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Cavs Legend Brad Daugherty On The Cleveland Cavaliers: “I Would Be Shocked If They Don’t Make The ECF”

The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded for Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell. Now, fans and pundits alike are parsing through where this fantastic addition places them among the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavaliers were the ninth seed and had their shot in the play-in tournament last season. Though the team ultimately didn’t make it to the NBA playoffs, it should be noted that the Cavs were surging up in the standings and were positioning themselves as a top-3 team before injuries hit them. 

Adding a three-time All-Star to a team that impressed as a top-tier East team when healthy is surely enticing. Cavs legend and former No.1 overall pick Brad Daugherty now says that he would be shocked if the Cavs don’t make the Eastern Conference Finals next season.

“This is a significant piece for a basketball team that I thought would win 50 games this year anyway. Donovan can not only score in volume, he works on the defensive end. You add that to what they have with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and on and on and on. 

Now you have something and go into that luxury tax situation and go deep into it. I would be shocked if this team don’t make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. I think there’s enough depth there with the guys that have been working their butts off.”

“It’s win or bust for the Cavaliers now”

Former Cavs 1st overall pick and analyst, @BradDaugherty43, loves the Donovan Mitchell trade
@Cavs | @JumpShot8 | @Mitch_Lawrence pic.twitter.com/HTDZfAu8dX

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 2, 2022