Heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are among the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference. The New York Knicks are seen as the team’s biggest threat on their pursuit of success.
However, according to Hall of Fame guard George Hill, via a recent interview with DJ Siddiqi of SportsBoom, the Cavaliers should also keep tabs on the Orlando Magic.
“I think so,” Hill said. “They have some pieces. You have to wait and see how it all comes together, but they got a guy who could go get a bucket in the playoffs, you need a guy who has that ability and Banchero’s that. You have better shooting now, better spacing. I think with the shooting, if you can knock down the three, I think Banchero can show his passing and facilitating too, but also it makes it harder to guard him if you can’t leave guys.”
Cleveland and New York have more experienced rosters than Orlando. They also have higher-level scorers. Nevertheless, the Magic have been built on a robust defensive system, and they could become a difficult out in the playoffs. Kenny Atkinson would be wise to compile a deep scouting report on the rising Eastern Conference roster.
Cavaliers Aiming to Maximize Five-Year Window
Entering the season as one of the favorites in the East is only the first step in the Cavaliers’ plan to create a dynasty. During a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland, NBA Insider Brian Windhorst noted how the Cavaliers are building toward a five-year contention window.
“The Cavs are making maneuvers to open up a five-year run here,” Windhorst said. “Don’t hold me to five, but they’re trying to make a run with this group… They believe this is a championship roster. I believe this team has the core of a championship roster. There’s a few things they need to improve on, but I think what they’re doing is they’re trying to set a four or five-year window here where they can go for it.”
Windhorst continued.
“… The hard part now for [Koby Altman] is going to be keeping this team together and making the fine-tuning moves to win the whole thing.”
If there was ever a season for the Cavaliers to make a push for a Conference Finals, it would be this one. The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers are likely taking a gap year due to the respective injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton. That leaves New York, the Milwaukee Bucks and potentially the Philadelphia 76ers as the biggest threats.
It will be interesting to see how the Cavaliers navigate the upcoming campaign. Now they’re seen as the favorites, and these expectations are on their shoulders.
Cavaliers Could Target Seth Curry
A big part of being a championship-level roster in the modern NBA is having elite depth throughout the roster. As such, Koby Altman could still be looking for potential additions to the current rotation, as he looks to round out the roster.
ClutchPoints’ Enzo Flojo recently pinpointed sharpshooting guard Seth Curry as a logical target. Curry would provide high-level perimeter shooting without needing to dominate the ball.
“Curry led the league last season with a staggering 45.6 percent three-point shooting clip while playing for the Charlotte Hornets,” Flojo reasoned. “Even more remarkable, Curry made 53.8 percent of his threes off passes from LaMelo Ball. That showcased a deadly synergy when paired with a skilled playmaker. That could be an ideal fit given Cleveland just acquired Lonzo Ball, who, like his brother, is a solid distributor.”
Cleveland was one of the best three-point shooting teams last season. However, adding another sniper could be a way to improve the overall spacing in the rotation. Whatever Altman decides to do, his goal will be to construct a team capable of challenging for a championship.
Not just next season, but in the ones to come, too.
Cavaliers Warned of Overlooked Eastern Conference Contender