Although, the Cleveland Cavaliers only won 21 games in the 2011-2012 season, there was much to be hopeful about with their #1 pick Kyrie Irving. They may have made some “surprise” draft picks in the 2012 NBA Draft, but how does their future look for 2012-2013?
Key Additions: Drafted Dion Waiters, Tyler Zeller; C.J Miles
Key Losses: Antawn Jamison
Projected Starting Lineup: Anderson Varejao (C), Tristan Thompson (PF), Alonzo Gee (SF), Dion Waiters (SG), Kyrie Irving (PG)
Key Players:
Kyrie Irving is the face of this franchise that is rebuilding, he’s very talented and skilled, but how far will that take Cleveland? Can he truly lead Cleveland to a .500 record and to the playoffs? I can’t answer that question with 100% certainty, but I feel like he is that ‘guy’ for the Cavaliers. He’s a spectacular young player who has impressed nearly everybody that has come into contact with him. He can only improve from here and it’s that improvements that key to Cleveland.
Dion Waiters needs to provide ‘something’ for the Cavaliers; as he wasn’t someone who turned heads, but Cleveland saw something in them as they used their #4 pick on him, but what was it? If Dan Gilbert is serious about propelling this team, he has to be serious about surrounding Irving with adequate pieces.
Everyone else will need to develop their games and make improvements, but this team should be better than they were last season.
Expectations: As aforementioned, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be improved this season, which will be noticeable in their season record, but just how good is still debatable. Some expect Cleveland to sneak into the #8th position in the Eastern Conference, but I believe that may be a stretch.
Record Prediction: 36-46; they may nestle in between the 9th and 10th seed in 2012-2013
