Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 big questions heading into 2019-20

1. Who fits in the future plans?

The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t contending for an NBA championship this season. They probably won’t battle for a playoff spot. So the front office needs to drop dead weight as the team navigates the rebuild.

Cavs talent evaluators have plenty of young talent to pick from. Some of players won’t mesh, holding the development of teammates down. Others will eventually ask for too much money. Some just won’t pan out and absorb valuable minutes.

So it’s time to figure out who belongs and who doesn’t so the roster is, hopefully, ready to compete in 2020-21 as Garland, Sexton and a likely high pick in next summer’s draft gain experience.

Cedi Osman probably proved he belongs in the team’s future plans by more than tripling his points, assists and minutes played during his sophomore season. But progress his needed in year three.

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Tristan Thompson is in a contract year, so the axe on his Cavs career may soon drop. Same for Jordan Clarkson.

Larry Nance Jr.’s dunks are fun, but the verdict on the value of his all-around game is still out. Apart from Garland, the Cavaliers drafted a number of intriguing rookies that must be sorted through.

The losses may pile up. Key players come may down with injury. But Cleveland will need to stay in the moment as it tries to determine who is part of its future.