Bold Prediction No. 2: The Cavaliers will win a playoff series
Building on the previous prediction, the Cavs will do more than simply host a playoff series. When they get to the playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers will win at least one series and provide validation to their strong season.
Many of the Cavs will be playing in the playoffs for the first time in their career, but that doesn’t mean they are doomed to lose in their first trip. Donovan Mitchell is no stranger to the playoff stage, and veterans like Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio have been there before too. This team is one of the four best in the East, and especially if they can land in the top 3 they will be in a prime position to win a series and gain this young core even more valuable experience.
Bold Prediction No. 3: Multiple Cavaliers will win NBA awards
After the season awards are going to be handed out, and all too often in recent years the Cleveland Cavaliers have been left out in the cold. Even last season the Cavs were runners-up for Rookie of the Year (Evan Mobley) and Sixth Man of the Year (Kevin Love) and didn’t actually bring home end-of-year hardware.
That will change this season. Koby Altman is going to win Executive of the Year for his work building this roster, with the Donovan Mitchell trade as the headlining transaction. Mitchell will make an All-NBA team for his premier performance this season. And while Jarrett Allen will likely be deserving of All-Defense consideration, the competition at center will lead to Evan Mobley representing the No. 1 defense with an All-Diference selection at forward.