In the seventh of 30 NBA previews prior to the start of the season, we will take a look at the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this preview, we will discuss Cleveland’s key acquisitions, fantasy stars and predicted finish.
Key Acquisition
Cleveland opened the month of September by acquiring their biggest superstar since LeBron James was on the roster in 2018. They acquired guard Donovan Mitchell of Elmsford, New York from the Utah Jazz for guard Collin Sexton of Marietta, Georgia, forward Lauri Markkanen of Vantaa, Finland, guard Ochai Agbaji of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the Cavaliers’s first round picks in 2025, 2027 and 2029. The Jazz will also have an option for a pick swap in 2026 and 2028.
A three-time All-Star with Utah, Mitchell averaged 25.9 points per game, 5.3 assists per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, 1.5 steals per game, a field goal percentage of .448, three-point percentage of .355, and a free throw percentage of .853 in 2022.
The Cavaliers also signed Brazilian point guard Raul Neto to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, and center Robin Lopez of North Hollywood, California to a one-year deal worth $3 million. Robin Lopez is the twin brother of NBA All-Star Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks.
[bet-us-1]
Fantasy Stars
There are two Cavaliers guards ranked in the top 10 for their respective positions. Mitchell is eighth among shooting guards and Darius Garland of Gary, Indiana is 10th among point guards. In 2021-22, Garland was an All-Star for the first time and averaged 21.7 points per game, 8.6 assists per game, and 3.3 rebounds per game. He also had a field goal percentage of .462, three point percentage of .383, and a free throw percentage of .892.
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 27)
Projected Finish
The Cavaliers made significant progress in 2021-22. They had 44 wins, a 22 win improvement from the year before. I have the Cavaliers finishing third in the Central Division and seventh in the Eastern Conference. Joel has the Cavaliers finishing second in the Central Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference. Mitchell will definitely be the catalyst for the Cavaliers squad. Cleveland gave up a ton to get him, and we will quickly see if their investment paid off.
[bet-us-1]
