The Cleveland Cavaliers made great strides during the 2023-24 season. They showed confidence and skill after attaining the fourth seed in the Western Conference, but their performance changed when they met the Boston Celtics. Regrettably, Donovan Mitchell’s injury in Game 3 stopped them from progressing past the second round, but it was a better result compared to their early elimination in the previous season.
Donovan Mitchell’s Future with the Cavs
The Cavaliers are excited to continue improving by first focusing on ensuring Donovan Mitchell’s future. Despite speculations about Mitchell possibly leaving, fans in Ohio can feel relieved. As per Shams Charania, the Cavaliers believe they will be able to keep their top guard on the team past the 2025/26 season. The team is ready to present Mitchell with a maximum contract of $209 million. Due to his skills, Mitchell will probably refuse the $37 million player option in his present agreement.
Coaching Changes and Strategic Decisions
Hiring a new head coach is crucial for the Cavaliers. Following J.B. Bickerstaff’s termination, Pelicans assistant James Borrego was initially considered a top contender. Nonetheless, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, Kenny Atkinson is set to become the new head coach, as negotiations for his contract reach their concluding stages. This choice came after an important discussion between the main owner Dan Gilbert and the front office.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Kenny Atkinson is recognized for his aggressive approach to the game, yet incorporating Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland continues to be difficult. The compatibility of the duo is in doubt, as they are both guards who dominate the ball, mirroring the situation with the Hawks. The potential contract extension for Mitchell may affect Garland’s future on the team.
The Garland-Mitchell Dynamic
During the season, there was speculation about whether Garland or Mitchell would remain with the team. Mitchell, with an average of 26.6 points and a personal best of 6.1 assists per game, deserves his contract extension. On the other hand, Garland averaged 18 points per game. Both defenders offer playmaking and shooting skills, similar to the Celtics’ guard duo. Nevertheless, Mitchell and Garland do not possess the defensive abilities seen in their Boston counterparts, with Mitchell averaging 0.5 blocks per game and Garland averaging 0.1 blocks per game.
Potential Trade Moves
In his second year of the $197 million contract, Garland emerges as a top choice for a trade. Having teams such as the Lakers lacking a legitimate point guard and with Garland being represented by agent Rich Paul, it appears likely that a change may happen. The Cavaliers must make important choices in managing their team composition to maintain both offensive and defensive capabilities.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are trending upward, however, they have important choices to make about their team composition and coaching approach. Securing Donovan Mitchell and incorporating Kenny Atkinson’s coaching philosophy will play a crucial role in their success in the upcoming years. The team’s success in overcoming these obstacles will dictate if they can keep advancing and emerge as legitimate contenders in the NBA.
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