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Cleveland Cavaliers: Why the Cavs have a chance to make the playoffs in 2018-19

By Martin Burnyeat

Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith Kevin Love (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith Kevin Love (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 06: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers helps Kevin Love #0 off the floor against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 06: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers helps Kevin Love #0 off the floor against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter during Game Three of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Now that LeBron James is no longer in town, do the Cleveland Cavaliers still have a chance to make the NBA Playoffs in 2018-19?

After reminiscing on LeBron James’ final year with the Cleveland Cavaliers, there was a sense of uneasiness that felt a lot like an ugly marriage – all signs pointed to a break up, but there was hope he’d stay for kids.

Since delivering on his promise of a championship in Cleveland, fans are a lot less bitter about his departure and more accepting of the move – there haven’t been any burnt jerseys or over-dramatic letter from owners, but an immediate focus on the future and the ambition to remain a contender.

For Cleveland fans, while Dan Gilbert is no-doubt accountable for the strictly “working relationship” that contributed to LeBron’s decision, he does provide hope to a franchise that is once again left in the dark. The Kevin Love extension was a sign that Gilbert is looking to remain competitive and make the most what they have right now.

Unlike the cringe-worthy Cavaliers in 2010, there are pieces left that can (on a good night) contribute meaningful minutes. The team still has a fair balance between seasoned veterans who can compete on any given night and young and athletic role players – a credit to the front office. They took a calculated risk in acquiring long-term youth over high-risk short-term stars to accompany LeBron, and now that LeBron has departed, they have a better foundation to build from than their worst case scenario – no stars and no assets.

When comparing similar Eastern Conference teams with one All-Star on the roster (Milwaukee, Detroit, Charlotte) and evaluating the frailty of the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers certainly have a chance at making the playoffs without LeBron in 2018-19.

However, before fans remove their Craigslist ads for used Cavaliers merch just yet, there are a few things that must happen in order to make the playoffs.

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