland, recently told the Herald-Times that the team is not folding.
"They’re by no means folding up. I know LeBron did amazing things, got them a title, four straight Finals. I mean, no one will be able to replicate what he did for the city of Cleveland, but I think there’s a sense of excitement now that we can see what we can compete with now,” Dekker said."
This is a perfect response from Dekker.
Clearly, the Cavs were disappointed with James’ departure, but the future in Cleveland is bright. He’s correct, there is a sense of excitement, an excitement surrounding around seeing how Love, Sexton and the entire team will respond to this change in culture.
Dekker also went on to talk about the direction and potential of the Cavs, another answer which he absolutely nailed.
"“Signing Kevin (Love), I think, showed a lot of people that this isn’t going to be a rebuild,” Dekker said. “We’re going to still try to compete, add some pieces, and to be a part of that is exciting. I think there’s a lot of good room for growth, and I’m excited to be, like I said, a part of that and contribute and hopefully land a good role there and show what I can do.”"
The Cleveland Cavaliers, this offseason, signed pieces for their long-term goal of relevance.
They gained David Nwaba, are looking to extend Larry Nance Jr., traded for Sam Dekker and locked in Kevin Love for the next five seasons. Along with signing Collin Sexton following the draft, this team is looking to make some big times move in the Eastern Conference.
Whether this continued need for attention is good for the long-term future of the Cavs is still up in the air.
After all, if they manage to complete their goal and make the postseason, they could likely be playing themselves into losing their protected first-round pick just, for what, a first or second round playoff exit?
Nonetheless, Cleveland’s home court, Quicken Loans Arena, is going through major renovations. That said, for both Gilbert and the happiness of the team’s culture keeping relevance seems to be the ideal way towards long-term success.
The Cavs have an exciting new core, and even without James, they should be able to spark the fan base and bring in the new hope found in the Cavs post-LeBron era.