NBA Rumors: The Cleveland Cavaliers must improve the roster this offseason to take a step forward.
Even after losing to the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, it’s hard not to look back at this season as a strong step forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise. In the end, the Knicks were the better team.
Heading into the offseason, the Cavs now have a blueprint to improve. That’s the good news to come out of this season. Cleveland is certainly on the right track but still has work to do on both the development front and also in terms of continuing to build the roster around Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley.
What is the Cleveland Cavaliers’ biggest need?
But look at this series as a whole, it was clear that the Cavs didn’t have enough firepower on the wing. If there’s a priority for this team heading into the offseason, the Cavs need to target some 3-and-D wings that could be productive for the team to take some of the pressure off its stars. Cleveland’s two small forwards simply didn’t cut it.
The Cavs needed more from Isaac Okoro and Cedi Osman, and they simply couldn’t answer the call. This summer, the Cavs should be looking to add a two-way difference-maker in an attempt that could help legitimize the team as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers target No. 1: Justise Winslow, unrestricted
Justise Winslow has had a polarizing career but is one of the most versatile and underrated defenders the NBA has the offer. And there have been several times throughout his career where he has looked promising as an offensive player.
He’s coming off a season in which he averaged seven points, five rebounds, and three assists per game on 41 percent shooting from the field. He may not be viewed as a great overall fit offensively but could be a secondary playmaker that the team could use off the bench, and his defense would certainly add another element for the team.