After being eliminated in the second round of the NBA playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers came into this summer needing to tweak the roster. However, Koby Altman knew he would need to do so while navigating the second luxury tax apron.
Nevertheless, the Cavaliers have added Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. to the rotation, while parting ways with Isaac Okoro. When speaking to Keith Smith of Spotrac, a member of Cleveland’s front office explained why the franchise is happy with those two new additions.
“It’s hard being a second apron team, but we think we did well to add some talent,” The front office member said. “Thrilled to bring Sam Merrill back. We value his shooting so much. Lonzo (Ball) is really going to help us. He gives us more size and defense in the backcourt, and his passing will be so great for all of our guys.”
The front office member continued.
“Larry (Nance Jr.) is going to really help our frontcourt a lot. He can play either big spot, and that’s huge in a rotation with Evan (Mobley) and Jarrett (Allen). We’re also excited about Tyrese Proctor, too. We think he was a tremendous value pick in the second round.”
When the Cavaliers lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round, it was clear they needed to make tweaks on the margins. Altman has accomplished that goal while also plugging some key gaps in the rotation.
Cavaliers Aiming for a Dynasty
During a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland, NBA Insider Brian Windhorst explained how the Cavaliers are building toward a five-year title window.
“The Cavs are making maneuvers to open up a five-year run here,” Windhorst said. “Don’t hold me to five, but they’re trying to make a run with this group… They believe this is a championship roster. I believe this team has the core of a championship roster. There’s a few things they need to improve on, but I think what they’re doing is they’re trying to set a four or five-year window here where they can go for it”
Windhorst continued.
“… The hard part now for [Koby Altman] is going to be keeping this team together and making the fine-tuning moves to win the whole thing.”
Between Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, Cleveland has enough top-level talent to contend for championships. Now, following some new additions this summer, the hope will be that the franchise has the depth to match.
Cavaliers Have Competition in the East
The Eastern Conference is expected to be wide open next season. The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers will both be dealing with long-term injuries to their star players. As such, the Cavaliers will likely enter the season as favorites.
However, Kenny Atkinson’s team will still face competition from the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks. The Philadelphia 76ers could also emerge as a threat. According to Hall of Fame guard George Hill, via a recent interview with DJ Siddiqi of SportsBoom, the Cavaliers should also keep tabs on the Orlando Magic.
“I think so,” Hill said. “They have some pieces. You have to wait and see how it all comes together, but they got a guy who could go get a bucket in the playoffs, you need a guy who has that ability and Banchero’s that. You have better shooting now, better spacing. I think with the shooting, if you can knock down the three, I think Banchero can show his passing and facilitating too, but also it makes it harder to guard him if you can’t leave guys.”
Nevertheless, if the Cavaliers truly want to become champions, they will need to embrace the high-level competition that other teams in the league face. Last season, they dominated the regular season but fell short when it mattered. Now, with some additional depth, they may have everything required to make a push for the NBA Finals.
It’s a good time to be a Cleveland Cavaliers fan.
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