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3 biggest questions for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason

By Quinn Minnich

Cleveland Cavaliers executives Jason Hillman (left), Koby Altman (center) and Brandon Weems (right) are pictured during a game. (Photo by David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)
Cleveland Cavaliers executives Jason Hillman (left), Koby Altman (center) and Brandon Weems (right) are pictured during a game. (Photo by David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Evan Mobley (right) and Lauri Markkanen of the Cleveland Cavaliers go for a loose ball. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

#2: How do the Cavs address their rebounding issues?

The Cavaliers ranked in the bottom half of the NBA in total rebounds per night. Even considering the Cavs sometimes had three players 6’11” and taller in the starting lineup in Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, they still did not rebound as well as they could have. Also, in offensive rebounding, the Cavaliers ranked 16th overall, which is okay but should definitely be improved upon coming into next season.

Extra possessions are as valuable as gold for NBA teams, and Cleveland should definitely try to buy in more on offensive rebounding next season.

What is even worse for the Cavaliers is their opponents’ offensive rebounding numbers. The Cavaliers ranked 20th overall in the 2021-22 season. The Cavaliers’ coaching staff needs to work with the team to hustle on the glass, working on positioning to claim defensive rebounds and limit their opponent’s ability to gain extra possessions.

What is surprising is that the Cavs ranked 4th overall in opponents’ defensive rebounding, only giving up 32.4 defensive rebounds per night against other teams, trailing just Utah, the Miami Heat, and the New Orleans Pelicans in that statistic. Considering the Cavs made 46.9% of their shots, ranked 10th in the league, it makes sense that the Cavs had other teams limited in the defensive rebound category.