The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the 2025-26 season as one of the most promising teams in the league.
For nearly two decades, the franchise has been a topic of discussion, primarily due to LeBron James. Even though James is now with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cavaliers boast talented players. In an offense-driven league, they have top-tier scorers. While defensive emphasis has diminished, the team also features strong defensive players. Most impressively, they secured 64 wins in the 2024-25 season, marking the second-highest total in franchise history.
Considering the current trajectory of the Cavaliers, they face three pressing questions as they approach the new season.
Three Key Questions for the Cavaliers as They Approach the 2025-26 Season
Has Donovan Mitchell Reached His Peak?
Understanding where Donovan Mitchell stands in his career is challenging. At 29, he’s still likely in his prime, but he’s nearing 30. His statistics show a shift, with Mitchell recording a career-high average of 28.3 points per game two seasons ago, compared to 24.0 points per game in 2024-25.
Initially, it seemed that Mitchell’s reduced scoring might stem from his hope to support backcourt partner Darius Garland in his development. However, Garland also saw a dip in his scoring, averaging 20.6 points in 2023-24, down from 21.6 the year before. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley managed a career-high of 18.5 points per game, yet this does not fully account for Mitchell and Garland’s combined decline of 5.3 points per game.
What Role Will De’Andre Hunter Play?
Before the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Cavaliers signaled their intent to compete for a title by trading for De’Andre Hunter. Upon transfer, he was enjoying a breakout season with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 19.0 points per game but saw those numbers drop to 14.0 points during the regular season following the trade, and 11.0 points in the playoffs.
With Jerome now with the Memphis Grizzlies, Hunter may have a greater opportunity in the second unit, and there’s potential for him to become a starter in the upcoming season.
Will They Experience a Letdown Season?
Mitchell hasn’t been playing at his full capacity. Hunter hasn’t met expectations, and both Garland and Strus are recovering from injuries that may sideline them initially. Additionally, Allen’s compatibility with Mobley could create challenges. The team lost Jerome in free agency and brought in a replacement with limited experience over recent seasons.
Considering these factors, the Cavaliers could face a downturn after their impressive 64-win season in 2024-25. However, while regular-season success is valuable for establishing team dynamics, remaining healthy and cohesive for the playoffs is crucial, as the postseason holds the ultimate goal. The Cavaliers are acutely aware of this, especially after previous health issues hindered their playoff performance in 2025.
