Pre-Draft Outlook
The season didn’t end the way the Cavaliers would have liked – a best-of-seven series in the first round would have been a better learning opportunity than two quick Play-In losses. But there’s no mistaking the change in culture and fortunes for this club. Its days of plunging into the lottery in search of a cornerstone of any kind look to be over for a while. Consider: Cleveland figured prominently in eight of the nine lotteries prior to this season, with an average pick of 3.5 (1-4-1-1-8-5-5-3) in those drafts. Thanks in part to that No. 3 last year, Evan Mobley, and a dozen other tweaks and maneuvers, the Cavs hope to make their pick at No. 14 on June 23 and then avoid the lottery entirely for years to come.
A Stat That Matters
10.4 — Statistically, the Cavs were the most improved team in the league, 10.4 points per 100 possessions better than they were in 2020-21. They had the league’s most improved offense (scoring 5.8 per 100 more) and its second most improved defense (allowing 4.6 fewer).
The Way To Go
Regardless of what happens with Collin Sexton’s free agency, Cleveland most needs to shore up its backcourt and wing options. As stalwart as its long frontline can be, those bigs need help getting the ball at the right place and time. One alternative-to-college possibility, according to The Ringer, is Dyson Daniels from the G League’s Ignite team. Daniels’ playmaking is considered his best attribute, reminiscent of fellow Aussie Josh Giddey in the Class of 2021. Others mentioned hereabout include Kentucky’s TyTy Washington and Kansas’ Ochai Agbaji.
Under Contract
G: Darius Garland
G: Caris LeVert
G/F: Dylan Windler
F/G: Isaac Okoro
F: Lamar Stevens
F: Cedi Osman
F/C: Kevin Love
F/C: Lauri Markkanen
C: Evan Mobley
C: Jarrett Allen
C: Moses Brown
Free Agents
G: Rajon Rondo (unrestricted)
G: RJ Nembhard Jr. (restricted)
G: Collin Sexton (restricted)
G: Brandon Goodwin (restricted)
F/C: Dean Wade (team option)
C/F: Ed Davis (unrestricted)
> 2022 Free Agent Tracker
Last year’s Draft
2021: Evan Mobley (3)
— Steve Aschburner