Cleveland Cavaliers: What’s next for the NBA’s most surprising team?

Readjusting expectations

For the first time in years, the Cleveland Cavaliers might compete for a playoff spot. The breakout success of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, combined with the veteran presence of Kevin Love, an occasional statistical explosion from Andre Drummond, and blooming young talents like Isaac Okoro, Kevin Porter and Larry Nance Jr. all make for an exciting team.

The Cavaliers only have to finish in the top-10 to punch a ticket into the play-in tournament. Here, the Cavs would have a real shot at reaching the playoffs without LeBron James for the first time since 1998.

But, the real question is, do the Cavaliers even want to reach the playoffs? Sure, it would be fun, but what’s the use of a first-round exit? Especially when a powerful 2021 NBA Draft class is on the horizon.

I have a feeling that if the Cavaliers are still winning by the trade deadline, they will become sellers on the market. Unloading expendable assets in exchange for future picks could be worth it in the long run if it means building an even more inspiring core around their existing stars.

Truthfully, being a lottery team isn’t such a bad thing this year. All fans should be content with the Cavaliers if they battle for a playoff spot throughout the season – only to wind up in the lottery regardless.