The postseason is not a given for the Cavs in 2022-23
The Eastern Conference got better
The biggest reason the Cavs may struggle to make the playoffs this season, is that if you look around the Eastern Conference, pretty much everyone got better. The Nets look like they are holding on to Kevin Durant, and if he and Kyrie Irving are on the floor together for over 55 games next year, they will be a top contender in the NBA.
From there, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Hawks made big trades over the summer. Philadelphia acquired De’Anthony Melton from the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta acquired Dejounte Murray from the Spurs. Neither are superstar names, but they are great acquisitions by both teams.
More so, the Boston Celtics are just as young, if not younger than the Cavaliers, and they will only get better this season. On top of that, the Milwaukee Bucks still have arguably the best player in the world in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Overall, getting to the postseason for the first time in a couple of years will be no easy task.
Personally I still believe the Cavs will make the playoffs, but there will undoubtedly be some bumps in the road. Not having Rubio for the beginning of the season will be a major blow, and depth could play an issue early in the season.
Rubio leads team of ‘All Value’ signings. dark. Next
So yes, last year was great and the Cavaliers were a team that nobody saw coming. However, this year it won’t be any easier.