30 Teams in 30 Days: Cavaliers strengthen core and aim for Eastern Conference supremacy

The previous season

Injuries to crucial players followed the Cavs almost from start to finish. Despite that, the team still managed to win 48 games, secure the fourth seed and reach the Eastern Conference semifinals before losing to the eventual champion Celtics. Mitchell once again delivered a superb season with 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game before injuries slowed him in the postseason.

Mobley, Allen, Caris LeVert and newcomer Max Strus contributed when healthy, as did Darius Garland (who missed 25 games). The Cavs were stubbornly successful but never flirted with creating a spot for themselves among the East’s elite. Cleveland remains devoted to its nucleus but parted with Bickerstaff shortly after its playoff exit.

Summer summary

There was a predictable and understandable outcry in the coaching profession when Bickerstaff was shown the door. Given the injuries, his work was commendable, but to paraphrase former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy: If they don’t get you on record, they get you on relationships.

Atkinson was the most attractive assistant coach in the league and seems a capable replacement, although relationships spoiled his stint with the Brooklyn Nets. With their lone first-round pick, the Cavs took Tyson, who shuffled between three colleges in three years, finally enjoying a breakout at Cal, and brings lots of upside.

Spotlight on

There has been a degree of skepticism regarding Garland and whether he’s a solid fit next to Mitchell. He didn’t have much chance to squash the conversation last season because of injuries, but he’ll either confirm the noise or repel it now. Can the two ball-dominant players coexist, especially late in games when the ball belongs to Mitchell?

How far can the Cavs go?

Rather than make wholesale changes this offseason, the Cavs made a statement with their wallet as Mitchell, Mobley and Allen all signed extensions. The Cavs are going forth with the same group and thinking that a healthy team, for a change, will rattle the cage in the East and be better than you think

That’s certainly possible. It would help, however, if Mobley returns with a more functional offensive game, the Cavs respond under Atkinson and give matchup problems for the top teams in the East. This team can win 50-plus games, but Mitchell will need a strong co-star to go deep into May.

Up next: Indiana Pacers | Previously: Milwaukee Bucks

30 Teams in 30 Days: Complete schedule

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.

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