NBA Power Rankings: Preview the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest
By Corey Rausch
Cleveland Cavaliers. 29. team. 156. . .
Dearly Departed: Jordan Bell, Alfonzo McKinnie, Tristan Thompson, Ante Zizic
New Additions: Damyean Dotson, Thon Maker, JaVale McGee, Isaac Okoro, Levi Randolph, Lamar Stevens
Win Projection/Prediction: 22/Over
The standard-bearer for being the dregs of the Eastern Conference, it is hard to imagine the Cleveland Cavaliers finishing any better than 13th in the conference. That is the lowest possible ceiling and even that feels optimistic.
To feel more optimistic about this team likely has to start with how you feel about Isaac Okoro. Drafted fifth overall, Okoro may already be the best defensive player on the roster, which tells you about all you need to know about the potential for the Cavaliers this season. Okoro has shot well so far in the preseason, which was a question mark coming into the draft. Maybe things will turn around faster if that continues.
light. Related Story. Cleveland Cavaliers: Keys to success for the youth
Getting something out of the rest of the young core will be essential for any sort of success. Collin Sexton may be the real deal as a scorer, having averaged 20.8 points per game last season while shooting 47.2 percent from the field (38.0 percent from distance). Unfortunately, career average of 3.0 assists per game as a point guard leaves a lot to be desired.
Darius Garland was not what the team expected of the fifth overall pick in 2019. Hopefully, another year removed from his college-ending knee injury will have him looking better. Kevin Porter Jr. was a pleasant surprise as the 30th overall pick from 2019, but offseason issues with the law could end up causing him further complications.
Beyond the young talent, there are still some veterans who don’t quite make sense here. Andre Drummond picked up his option (surprise, surprise) and leads the way in terms of big men the team does not need. Kevin Love is still here and seems impossible to trade as he continues to decline. The team absorbed JaVale McGee in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers and seems destined to be bought out during the season. Larry Nance Jr. may have been their best player last season. That says it all.