Cleveland Cavaliers 2024-25 CSL Season Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading into the 2024-25 CSL season with a clear mission: improve defense, dominate the boards, and maximize bench production. Despite having one of the CSL’s elite scorers in Michael Porter, the Cavs’ defensive struggles and inconsistent rebounding led to a disappointing play-in tournament exit last season. This year, the team has retooled its roster to address those issues while giving Porter a more stable foundation to work around.2023-24 Season Recap
Michael Porter delivered another MVP-level performance, averaging 27.5 PPG while showing versatility by playing both power forward and center. Although he performed admirably at center, where his size (6’10”, 245 lbs) allowed him to hold his own against opposing big men, his best seasons in previous years have come at power forward. Cleveland will look to deploy him more strategically this season, utilizing his strengths at both forward spots.
Porter was flanked by Kyle Kuzma, who averaged 13.2 PPG and brought improved three-point shooting (40.3% from deep) and rebounding (8.0 RPG). Romeo Langford contributed 19.6 PPG but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 38.9% from the field, and the team’s overall defensive cohesion was lacking. These issues and a lack of consistent bench production plagued the Cavaliers in close games and contributed to their early exit.
Defensive Overhaul: Fixing the Key Issues
Cleveland’s defense last season was porous, particularly in getting turnovers and stopping points in the paint. This offseason, the Cavaliers added defensive specialists to bolster their weak spots:
Jakob Pöltl brings elite rim protection with a DEF rating of 81, BLK% of 5.3, and 5.4 RPG. At 7’1” and 245 lbs, Pöltl’s size and agility in the paint will help cut down on the easy drives Cleveland allowed last season. His presence should enable Porter to spend more time in his natural positions at power forward and small forward, limiting his exposure to mismatches.
Vlatko Cancar and Joshua Smith also offer defensive versatility. Cancar is capable of guarding multiple positions and bringing the ball up, while Smith’s size (7’0”, 334 lbs) and shot-blocking (BLK% of 5.8) add depth to Cleveland’s frontcourt. Smith’s 71 DEF rating makes him a reliable backup when Pöltl rests, keeping the defensive intensity high. Hopefully, the older-timer can still move his feet and put that 76 DRFL to use.
Defensive Flexibility and Matchups
This season, Cleveland's major theme is leveraging matchups to maximize defensive effectiveness. Kyle Kuzma’s 62 DEF rating and agility at 6’9”, 215 lbs make him better suited for guarding quicker wings and some shooting guards. His ability to switch onto smaller players, combined with his 72 STL rating, gives Cleveland a valuable defensive asset on the perimeter. He will get a crack at SG to start the season as new old coach Brian Hamilton goes to a super-sized lineup.
In contrast, Michael Porter will return to primarily handling forwards and exploiting mismatches. His size makes him effective in these matchups, especially when paired with Pöltl in a twin-tower setup. However, Porter’s previous best seasons came at power forward, and the Cavaliers will look to utilize him in more favorable matchups at this position unless they can bring in an elite defensive player who could allow Porter to exploit matchups 3-5.
Rebounding Emphasis
Cleveland also struggled on the boards last season, particularly in second-chance situations. To address this, the team brought in reinforcements like Joshua Smith and rookie EJ Onu, who projects as an elite rebounder. Onu’s potential, an impressive 92 ORB and 78 DRB, could translate into immediate impact if he adapts quickly to the professional game.
Additionally, Jock Landale returns with his 19.9% DRB%, providing a steady presence on the glass off the bench. The combination of Pöltl, Smith, and Onu will help the Cavaliers control the boards, while Landale provides depth and hustle plays that could swing momentum in tight games.
Improving Bench Production
The Cavaliers struggled to find consistent scoring from their bench last season, a problem that has been addressed by bringing back key shooters and adding defensive depth.
Furkan Korkmaz will be counted on to rebound from a down year where he shot 28.1% from three. Korkmaz will offer valuable floor spacing for the second unit if he can find his rhythm again.
Abudushalamu Abudurexiti enters the season after a breakout year, shooting 42.2% from deep. His versatility as a small forward allows the Cavs to maintain offensive firepower off the bench, and his defensive ability gives him the flexibility to guard multiple positions.
Obi Toppin brings athleticism and energy off the bench, capable of running the floor and providing rim protection in limited minutes. His 50.5% field goal shooting and 6.5% offensive rebounding rate ensure the Cavs have another capable body on the glass when needed.
Projected Lineup and Rotation
Based on the need to improve defense and rebounding, along with maximizing positional matchups, here’s the potential lineup for the Cavaliers:
Starters:
PG: Romeo Langford – Despite his offensive inefficiencies, Langford’s length and defensive potential allow him to handle opposing point guards. His 71 DEF rating and 2.6 STL% will be critical in stopping perimeter penetration. The stats show a player who has improved every season in the league and had a terrible shooting start to last seasonm In the 2nd half of the season he averaged 21pts 7asts 5rebs on 41%fg 35%3pt getting double doubles and even a tripdub. If he can be that guy for a season then the Cavs will be cooking.
SG: Kyle Kuzma – Kuzma’s ability to switch onto guards and his 62 DEF rating make him an ideal fit at shooting guard. His size gives him an edge in rebounding battles against smaller opponents. Ever the swiss army knife he will also see time at SF and PF.
SF: Michael Porter – Playing Porter at small forward allows him to exploit mismatches against smaller defenders while keeping him in a more natural offensive role. His rebounding and scoring make him the focal point of Cleveland’s offense.
PF: Jakob Pöltl – Pöltl’s rim protection and rebounding will anchor the defense. His presence allows Porter to play forward more often, minimizing mismatches and maximizing the team’s defensive potential.
C: Jock Landale – Landale complements Pöltl as a high-energy big man capable of rebounding and defending. His ability to play off Pöltl’s rim protection makes them a strong duo in the paint.
Bench Rotation:
SG: Furkan Korkmaz – A floor spacer who will need to improve his shooting efficiency. Korkmaz’s offensive spark is essential for the second unit. If he returns to form, he could have a swan song as a do-everything wing.
SF: Abudushalamu Abudurexiti – A versatile three-and-D player who can guard multiple positions while providing shooting off the bench.
PF: Obi Toppin – Toppin’s athleticism and energy provide valuable rim protection and rebounding off the bench, making him a reliable option in high-intensity moments. While a bright spot in his first two seasons, he was largely ignored last year and will get another look as a young athletic dunker.
C: Joshua Smith – A defensive anchor off the bench, Smith will help maintain the Cavs' interior defense when Pöltl is off the floor. The Cavs also hope he can help break opposing defenses with his 76 DRFL coming in after Porter fouls out most frontlines.
PG: Gabe York – A sparkplug guard who can provide quick playmaking and energy, relieving Langford when needed. The Cavs need to get him back on balance with more of a green light this season than driving and kicking.
Developmental Rotation:
PF/C: EJ Onu – Onu’s rebounding potential makes him an exciting prospect. If his shot selection improves, he could see more playing time later in the season.
SG/SF: Vlatko Cancar – A versatile defender who can fill in as needed, offering depth at multiple positions.
The Outlook for 2024-25
The Cavaliers have hopefully addressed their key weaknesses from last season by adding defensive versatility, rebounding strength, and improved bench production. While Michael Porter remains the heart of the offense, Cleveland’s ability to win games will depend heavily on how well the defensive upgrades and rebounding translate on the court. This team will look to make games into a rock fight. If the defense holds, and players like Kuzma and Langford step up their offensive efficiency, the Cavaliers could be a dark horse in the Eastern Conference this season.
