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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 keys to reaching the NBA Playoffs next season

By Tony Pesta

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers moves the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons in the first half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on January 9, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Cleveland defeated Detroit 115-112 in OT. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers moves the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons in the first half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on January 9, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Cleveland defeated Detroit 115-112 in OT. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Some members of the Cleveland Cavaliers believe they can return to the NBA playoffs next season – here are three keys to making this happen.

It could be a long time before the Cleveland Cavaliers reach the NBA Playoffs again. The team has shown few improvements in the two years since LeBron James left and they still have no clear direction as they prepare to select in the draft lottery for the third straight year.

Cleveland finished 14th in the Eastern Conference a year ago and dead last this season. Their young core has yet to show much chemistry together and the pieces to the puzzle appear to be jumbled all over the place.

Nonetheless, a few members of the roster believe they have what it takes to reach the postseason next year. Collin Sexton has been the most vocal about his belief, telling Morten Jensen of Forbes Sports about his goal:

"Sexton likes the make-up of the Cavs and when asked about the future, specifically when the Cavs are going to get back into the playoffs, he grows bold. ‘Next season.’ Asked if he’s serious, his voice grows steady. ‘Yes. Next season.’"

This is a bold claim for the Young Bull to make but it might be more realistic than you think. The Cavaliers were hitting their stride before the season ended, going 5-6 in their final 11 games behind 25.5 points and 4.2 assists a night from Sexton. They looked much improved following the resignation of John Beilein and gave us reason to believe they are headed in the right direction after all.

The Cavaliers have a new dynamic with two-time All-Star, Andre Drummond. His presence, along with a few other keys, could help the team reach the playoffs sooner than expected. Let’s take a look at three things that need to happen in order for the Cavs to take the next step in their rebuild.