For better or worse, Cleveland Cavaliers fans will see a third season with a relatively unchanged team.
The offseason has been unusually quiet across the NBA, save for a couple of major trades by the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. The Cavaliers’ silence, however, was a surprising turn of events, after Early reports suggested massive changes could come to the country. With rumors of a possible Darius Garland trade swirling and locker room frustration directed at Jarrett Allen, the Cavs’ core seemed on the verge of fracturing.
Instead, Cleveland management has refused to entertain trade talks for Garland or Allen. Despite the rumors, the Cavaliers have committed to their core and hired a new head coach with a fresh vision to maximize the team’s young talent. Kenny Atkinson’s time as Allen’s head coach with the Brooklyn Nets and his championship run with the Golden State Warriors could give the Cavaliers options to unlock the missing offensive piece to break up the group within the core.
Always, Conference rivals have undeniably improved and overtook or caught up with the Cavaliers. Outside of Philadelphia and New York, the Orlando Magic signed NBA champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as a veteran 3- and 4-line wing to mentor the Magic’s young stars and help the team take a step forward. Orlando also signed Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac to extensions, solidifying its identity as a big, versatile, defense-oriented franchise.
With the power shifts in the East and the unknowns of the Cavaliers, their 2024-25 campaign could be unpredictable. However, if the Cavs can avoid the scourge of unexpected injuries from last season, they could have significant results throughout the year.
Over the past two seasons, the Cavaliers have finished the regular season with home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Given the lack of change from the Cavs and their competition, finishing in the same position in the conference is the most likely and best-case scenario for Cleveland.
Right now, the Cavaliers are likely in a tight race with the Sixers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Indiana Pacers for the third-best record in the Eastern Conference, behind the Celtics and Knicks, who are likely the best teams. While the Cavs could lose ground due to injuries, both the Sixers and Bucks feature more injury-prone stars, giving the Cavaliers an advantage if they can stay healthy and calm. Moving past one to reach third place will be in play all season, but ultimately, Cleveland’s bad luck and struggles will prevent them from reaching a third-straight fourth-place finish.
The third time may be the charm, but the Cavs must prepare for a tough late-game battle against Indiana. The Pacers are also a young team primed for the playoffs. After a trip to the conference finals last year, Indy will be a force in the East with its sights set on the Finals once again. The Cavaliers have stumbled repeatedly leading up to Game 82, especially after this year’s All-Star break. If Cleveland hopes to hold its first-round home turf, Atkinson must avoid overplaying the stars and develop an ideal offensive scheme.
