Cleveland Cavaliers Season Preview
Re-signed: Jarrett Allen, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley
Addition: Coach Kenny Atkinson
Draft Pick: Jaylon Tyson (No. 20 overall)
Departures: Coach JB Bickerstaff
Unsigned Free Agents: Damian Jones, Isaiah Mobley, Marcus Morris Sr., Pete Nance, Isaac Okoro, Tristan Thompson
Last Season Recap
The Cavaliers endured a season plagued by injuries to key players, but despite that, they managed to secure 48 wins, earning the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and advancing to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics. Donovan Mitchell continued to prove his value, averaging 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. However, injuries slowed him in the postseason, impacting his ability to perform at his best.
The supporting cast, including Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, and newcomer Max Strus, contributed well when healthy. Darius Garland also made an impact despite missing 25 games. While the team showed resilience, they struggled to cement themselves as one of the elite teams in the East, and following their playoff exit, Cleveland parted ways with coach JB Bickerstaff, signaling a desire for change despite keeping faith in their core.
Summer Summary
The decision to part with Bickerstaff stirred some debate within NBA circles, as many believed he had done commendable work considering the team’s injury troubles. However, Cleveland opted for a fresh voice, bringing in Kenny Atkinson, one of the most highly regarded assistant coaches in the league. Atkinson is known for his player development skills and led a brief but respected stint with the Brooklyn Nets, where he faced similar challenges.
The Cavaliers used their first-round draft pick on Jaylon Tyson, a versatile forward who bounced between multiple colleges before breaking out at California. He offers upside but will likely need time to develop within the team’s system.
Player Spotlight: Darius Garland
There’s growing skepticism about the long-term fit between Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt. Both are ball-dominant players, raising questions about how effectively they can coexist, particularly in late-game situations where Mitchell typically takes control. With Garland dealing with injuries last season, this dynamic hasn’t fully played out yet, but this season will be pivotal in determining whether they can thrive together or if adjustments are needed.
Season Outlook
Rather than making sweeping changes, the Cavaliers reinforced their commitment to their core by signing Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen to contract extensions. The front office is betting that better health and the leadership of Atkinson will help them take the next step in the Eastern Conference.
A 50-plus win season is possible, but for Cleveland to contend deep into the playoffs, Evan Mobley will need to develop a more reliable offensive game, and the team will need to create matchup problems for the East’s top contenders. Donovan Mitchell remains the focal point, but the Cavs will need a strong co-star to push further in the postseason and challenge the Eastern Conference elites.
