Who’s got next? Predicting the NBA’s next dynasty
By Cal Durrett
NBA Team #2: The Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been busy assembling a talented collection of young players that should make them a contender for years to come. They could also be a top-four seed this season, led by a trio of young stars in Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen, and could eventually be the team to beat in the East when Evan Mobley fully matures.
Better yet, they have veterans like Ricky Rubio and Caris Levert, giving them plenty of depth as well as a wildcard like Isaac Okoro, a former sixth overall pick that has failed to live up to expectations. If he pops, then the Cavs could have yet another weapon on an already deep and well-built team.
Considering that Mitchell is the oldest of their core four, at just 26 years old and under contract for four more seasons, the Cavs have set themselves up well to compete going forward in the East. Who would’ve thought that after LeBron James left for a second time? They also haven’t sacrificed much of their trade assets to assemble this team, unlike the previous Lebron-Cavs squads, and that only raises their ceiling higher.