What will be considered a successful season for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2025-26?
Writing for ESPN, Tim Bontemps made it clear: the Cavs need to go all the way to the Finals for the first time in years in order for people to be happy with the upcoming season.
But Bontemps also underlined an important point: this won’t be easy, especially if injuries remain a problem for the Cavs.
“This season, the Cavaliers will be satisfied only if they return to the NBA Finals for the first time since LeBron James led them there for the fourth straight time in 2018. That’ll require Mitchell to hold up physically through the rigors of a deep playoff run — one that will require a lot of offensive creation from him and backcourt mate Garland, especially after Ty Jerome left in free agency. Health on the wing is also a potential pitfall. Dean Wade is a talented player who has regularly been sidelined by injuries. De’Andre Hunter has never played more than 67 games and has played fewer than 60 in three of his six seasons. And Lonzo Ball, while a terrific fit on the court, has had well-documented injury issues and can’t be counted on for a heavy game or minutes loads,” Bontemps wrote.
Everyone on the roster has to step up, including Donovan Mitchell.
The good news is that Mitchell has already publicly said that he wants to do that and is putting a lot of pressure on himself.
He sees himself as Cleveland’s leader and wants to act that way.
Others, like Evan Mobley, will try to develop more, too, but the largest worry is injuries, once again.
This has been a recurring problem for the Cavs, who can’t seem to have a full season without someone getting hurt and missing many games.
From Dean Wade to De’Andre Hunter to newcomer Lonzo Ball, the risk of injuries will linger, and fans will continue to be worried.
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