The best and worst-case scenarios for Cavs in 2022-23 season

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Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

Cavs best-case scenario: Making the Eastern Conference Finals

Before the Cavaliers even acquired Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland announced on a podcast that he believed that Cleveland could make the Eastern Conference Finals, which would have been a great feat, considering the roster missed the playoffs last season. However, now with Mitchell on the team, the chances to make the Eastern Conference Finals should be even greater.

Last season, when Garland was off the floor, Cleveland’s offense wasn’t too great. The Cavs seemingly went into the offseason looking for someone who could create their own shot, and the Cavaliers managed to get one of the best players able to do that in Mitchell.

Defensively, the team was one of the best in the league last season, ranking 5th in defensive rating. The four teams ahead of the Cavaliers either were the first seed in their conference (the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat) or made the NBA Finals (Golden State and the Boston Celtics).

Obviously I have to mention the horse in the room. Donovan Mitchell is not, and never has been, the best defender. With Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt, the defense could struggle, considering neither of the players are known to clamp up offensive players. But, with Isaac Okoro potentially, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen in the other starting positions, the Cavs could still be able to be solid defensively, even with Garland and Mitchell on the court.

Let’s look at this roster for a second. Like I mentioned, the Cavs have 3 All-Stars from last season on their roster, and have a player who can be an All-Star sooner rather than later in Evan Mobley. Their bench is not a weak point, either.

The Cavs had Kevin Love, who finished in 2nd place in 6th Man of the Year voting, Caris LeVert, and Ricky Rubio, one of the league’s best playmakers, off the bench; that’s when Rubio is healthy, in fairness. This roster is talented enough to be able to make the ECF, in my opinion, though.