Can the Cavaliers Win 28 Games?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of a rebuilding process. They have not won more than 22 games since LeBron James left for the second time. There has been hardly any hope over the last couple of years for this franchise.

This upcoming season is scheduled to be somewhat of improvement. The odds are putting their over/under for wins at 27.5. It is -115 to bet the over, while it is -105 to bet the under.

Last season, the Cavaliers won 22 games, which was the fifth worst record in the NBA. A six win increase would be the perfect step forward for this franchise, as they are still trying to get out of the shadow of LeBron.

Can they gain some steam for the future? Or is it another failure of a season for the Cavaliers?

How Can the Cavaliers Do It?

The Cavaliers have a good group of young talent. Darius Garland is still improving, as he averaged 17 points per game with six assists per game last season. Isaac Okoro, who was a rookie last season, showed some promise and made the All-Rookie team.

Collin Sexton is their go-to scorer. Sexton put up 24 points per game last season, but is getting help this year from newly acquired Lauri Markkanen. Sexton and Markkanen pick and pops can really work out this year.

Markkanen is looking for a fresh start, after a tumultuous first couple of years with the Chicago Bulls. He has shown a good touch and ability to knock down threes.

Then there is the rest of the frontcourt. Jarrett Allen got a big contract this offseason. He is a good, young rim-running big. To go alongside Allen, there is the number three overall pick this past draft, Evan Mobley.

Mobley might have to fight for some playing time, but he has so much potential. The Cavaliers have a solid nucleus filled with young talent. Playing these guys and letting them run will be the best outlook for this team and their quest for over 27.5 wins.

Why It Will Not Happen?

It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. The Cavaliers are a poorly run organization and it is going to be hard for them to transform. They might have some young pieces, but none are ready to be a star of a team.

Sexton might be the closest, but he is not All-Star caliber as of right now. Mobley is still too young. The others are best suited for secondary roles.

Kevin Love and his bloated contract are still on the roster. He is taking up playing time and hurting the team’s morale. Love refuses to partake in any buyout talks and plans to sit there and collect his money.

Their head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, is not known for having a fun playstyle. They were in the bottom five of pace last season, despite having a younger group of players. The best fit for this roster is to run, but that is not likely going to happen.

28 wins might not seem a lot. However, the Cavaliers have not hit their over in the three past seasons. The likelihood of that changing might be slim to none.