Cleveland Cavaliers Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAEASTERN CONFERENCECentral DivisionCleveland Cavaliers

Oct 13

Our Cleveland Cavaliers preview 2021 notes that this is a young team. Of 16 rostered players, 13 have four years or less of experience and nine of those 13 have been in the NBA for no more than two years. Still, the Cavs are at a point where they have loaded up on talent. Now, in order to reap the benefits, they must develop that talent. From the 2014-2015 through 2017-2018 seasons, Cleveland finished first in their division and no worse than fourth in the conference. Each of those seasons, they made it to the NBA Finals, winning it all in 2016. One year after taking down the league title, Lebron James left to play for the Lakers. In the three seasons since James went to the West Coast, the Cavaliers have finished no better than fourth in the Central Division and no higher than 14th in the Eastern Conference. They have not been to the playoffs. Last season, they were 22-50.

Cavaliers Frontcourt

Power forward Kevin Love has 13 years of NBA experience. The question is how much longer can he be effective? On court gaffs, injuries, and a lack of productivity have plagued him. USC star Evan Mobley needs to bulk up, but he looks like he has the drive and scoring chops to eventually be this team’s starting power forward. When healthy, Larry Nance Jr. offers quality minutes and points. Center Jarrett Allen signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Cavs. Every night, he bring double-double potential and shot blocking chops to the floor. Dean Wade offers 20 MPG of reliable play.

Last season, Cleveland’s small forwards were weak on both ends of the court. However former Auburn standout and NBA rookie Isaac Okoro did display some raw talent. And, as the season progressed, his skills developed. This could be a breakthrough season for the younger small forward. If nothing else, Okoro should show marked improvement over last season’s efforts. Our Cleveland Cavaliers preview 2021 finds that Dylan Windler and Cedi Osman need to raise their shooting percentages.

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview – Backcourt

The backcourt looks sound, as Darius Garland, who improved greatly last year, returns for his third season and Collin Sexton, who averaged a team-best 24.3 PPG, comes back for his fourth. In April, Garland, who shot 48 percent from the field, averaged 20.5 PPG and 7.3 APG. On the season, Sexton completed 47.5 percent of his shots and 37.1 percent of his threes, while averaging 35.3 MPG. Veteran Ricky Rubio, a solid and smart player, joins the backcourt, adding depth and maturity.