With the Cleveland Cavaliers being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the Boston Celtics, a lot of self-reflection is in store for this franchise. Despite dealing with health injuries all season, and postseason, the Cavaliers still managed to reach their initially stated goal of advancing in the playoffs.
This, however, still felt disappointing when the season ended due to overall underwhelming performances. With one major change already under way, and many more rumors floating around, there are major changes ahead for the Cavaliers.
First and foremost, the Cavaliers have decided to part ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff. Many were surprised by this, as Bickerstaff was the primary drive behind the development and implementation of this team’s strong defensive identity. Remember, they finished last season with the best defense in the league.
Across his four seasons in Cleveland, Bickerstaff won 170 games and lost 159 while making the playoffs twice, and advancing once.
When the NBA Finals are concluded, the first manor of business for the Cavaliers will be to lock Donovan Mitchell into an extension. He’s been by far the best player since joining this team, and it’s likely Cleveland will pull all the stops to keep him in town.
He’s stated he’s happy, much to the delight of Cavaliers fans, and it looks like it should be a relatively easy task to accomplish. Mobley also has the opportunity to ink an extension this summer ahead of his entering free agency next season. This will also be a must for the Cleveland team.
These signings will, however, likely have franchise-shifting implications.
Both Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen have been linked to trade rumors involving the Cavaliers, and not without reason. Garland’s representation has reportedly given trade conditions, and Allen recently unfollowed the Cavaliers on social media.
While fans would be sad to see these players go, it’s likely Cleveland would see a solid return. After all, both of these players have been all-stars in the recent past. Names like Brandon Ingram, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson have also been linked to these rumors, suggesting the Cavaliers could get a quality player joining their roster.
With either of these players moving, it would cause a lot of changes in the ways the team plays. More time for guys like Dean Wade and Craig Porter Jr, for example, would be inbound regardless of whether Garland or Allen is moved because of holes in the lineup. It’s even difficult to predict what the starting lineup could be, with a new head coach next season.
Although major changes are ahead for this Cavaliers team, there’s no reason to think they won’t be successful next season. They’ve made concrete progress in each season since losing James to the Los Angeles Lakers. They’re also seemingly doing everything in their power to keep their best players.
This team may look very different when they hit the court in October, but they should be just as, if not more, exciting.
For more NBA and other sports and esports news, you can find The Game Haus on Twitter and Facebook.
Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com
“From Our Haus to Your’s”
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
