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The postseason is not a given for the Cavs in 2022-23

By Justin Brownlow

Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images /
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Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers and Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images /

Before the last weekend in October 2021, the Cleveland Cavaliers had started the past season with two straight losses to the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets. Everyone around the NBA, including a lot of Cavs fans, thought last season would be no different from the previous three, where their highest win total was 22. But, following those two losses the Cavs would go on a 7-2 run before losing their next game two weeks later.

All in all the Cavaliers were a pleasant surprise last season, making a run to the play-in tournament, while also having two All-Stars. Rookie sensation Evan Mobley was snubbed for the Rookie of the Year Award, and point guard Darius Garland was a finalist for the Most Improved Player Award.

With such surprising success last season, most fans are expecting a postseason trip this coming season, which would be the first time since 2018. However, it may not be as easy as many fans think for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and this young team.

Down the last leg of the 2021-2022 season, center Jarrett Allen had to miss time with a finger injury, which was a crippling blow to a team that had already lost their backup point guard and starting shooting guard. Cleveland would still climb it’s way to the play-in tournament, but were hit with two losses to the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks that ended such a great season.

This year, it’s not going to be easy for the Cavaliers. They have yet to add another good scoring threat, with Collin Sexton’s future in Cleveland up in the air; he’s currently a restricted free agent but we’ll have to see if he’s back. On top of that, Evan Mobley is still extremely raw on the offensive end of the floor, and a lot of the role players are still a bit of a mystery.

But, the cherry on top, is that most of the teams that finished ahead of the Cavs at the end of last season, got better. The playoffs are not a guarantee for Cleveland.