Indianapolis, IN – the Cleveland Cavaliers breakout season sadly ends after a 114-105 loss in game 5 to the Indiana Pacers. This was a sad end to the season, as Cleveland had been 64-18, atop the east, and second only to the nba champions, the okc thunder. However, things perked up in the offseason, as the Cavs made several trades, such as giving up Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball, and trading away Ty Jerome for salary cap room. Cleveland also signed Sam Merrill, a promising young shooting guard to a long term contract.
The Cavs also used the 49th pick to sign Tyrese Proctor from Duke, a 6 ‘6 forward/guard, which could help the Cavs get more easy buckets in the paint. Proctor played 106 games in college, and averaged almost 11 points and 2.2 assists per game. Throughout the season, the Cavs were also plagued with injuries from many key players. However, they came back from almost all of them, and currently all starters are 100% healthy, including Darius Garland, who has come back from a right toe injury.
However, injuries weren’t the worst of the Cavs problems throughout the season. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, the two main big men, had trouble scoring in the paint, and providing stability on defense. “I just got to be more active… I can’t go like it’s nonexistent sometimes.” said Evan Mobley, after the playoff exit in the eastern conference semifinals. Then again, things may be looking up. Acquiring Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks mid-season was certainly a gain, as it provided the Cavs a true utility man, and Lonzo Ball will also likely help out a bit in that area. Lonzo Ball excited about joining the Cavaliers, particularly a team with a “real chance to win a ring,” and felt he was going to a “great situation”. For example, after signing, Lonzo Ball expressed excitement about joining the Cavaliers, particularly a team with a “real chance to win a ring,” and felt he was going to a “great situation”. To conclude, under coach Kenny Atkinson, the cavs have the potential for a great season.
