3 bold predictions for the Cavs in the 2022-23 season

Cavs bold prediction No. 3: A top three finish in the East

I call these “bold predictions”, but I wouldn’t be shocked if in two months these hot takes turn into reasonable expectations. The Cavaliers have a really good roster with a core of young stars, talented role players, and a bench that features youth and experience.

The playoffs are the floor for this team. Without injuries, they were a lock for the 2022 postseason. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen did some heavy lifting, but the Cavs played some really good team basketball when all hope seemed to be lost.

Thinking back to certain points last season, Cleveland was vying for the top seed in the East, albeit for a short period of time. Let me also remind you that this was all without their leading scorer in 2020 and 2021, Collin Sexton, and one of the key veteran leaders, Ricky Rubio. Last year’s team was led by a bunch of really young players that still have plenty of room to grow. That’s something that should instill fear in the rest of the league.

What’s even scarier is that this team, the team that defied all the odds in 2022, featured two All-Stars, drafted the runner-up for Rookie of the Year, and put the league on notice just got supercharged by a 26-year-old who’s been an All-Star for three straight seasons.

I don’t think this team should settle for a fringe playoff spot, they should be competing for one of the top seeds in the conference, and I think they will.