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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are interesting. John Beilein built his reputation on offense in the collegiate realm and will look to do the same in Cleveland. Expect the Cavs to run small, quick lineups, aiming to pressure the rim, generate 3-point attempts, and run opposing defenses into the ground.

Of course, given the youth and inexperience at play, Cleveland will fall flat most nights. The Cavs simply aren’t equipped to effectively overwhelm teams in 2019. Beilein was a bold hire, though, and the Cavs have a few pieces who carry immense upside.

Kevin Love’s current situation is strange and odd. He signed a massive extension right as a rebuilding effort began. Teams probably don’t love his contract (no pun intended, but it’s there, so why not laugh), but it’s safe to expect the former UCLA product to find a new home before the trade deadline. He’s not sticking out the remainder of his prime in Cleveland.

The emphasis for the Cavs this season is on the backcourt — namely Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, who aren’t the cleanest fit on paper. Neither is a great defender and there’s a lack of positional size when projecting the two together. Beilein’s approach will focus on bucket-getting.

Sexton was surprisingly efficient as a rookie, soothing his biggest concern out of Alabama. He still lacks decision-making chops as a lead ball-handler, but Garland can help ease that burden. Garland, on the other hand, is a masterful shooter who should thrive off-ball in Sexton’s presence.

Cleveland has two guards who pressure the defense in different ways — Sexton with his propensity for attacking the rim, Garland with his deep shooting range. Add in Larry Nance Jr., Jordan Clarkson, and a couple underrated late first-round picks, and the Cavs are at least worth a watch.

Final prediction: 20-62, Miss NBA Playoffs