The Cleveland Cavaliers shocked the NBA this season, at least before their playoff meltdown.
They flew under the radar to start the season, but once people started paying attention, they looked like a legitimate championship contender.
That’s why, even though they crumbled under pressure just like their doubters predicted, an unnamed scout believes breaking up their core four would be “silly.”
Talking to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, the scout pointed out that expecting the Cavs to go the distance this season wasn’t realistic, but given the way they played, they have to run it back with this roster.
“I know people are saying they don’t have enough for the playoffs, but that’s fanatical and over-reactionary,” the scout said. “They went 64-18, and that wasn’t a fluke. Did people really expect them to get to the Finals this season? From everything I saw before the season, they were picked to finish anywhere from fourth to sixth (in the Eastern Conference). They did so many good things. I don’t think you tear it down just because they failed to make it to the Finals in Year One of [Kenny] Atkinson. That’s silly.”
That’s fair, and it’s also fair to say that multiple teams have struggled to get over the hump before finally learning from all the heartbreak and losses to get to the next level.
Then again, as much as the Cavs surprised everybody, this wasn’t their first time in the playoffs.
This group has been together long enough to determine whether they have what it takes to get the job done, and it doesn’t seem like they do.
Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen have been non-factors in the playoffs in three consecutive years, and Donovan Mitchell has never gotten past the second round.
Not many teams would even consider moving one of their key pieces after winning 64 games in the regular season.
But when switching head coaches isn’t enough for a team to fulfill its potential, it might be because they’ve already peaked.
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