The Cleveland Cavaliers had such high expectations for themselves this season. After all, they have to be playing with a chip on their shoulder in the aftermath of seeing their dream 64-win season come to waste in the second round of the playoffs against the eventual NBA Finals runner-up, Indiana Pacers. However, the Cavs have fallen way short of expectations. They currently have a mediocre 25-20 record, and they don’t look anything close to a championship contender.
Simply put, big changes may be coming soon for the Cavs if they fail to figure it out. And it looks like Darius Garland will be the first to go in the event of a fire sale.
“But there is growing doubts what this core looks like around the league. And I think it goes right to the top with Darius Garland. I think that in the off season there is going to be a ton of chatter about him possibly being on the move. And if the Cavs are to breakup this core, he would be the first player that they look to move,” ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel said on the Clutch Scoops show with Tomer Azarly.
Cavs have some time to figure it out
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Cavs’ offense has fallen from the best in the NBA to just 10th, while their defense has not been nearly good enough, ranking 15th in points allowed per 100 possessions. Evan Mobley has not taken the leap. Jarrett Allen has been in and out of the lineup. Garland’s toe problems have persisted. And Cleveland has not performed at the level befitting of the most expensive roster in the NBA.
Health has been a major problem for the Cavs; Max Strus is yet to play a single minute this year while Garland is back on the mend. Perhaps giving it time is the smartest decision. But do they have the patience to ride this mediocre stretch out?