Nobody could’ve expected the Cleveland Cavaliers to lose in five games to the New York Knicks in the first round. It was a No. 4-No. 5 series, and the two clubs appeared to be evenly-matched.
New York took three of four in the regular season, but Cleveland at the top was the more talented squad. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers didn’t play how they’re capable, and the end result was Cleveland was going home earlier than anybody could’ve anticipated.
For the Cavs, there were still tons of positives to take from the 2022-23 season, even with the disappointing postseason. This team can use that early exit as fuel, too.
Cleveland did win 51 games in the regular season, and they have one of the best young cores in the league, with Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley especially being big-time talents. Jarrett Allen is an instrumental player for the team, too, and despite an underwhelming playoff performance, he still has the makings of a core piece, and can assuredly rebound.
It is evident the Cavaliers do need to prioritize help on the wing, to solidify the starting 3 position, and perimeter shooting/help for the bench offensively and for backup 5, though. Nobody would be surprised to see Cleveland make a few moves to address those areas this offseason, seemingly by way of possible trade and/or free agency.
As it pertains to reinforcements at the 3/4 positions, there are a couple of former teammates of Donovan Mitchell that could definitely give the Cavs some much needed juice from a three-and-D standpoint, in particular.
We’ll break down how those two pending unrestricted free agents and former teammates of Mitchell could give the Cavs a boost here.
The first potential Cavaliers target is a former teammate of Don and also was previously with the Wine and Gold.