Strengths and weaknesses for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Weaknesses for the Cavaliers

The Cavaliers do not really have a top-tier offense. Their pace was dead-last in the NBA in 2022-23, and their fastbreak points per game ranked 24th in the whole NBA/ This just means that the Cavaliers are a slower-paced team, which is okay. Considering the roster buildup, it might be beneficial to test out a faster pace, though.

The Cavaliers had the 19th-most assists per game, which could be worse, but considering the Cavaliers had Darius Garland, who ranked seventh in assists per game last year, that ranking is poor. Donovan Mitchell is also a solid playmaker himself, but outside of a few players, the playmaking on the team is really underwhelming.

The Cavaliers are not really known to be a great scoring team, they usually won their games by playing great defense last year. The Cavs were 25th in points per game, putting up 112.3 points as a team.

For a long time, their starting small forward has been a longing question mark as well. The position has seen many faces, as players like Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, and Caris LeVert would all get run last year at the starting 3 spot. At this point, the starting spot will more than likely be between either LeVert or newly-acquired Max Strus, but that starting spot will most likely be another weakness for Cleveland next season.

The floor spacing also could be an issue next year, like it was last season. A lineup with both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen already has problems with spacing, and adding in that Isaac Okoro also has problems with his jump shot, 3-point shooting could be a problem at times.

Yes, Cleveland did a nice job trying to address that in free agency, but Max Strus shot 35.0 percent from distance last year, a far-cry from his 41.0 percent back in the 2021-22 season.

But, hopefully this Cavs team that ranked 24th last season in 3-pointers attempted will be higher on that ranking this season, considering the new additions, with Georges Niang in the fold as well.