2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Starting Lineup

The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading into the 2024-25 NBA season with high hopes after a rollercoaster year. Despite finishing with an impressive 48-34 record, good for 4th in the Eastern Conference, injuries and internal struggles ultimately derailed what looked to be a promising campaign. 

The Cavs lost in the second round of the playoffs to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics in five games. Following the disappointing playoff exit, the Cavs made a coaching change, parting ways with JB Bickerstaff and bringing in Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach.

Atkinson’s hiring signals a fresh start for Cleveland, a team with one of the most talented young cores in the league. With Donovan Mitchell now locked into a contract extension and Darius Garland staying put (for now), the Cavaliers have their eyes set on contending for an NBA title. If they can stay healthy and avoid bad luck, this team has all the pieces to challenge for a top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Point Guard (PG)

Starter: Darius Garland

Reserves: Craig Porter, Ty Jerome, Jacob Gilyard, Zhaire Smith

Darius Garland remains one of the most talented point guards in the NBA, but his role with the Cavaliers has shifted since the arrival of Donovan Mitchell. Garland has had to adjust to being the second option, a dynamic that some believe has slowed his development. Despite this, Garland still had a productive season, averaging 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 44.6% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range.

There were rumors that Garland’s agent, Rich Paul, would discuss his future with the Cavaliers if Mitchell’s contract was extended. However, despite Mitchell securing his future with Cleveland, Garland remains committed to the team for the time being. As long as Garland stays healthy and continues to develop chemistry with Mitchell, the Cavaliers’ backcourt will remain one of the most dynamic in the league.

Behind Garland, the Cavaliers have Craig Porter, Ty Jerome, and Jacob Gilyard as reserves. Porter is a promising young player with solid defensive abilities, while Jerome offers a steady hand off the bench with his shooting and playmaking. Zhaire Smith, a former first-round pick, will also compete for minutes.

Shooting Guard (SG)

Starter: Donovan Mitchell

Reserves: Caris LeVert, Sam Merrill, Jules Bernard

Donovan Mitchell is the undisputed star of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and his extension solidifies him as the franchise’s centerpiece for the foreseeable future. Mitchell had a phenomenal season, averaging 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc. His explosive scoring and ability to take over games make him one of the league’s premier guards.

However, Mitchell’s postseason was cut short due to an injury he sustained after Game 3 of the Cavaliers' second-round series against the Celtics. Without their star at full strength, Cleveland crumbled in the final two games, highlighting just how important Mitchell is to the team’s success. Going forward, the Cavs will need to keep Mitchell healthy if they are to make a deep playoff run.

Backing up Mitchell is Caris LeVert, who provides scoring off the bench. LeVert is a versatile player capable of filling multiple roles, whether it’s as a scorer, playmaker, or defender. Sam Merrill and Jules Bernard round out the shooting guard depth, with Merrill offering outside shooting and Bernard providing youth and athleticism.

Small Forward (SF)

Starter: Max Strus

Reserves: Isaac Okoro, Luke Travers, Emoni Bates

Max Strus, fresh off his best season, steps into the starting small forward role for the Cavaliers. Strus was a key offseason acquisition for Cleveland, and his ability to stretch the floor and provide secondary playmaking will be crucial for the team’s offense. Strus averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 41.8% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range last season. His shooting and off-ball movement should complement Mitchell and Garland perfectly.

Behind Strus, Isaac Okoro will continue to play a key role off the bench. Okoro’s defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, but his offensive game still needs improvement. Luke Travers and highly-touted prospect Emoni Bates add further depth to the wing position, with Bates in particular being an exciting talent who could develop into a key contributor.

Power Forward (PF)

Starter: Evan Mobley

Reserves: Georges Niang, Jaylon Tyson, Pete Nance

Evan Mobley is the Cavs’ most promising young player and the key to unlocking their championship potential. Mobley had another strong season, averaging 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 58.0% from the field and an encouraging 37.3% from three-point range. Mobley’s combination of size, athleticism, and defensive instincts make him one of the best two-way big men in the league.

As Mobley continues to develop his offensive game, particularly his outside shooting, he will become an even more dangerous weapon for the Cavaliers. His defensive ability, paired with Jarrett Allen, gives Cleveland one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in the NBA.

Backing up Mobley is sharpshooting forward Georges Niang, who was brought in to provide floor spacing off the bench. Jaylon Tyson and Pete Nance will compete for additional minutes, with both players offering potential as stretch bigs.

Center (C)

Starter: Jarrett Allen

Reserves: Dean Wade, Tristan Thompson, JT Thor

Jarrett Allen remains one of the league’s top traditional centers, providing elite rim protection and rebounding for the Cavaliers. Last season, Allen averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, forming a dynamic defensive duo with Mobley. Allen’s ability to anchor the paint was a key reason why Cleveland finished with the 7th-best defensive rating in the league.

While Allen’s offensive game is limited to finishes around the rim, his impact on defense and the boards makes him an indispensable part of Cleveland’s success. His ability to protect the rim and run the floor will be crucial in the Cavaliers’ playoff aspirations.

Dean Wade and veteran Tristan Thompson will provide depth at center, with Wade also capable of playing power forward. JT Thor, a young, athletic big, adds further depth and could see minutes as a developmental project.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are poised to take the next step under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who has a proven track record of developing young talent. With a healthy core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs have the potential to contend for a title in the Eastern Conference. Injuries and inconsistency plagued them last season, but if they can stay healthy and adjust to Atkinson’s system, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

The addition of Max Strus and the continued development of Mobley give the Cavaliers a balanced roster capable of both scoring and locking down opponents on defense. 

After a disappointing playoff exit last season, the Cavs will be eager to prove they can hang with the elite teams in the East and make a deep postseason run. With Kenny Atkinson now leading the way, Cleveland is ready to fully realize its potential as a legitimate contender for the NBA championship.