Kevin Porter Jr. says Cleveland trying to do 180 after ugly 2018-19 season

The Cavs finished the 2018-19 campaign with a disappointing 19-63 overall record, which left the team with the second-worst mark in the Eastern Conference (New York Knicks). This season, however, rookie Kevin Porter Jr. says Cleveland is aiming for a 180.

“We really want to start out fast and take the first couple of games seriously,” Porter told reporters during Monday’s practice session. “We just wanna come out with a lot of energy and see what we can do as a whole. Just go out there and work, really.

“We’re trying to do a 180,” Porter added. “We want to be contenders this year. We have a lot of talent. We just gotta gel together. Once we get that, it’s over with.”

The Cavs acquired Kevin Porter Jr. by way of a draft night trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, who selected the 6-6 wing man with the 30th overall pick. Some exerts thought he should have been taken much higher, but teams were reportedly leery of his “personal conduct issues” at USC. Still, Cleveland felt confident in taking him.

Now that he’s made it to the NBA, Porter will be looking to make his mark. Early returns have been good, as he has played very well in the minutes that have been allotted to him. He’s a gifted wing player, with a knack for getting to the rim.

Porter showed that he can contribute for the Cavs in a big way in their preseason opener against San Lorenzo, scoring 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the second half.

Porter and the Cavs kick off their 2019-20 regular season on Wednesday night with a road game against the Orlando Magic. Tip-off inside the Amway Center is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.