19. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be another playoff team from a year ago that is also in somewhat of an early-season funk. They’re 2-4 to start the year and not much has looked great for Cleveland, which is unfortunate considering this was the season many believed they would take a big step forward. At least for now, it seems like if anything, the Cavs are taking a bit of a step back.
Considering they’re 2-4, it’s no surprise that the statistics don’t love Cleveland. They have a bottom-5 offense and a middle-of-the-pack defense. Donovan Mitchell has been as advertised once again for the Cavs, but this team continues to look like a group that needs to continue to develop. Their young players look young and the early-season injuries haven’t done much to help the cause.
After an amazing opening night game, Max Strus, Cleveland’s prized offseason signing, is struggling with his offensive efficiencies. Aside from Mitchell, this is a team that has to work out many things.