The Cleveland Cavaliers will open their 2023-24 season at the Brooklyn Nets on October 25th. The team is coming off a 51 win season in 2022-23 with a 1st round playoff loss to the New York Knicks.

There have been some changes to the roster, with the addition of Max Strus, Ty Jerome, Damian Jones, Sam Merrill, Georges Niang, and Tristan Thompson. The Cavs also drafted Emoni Bates from Eastern Michigan in the 2nd round of last season's draft.

Also listed on the official roster is Dean Wade, Ricky Rubio, Sharife Cooper, Isaiah Mobley (Evan's brother), Pete Nance, Craig Porter, Justin Powell, and Zhaire Smith.

The Cavaliers had the slowest pace of play in the NBA last season, but with Strus, Niang, and Jerome wearing the Wine and Gold, the offense should be improved considerably, especially from the perimeter. Defensively, Cleveland was one of the best teams in the league, and with the tandem of 6-9 Jarrett Allen and 6-11 Evan Mobley, to go with 6-11 Damian Jones and 6-9 Tristan Thompson helping out, Cleveland will once again make baskets in the paint not easy to come by.

I am predicting a 55 win season for Cleveland, and no worse than a 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee, with the addition of Damian Lilliard are considered by many to be the favorites to win the East, but Boston and Philadelphia will be in the mix as well. Depending on how the new additions contribute, I would not count out the Cavaliers from being a serious contender for the East crown. Look at what Miami did last year being an 8 seed. 

J.B.Bickerstaff is back as coach. Go Cavs!!