Three questions for the Cavaliers ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season

It's been a summer of incremental improvements for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Losing Ty Jerome was a blow, but Lonzo Ball's two-way play (assuming he stays healthy) could solve a lot of Kenny Atkinson's perimeter defense problems. The addition of Larry Nance Jr. could also be impactful.

Nevertheless, the Cavaliers' biggest jump will undoubtedly come via internal development. Atkinson's team is still young and therefore improving with each passing year. Still, after falling short in the postseason yet again, Cleveland will enter the 2025-26 season with a singular focus of being crowned NBA champions. 

Here are three big questions the Cavaliers must answer to begin the new season.

Who partners Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt? 

Garland is expected to miss the months of the season. He underwent surgery on his big toe at the start of the summer, having played through injury during the postseason. He was Mitchell's primary backcourt partner last season, with the duo sharing 2,385 possessions together, outscoring opponents by 9.7 points per 100 possessions.

With Garland out of the rotation and his perceived defensive issues, Atkinson will have an opportunity to explore potential guard pairings alongside Mitchell. Ball could be a strong partner due to his defensive upside and playmaking. 

Sam Merrill could get the nod, giving Mitchell more on-ball duties but with a significant amount of floor-spacing and perimeter gravity. Finding a new, albeit short-term partner for Mitchell will likely play a role in how the Cavaliers start the season. If things go well, it will be interesting to see whether Garland wins his starting spot back once healthy. 

Can Evan Mobley take another step in his development

Mobley is entering the 2025-26 season fresh off winning the Defensive Player of the Year award. However, there is a strong belief that he can continue growing his game. During a recent interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Mitchell explained why Mobley is arguably the most important member of Cleveland's rotation.

“For us to be great, he has to continue to take a step…So I tell him like ‘Nah, we need more’," Mitchell said. "Demand it. If I don’t pass you the ball, get on my a--. If DG don’t give you the ball, get on his a--. And be okay with that...He’s ready for it, he’s excited for it.”