Are the Cavs better than LeBron for the first time ever?

Are the Cavs better than LeBron: Cavs soaring

A down year for LeBron’s team doesn’t necessarily mean the Cavs will be better than him. Cleveland has been the dregs of the league without James. Yet this season is not just a down season for James, it’s a banner season for his old team.

The Cavs sit at 25-18 as of this writing, already more wins than they tallied all of last season. These aren’t lucky wins, either; despite rolling waves of injuries and COVID absences the Cavs have the best net rating in the Eastern Conference, suggesting they are even better than their record.

The Cavs are on track for their best non-LeBron season since drafting him in 2003. It’s a low bar to clear, 33 wins in 2013-14, and the Cavs should easily surpass that in February. In all seven non-LeBron seasons they finished with a negative offensive rating and defensive rating. This season they are positive in both, including the league’s third-best defense.

Everything about the Cavs’ performance thus far screams that it is legitimate. They lead the Eastern Conference in net rating — higher than Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Miami or Chicago. They have played the league’s third-hardest schedule thus far, and have its easiest slate remaining. There is no reason to expect the Cavs not to finish the season as a playoff team.