The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a ton of pressure. They were upset by the Knicks, despite being on the court in the first round of the playoffs last season. Cleveland needs to make a run if they hope to keep Donovan Mitchell. The five-time All-Star has one season left plus a player option on his contract. He is eligible for an extension this summer. If Mitchell refuses to sign, the Cavs must explore your commercial market.
Cleveland is in the top three in the Eastern Conference and is battling the Bucks for the No. 2 seed. They have three All-Stars and a future in Evan Mobley. The Cavaliers improved their talent from last season, but can the franchise win a playoff series for the first time since LeBron James left? Otherwise, more changes are on the horizon.
Their roster has multiple flaws that could sink them in the playoffs. The Knicks proved that in 2023. Where is Cleveland weak, and can the Cavs plug those holes when games matter most?
Mitchell led his team to the playoffs for six straight years, from 2018 to 2023, but they never made it past the second round. Several of the Cavaliers’ rotation pieces are coming off last season’s first-round eliminations. Max Strus reached the NBA Finals in 2023 and the Conference Finals in 2022 with the Miami Heat. Adding his experience was key, but it’s only one player.
Sam Merrill and Tristan Thompson both won championships, but neither will play a significant role in the postseason. Thompson serves his 25 match suspensionand Merrill has been in and out of the rotation.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ lack of playoff experience could bite them, especially in a series against the Heat or Bucks, who have had several deep playoff runs. It’s not just about their present moment. The Cavs also have some flaws on the field.
