14. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last season: 19-63, 14th in Eastern Conference
Notable additions: Darius Garland, Dylan Windler, Kevin Porter Jr.
Notable subtractions: JR Smith
The lack of substantial roster turnover for the Cleveland Cavaliers is a positive, but it doesn’t mean they’ll make a leap up the standings this season. Their primary focus should be talent development, which may involve giving big minutes and plenty of reps to young players who aren’t quite ready yet.
Cleveland’s young core has given very few indications of just how NBA-ready they will be this season; Collin Sexton improved throughout his rookie season but sat out of Summer League play, while Dylan Windler was the only new addition that suited up in Vegas. Results at Summer League are frivolous at best, but a strong showing from one or more of their youngsters would have at least been some cause for optimism.
Instead, it’s hard to feel good about a Cleveland team that won just 19 games last season making any sort of meaningful improvement. They’re clearly embracing the rebuild after buying out JR Smith’s contract, and that means there could be more veterans moved in the near future. Kevin Love is the lone All-Star level talent on the roster, and if healthy he could be a valuable trade chip down the road.
If Love is moved it would be no surprise to see them finish even lower than projected here. Sexton and Darius Garland are both undoubtedly talented, but their fit together seems clumsy until proven otherwise. Windler’s ceiling projects as a high-level role player, much like holdovers Cedi Osman, Larry Nance Jr., Jordan Clarkson, and Tristan Thompson. Without an out-and-out star to guide them, and with a focus on youth over experience, it’s hard to see that group winning many games.