The Cleveland Cavaliers were an offensive juggernaut last year.

They led the league in points per game, offensive rating, effective field goal percentage, and true shooting percentage during the regular season. This translated into an East-best 64-18 record which was just two wins behind their franchise record set in 2009.

However, Cleveland was not able to translate this success to the playoffs. The upstart Indiana Pacers beat them in five games in the second round and what was supposed to be remembered as a landmark season for this team turned into a disappointing one.

This season, the team is returning with its core four of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen intact. With the Pacers and Boston Celtics hampered with injuries to their best players this season, the Cavaliers have a prime opportunity to turn their regular season brilliance into a deep postseason run.

WHAT’S NEW?

The Cavaliers added Lonzo Ball along with back-up big men Larry Nance Jr., and Thomas Bryant this offseason. These three are experienced players who are going to shore up the team’s depth, particularly in their second unit. 

The 6’6 Ball will be the team’s third guard in their rotation and is expected to play a key role as the back-up to both Mitchell and Garland. His length and defensive instincts are valuable to this team as the Pacers’ guards took advantage of their lack of a point-of-attack defender during their playoff series.

BIGGEST QUESTIONS

The fact that the 7’0 Mobley was an NBA All-Star and the league’s Defensive Player of the Year last season yet can still be considered the “biggest question” for this team speaks volumes about his potential. 

Over the first four years of his career, the 24-year-old forward emerged as one of the best two-way players on the planet. Last season, he averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks. He also converted on 55.7% of his field goal attempts, including a 37% clip on three-pointers. 

Mobley is already a complete player and if he simply maintains this level of play for the next decade, there is no doubt that he will find his way to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

However, as the classic adage goes–“to whom much is given, much is expected”–and Mobley’s talents suggest that he has the tools to become one of the best players in the NBA one day. If the Cavaliers can cultivate and develop Mobley’s offensive abilities, he could easily overtake Mitchell as this team’s top NBA Most Valuable Player candidate when the time comes.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

After arriving in a midseason trade with the Atlanta Hawks, 6’8 forward De’Andre Hunter was immediately thrust into Cleveland’s rotation. The Cavaliers have a gap at small forward around their “Big Four” and Hunter’s profile as a three-and-D wing makes him the perfect fifth piece–at least on paper–for their starting line-up.

With last year’s starter Max Strus out for the first month of the season following foot surgery, the starting spot will be Hunter’s to lose. If he can find his groove with this team, then Cleveland’s status as a contender will only be reinforced.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM/CONCERN

This team has what it takes to win it all. They are favored to win the East this season and anything less will be seen as a disappointment. Mitchell is likely to be an MVP favorite once again, though Mobley’s ceiling may ultimately become this team’s as well.