Cavs Receive C-Minus for Uneven Start to Season
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have opened the NBA campaign at 14-11, a record Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz calls respectable but far from convincing. In his first-quarter grades for every team, Swartz assigned Cleveland a C-minus, citing inconsistent play from key starters.
According to Swartz, Donovan Mitchell has excelled, yet Evan Mobley “has shown zero growth offensively.” He also noted that Darius Garland, returning from offseason toe surgery, “looks like a shell of himself,” while the club is “still waiting on the season debut of Max Strus.”
Expectations were high after the Cavaliers finished last season with the Eastern Conference’s best record. With several rivals hampered by injuries, Cleveland appeared positioned to seize early momentum. Instead, the team sits in the middle of most statistical categories—ninth in scoring, 12th in points allowed, and between eighth and 11th in offensive, defensive, and net ratings.
Swartz also pointed out that the Cavaliers carry the league’s highest payroll and are the only franchise currently above the second tax apron, making the tepid start “disappointing” and suggesting the club’s effort level has wavered.
Despite the sluggish opening stretch, Cleveland still projects as a contender in the East and anticipates better health as the season progresses. However, another early postseason exit could prompt the front office to reconsider whether the current core can deliver a deeper playoff run.
Source: Hoops Wire
