3 burning questions for the Cavs after the 2023 offseason
By Ismail Sy
Burning Question No. 3. Will the Cavs take advantage of a flawed Eastern Conference?
This is probably the biggest question on my mind. The Cavs finished as the four seed in the East last season and are projected to finish in that range again this season. However, they have the potential to finish even higher.
The Milwaukee Bucks, the top team from last season, did nothing to improve an aging roster and have to deal with star Giannis Antetokounmpo putting pressure on the front office to build a championship team or he is possibly leaving. They also flamed out in the first round to the eight seed Miami Heat in five games, and a loss like that can really damage a team’s psyche.
The Boston Celtics were one game from completing the most historic comeback in NBA history last postseason against the Heat, but traded Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies, and brought in oft-injured big man Kristaps Porzingis. They also have to deal with Malcolm Brogdon’s injury history, and while they still have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, this team is not as deep as it was last season.
As for the Heat, they lost a lot of depth in Gabe Vincent, and Max Strus, who signed big contracts with other teams in free agency. They are also in a stalemate with the Portland Trail Blazers for star guard Damian Lillard, as the Blazers are rumored to not like the Heat’s offer, and are willing to drag this trade saga for as long as possible.
As for the Philadelphia 76ers, they have their own disgruntled star to deal with in James Harden, putting a dark cloud over this team once again. With no avenue to replace him, the Sixers got worse, and they face an uphill battle to a top seed in the East.
With so many questions at the top, the Cavs can take advantage and really push for a top three, and dare I say higher seed in the East. They have the talent on the roster, and the continuity. The question is will they take advantage of their chance?
Next. 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24. dark
The Cavaliers had a highly successful offseason, but questions still remain about the team. My questions will be answered one way or another, and with the season starting in about a month, we’ll see how they will be answered.