Things are looking really good for the Cleveland Cavaliers right now.
The team’s stock was already on the rise but things got even better when they landed Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz a few weeks ago.
Now people see the Cavs as serious playoff contenders and one of the biggest threats in the East.
But only a few years ago, things were looking wildly different.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are hosting their annual media day with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley on their roster today.
Three years ago, they were opening the season with John Beilein as their head coach.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) September 26, 2022
Journalist Ben Axelrod points out a pretty stunning fact about the team’s turnaround.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are hosting their annual media day with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley on their roster today,” Axelrod said on Twitter.
He added, “Three years ago, they were opening the season with John Beilein as their head coach.”
Sure enough, the team was looking far, far worse a few seasons ago and now they are one of the most promising teams in the league.
Turning Things Around
When Beilein was signed as head coach for the Cavs back in 2019, the team was in very bad shape.
They were sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and had no valuable trade assets or cap space.
Beilein’s time with the team was a disaster and his coaching style didn’t translate from college to the NBA.
He only lasted a few months and resigned from the HC position before his first season was even done.
Through hard work, trades, draft picks, and persistence, the Cavaliers began to slowly build their roster.
Now, they have one of the most exhilarating starting fives in the NBA.
Still, it was only a few years ago that people had counted out Cleveland.
This goes to show how quickly things change in the league.
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