I love the Cavs, you love the Cavs, who doesn’t love the Cavs? As a young and bright team
(can we still call them that?), the Cavs are looking to break into the next step of the playoffs: the
Eastern Conference Finals. Although the Cavs admittedly didn’t make any huge acquisitions,
they have a returning squad with experience. Below are the key players who I think will be
fueled for greatness and others who may regress this upcoming season.
Donovan Mitchell
Although Spida had a good season in 2023 (6th in points per game, 30.1 points per 40
minutes), he could’ve had an even better season. In an offense with players who can heat up at
any moment, Mitchell took a step back in terms of scoring, but in return increased his assists
and rebounds. His true shooting also took a small step back. After a phenomenal 61.4% True
Shooting in 2023 (a 4 percent increase from the year before), he went down by a nominal
amount to 59.5%. Herald as a playoff shadow coming into the 2024 postseason, the Spida
shined a light on himself after having a terrific postseason — gaining loads of experience.
Entering his 8th season at just 28 years old, I’d expect his statistical volume to increase which
will put him in the Shai-points category.
Isaac Okoro
Inking a new deal worth 3-year 38 million dollars, Okoro now has the money behind him. Yet, I
think that, unlike Garland, Okoro will use that contract as confidence that the Cavs believe in
him and will increase his production as a 3&D player. His production in points and assists have
taken a step forward with his turnovers decreasing — showing promising signs. With new coach
Kenny Atkinson incorporating more ball movement and pick-n-roll, expect Isaac Okoro to fill the
quick three and slasher role.
Sam Merril
Sam Merril is interesting. After making a splash in the summer league a year ago, Merril’s
3-point talent is undeniable (40.4%). It seems as if the Cavs have struck gold with one of the
best three-point shooters in the NBA. The problem is that Sam Merril isn’t the team’s most
consistent or even an average NBA defensive player. With a skill set exactly opposite of
Okoro’s, Merril will still see an improvement due to Atkinson’s game plan.
Caris Levert
Personally, I’ve never loved Levert. After joining the Cavs, he saw a noticeable dip in his stats
as JB Bickerstaff tried to use him mainly as a bench spark when he came on the court. With so
many scoring options, Levert was the player who took the hardest hit in terms of points scored
but saw a large jump in assists this past season. With both Mitchell and Garland out, Levert
showed glimpses of his Nets past dropping 18+ points on above average efficiency. As former
coach Kenny Atkinson marches onto the scene, look for him to re-energize Levert into an
All-Star caliber player.
