The Cleveland Cavaliers started last season as one of the most talked-about, exciting teams in the East and many people saw them as true playoff contenders.
They weren’t and they experienced a painfully short stay in the postseason.
But JJ Redick recently said on his podcast that they won’t just be “spreadsheet contenders” next season and he credits two players with that: Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Redick says Cleveland: “has a chance…if Garland and Mobley – even if on the margins – they improve.”
The Cavaliers won’t be just “spreadsheet contenders” next year.
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Redick gave serious love to Garland, who came off of what he calls an “underrated, awesome season.”
He respects how he was able to change his game and his style so he could fit alongside newcomer Donovan Mitchell.
Before Mitchell, Garland was the leader of the team but he was willing to make sacrifices and tweak his approach to better help his team succeed.
One of the most important and promising things about both Garland and Mobley, according to Redick, is their ages.
They are both still incredibly young with tons of time for more growth.
Garland is just 23 while Mobley is a year younger at 22.
That means that both of these players are just getting started.
With Garland holding down the backcourt and Mobley holding down the frontcourt, these two could really help the team reach the next level in the new season.
Of course, many fans were saying the same thing last season and they ultimately weren’t able to convert their greatness into playoff success.
So, what will the Cavaliers do in 2023-24 to make sure that the team is competitive for the entire year?
NEXT:
Insider Sheds Light On Potential Donovan Mitchell Cavaliers Extension