With training camp just around the corner, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, brimming with optimism and a sense of urgency. This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill NBA preseason for Cleveland. After a transformative offseason and a 64-win campaign in 2024-25, the franchise is primed to turn lofty expectations into a tangible shot at the Eastern Conference crown—and perhaps even a trip to the NBA Finals.
The Cavaliers’ front office wasted no time shaking up the roster, orchestrating a headline-grabbing trade that sent Isaac Okoro packing in exchange for Lonzo Ball. That move alone sent ripples through the NBA, but it didn’t stop there. The team also welcomed back fan favorite Larry Nance Jr., a seasoned presence who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. These additions, combined with the return of established stars like Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland, have set the stage for a season many believe could be historic for the city of Cleveland.
But perhaps the most intriguing storyline entering the 2025-26 season revolves around the Cavaliers’ solution to a long-standing problem at the small forward position. Enter De’Andre Hunter, a player whose journey has been defined by both promise and perseverance. Acquired just ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, Hunter represents the Cavaliers’ bold bet on finally plugging that elusive gap in the starting five. His arrival signaled a clear message from the front office: the time to contend is now, and there’s no room for half-measures.
Hunter’s résumé speaks for itself. Once a vital cog for the Atlanta Hawks, he’s no stranger to the intensity of postseason basketball. Yet, as fate would have it, injuries kept him sidelined for all but the first round during Atlanta’s memorable run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. In the years since, Hunter has elevated his game, only to watch team success slip through his fingers. Now, with the Cavaliers, he finally has the chance to rewrite his narrative on the grandest stage.
“Hunter is coming off of a career year on the offensive end of the floor,” notes a source familiar with his progress. Indeed, the numbers back it up: 17.0 points per game in 2024-25, a career-high 2.5 three-point field goals made per contest, and a blistering 40.5% shooting from deep. With the Cavaliers, he appeared in 27 of a possible 31 games, averaging 15.7 points in 28.4 minutes per game while shooting .457 from the field, .422 from beyond the arc, and .804 from the free-throw line. Those are the kind of numbers that make opposing coaches sweat and give Cleveland fans plenty to cheer about.
What’s more, Hunter’s efficiency hasn’t come at the expense of volume. He’s buried 38.2% of his three-point attempts over the past four seasons and has steadily increased his points per 36 minutes year after year. If there’s a player trending upward at just the right time, it’s him. And with the Cavaliers boasting All-Star talent at nearly every position—Mitchell, Mobley, Garland, and now Ball—Hunter’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions could be the missing piece to a true title run.
The stakes are even higher given the recent roster developments. Ty Jerome, who provided valuable depth, has signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. Max Strus, another key contributor, is sidelined after undergoing foot surgery. That leaves Hunter with a golden opportunity—and plenty of pressure—to seize the starting small forward job and deliver on his two-way promise. If he can rise to the occasion in a classic 3-and-D role, the Cavaliers’ ceiling grows even higher.
“With Jerome removed from the equation, Hunter will need to prove he can provide supplementary offensive production. With Okoro gone and Strus injured, the pressure will be even higher for him to excel in a 3-and-D capacity,” reads one analysis. It’s a sentiment echoed by many around the league: this is Hunter’s moment, and it’s up to him to make it count.
None of this, of course, happens in a vacuum. The Eastern Conference landscape has shifted, with several perennial contenders retooling or facing uncertainty. That opens the door for Cleveland to assert itself as a true powerhouse, but it also raises the bar for what’s considered a successful season. The goal isn’t just to make the playoffs—it’s to reach at least the Eastern Conference Finals, if not the NBA’s ultimate stage.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson, brought in to steer this talented group, faces his own set of challenges and opportunities. Known for his ability to develop young talent and foster team chemistry, Atkinson will need to blend new faces with established stars, manage egos, and keep everyone focused on the bigger picture. If he can do that, the Cavaliers might just become the team no one wants to face come springtime.
Still, questions linger. Can the team stay healthy over the grind of an 82-game season? Will the new-look roster gel quickly enough to avoid early-season stumbles? And can Hunter, thrust into the spotlight at a pivotal position, deliver the consistency and impact the Cavaliers so desperately need?
History suggests that success in the NBA is rarely linear. Injuries, unexpected slumps, and the relentless pressure of expectations have derailed many a promising campaign. But this Cavaliers squad, on paper, looks as formidable as any in recent franchise history. With a blend of youth, experience, and newfound depth, they have every reason to believe that this could finally be their year.
As training camp opens in a week, all eyes will be on Cleveland. The city, still hungry for another basketball renaissance, is ready to rally behind a team with legitimate championship dreams. The road ahead won’t be easy, but for the Cavaliers, the pieces are finally in place. Now, it’s up to them to turn potential into reality and chase the glory that has so often eluded them.
For now, anticipation reigns supreme. With a revamped roster, a motivated De’Andre Hunter, and a clear mandate for postseason success, the Cavaliers enter the 2025-26 season as one of the NBA’s most intriguing—and dangerous—contenders. Let the games begin.
