By Joel Perez 
Earlier in the season, I wrote about how good the Cleveland Cavaliers were, highlighting their
impressive 7-0 start. Now, in the midst of a 15-game win streak and having won 19 of their last
20, this squad has clearly taken another step forward. Their biggest issue last season wasn’t
talent—it was consistency due to injuries.
Health was the one thing truly holding the Cavs back. Darius Garland played just 57 games last
season, missing a significant stretch due to jaw surgery. Evan Mobley played only 50 games,
missing 32 in total. This season has been about building continuity between their starters and
bench players, developing chemistry, and solidifying different lineup combinations.
The biggest positive for Cleveland has been health, first and foremost. Both Mobley and
Garland have played every game so far, elevating their games and earning All-Star selections
alongside Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell, in particular, has been sensational as the team’s primary
offensive weapon, creating open looks at will. After signing an extension last season, he has
firmly established himself in Cleveland and is making a strong case as a surefire First Team
All-NBA candidate while leading the Cavs to the league’s best record.
The construction of this Cavs roster has been one of the most impressive team-building efforts
in the league. They now boast three All-Stars, plus Jarrett Allen—a former All-Star himself—who
has been a crucial piece to their success this season. Another rising contributor has been
former Virginia standout Ty Jerome, who has taken his game up a notch since last year. He’s
making a strong case for Sixth Man of the Year, playing a key role off the bench and even
closing games at times. His versatility makes him a player any team would love to have, and
he’s been one of the most efficient scorers this season, shooting 50% from the field and 44%
from beyond the arc. If he continues this level of play, he absolutely deserves to be in the Sixth
Man conversation.
Ironically, the Cavs have two players competing for the same award. De’Andre Hunter, acquired
at the trade deadline for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and draft capital, has also entered the
Sixth Man of the Year race. Hunter was having a career year with the Atlanta Hawks, and his
move to Cleveland was a surprise to many. However, he fits exactly what the Cavs needed—a
versatile 3-and-D presence with size. His addition makes Cleveland’s title chances even
stronger.
With last night’s win against the Brooklyn Nets, they extended their win streak to 15. Darius
Garland took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 of his 30 points to lead the Cavs to victory in
Donovan Mitchell’s absence.
Another impressive aspect of this team is how they’ve locked up their core for multiple
years—except for Ty Jerome. The only downside to Jerome outperforming expectations is that
he’s earned himself a big payday this summer as a free agent. The Cavs may not have the
financial flexibility to match his market value, meaning he could be priced out of Cleveland.
That said, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Max Strus—who has
also played tremendously—and De’Andre Hunter are all under contract for at least three more years. This team is built for both the present and the future, making it one of the best
team-building jobs in the league. The only other team with a similar case? The Oklahoma City
Thunder, who hold the second-best record in the NBA.
But are the Cavs good enough to dethrone the Celtics in the playoffs? I’m not sure I’m ready to
say that just yet, but they’re built to do it. They have the firepower and versatility to make a deep
run, and if they can rise to the challenge, there’s a clear path to the Finals. Boston is the one
true roadblock in the East, and if Cleveland can match their level of play, it’s a real possibility.
After that, anything can happen.
We’ll just have to wait and see if this Cavaliers team can do it without LeBron James and finally
bring another championship to Cleveland.
Angel Rivera