The Cleveland Cavaliers are again making headlines with the recent acquisition of All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. This blockbuster trade has sent ripples through the NBA world and is sure to impact the 2023 NBA Championship odds.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been busy this offseason, securing the services of one of the best guards in the league. You can read more to find out about the odds for each team and see the effect for yourself.
Mitchell, who was an All-Star this past season, is known for his scoring prowess and creative offense. The acquisition of the 24-year-old guard is expected to elevate the team’s performance and take them a step closer to their goal of winning the NBA championship.
Furthermore, Statista has estimated that, just in 2022, the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA were worth a little over two billion dollars. This was a rise of 24% over the prior year when it was estimated that the franchise was worth USD 1.65 billion.
This intrigues us to see how the acquisition of Mitchell has made a difference. We’ll also try to point out three strong points that make the Cavs a worthy contender for the trophy.
NBA Championship odds for the Cavaliers in 2023 before acquiring Mitchell
Before the trade, the Cavaliers were considered a long shot to win the NBA title next season, with odds of +10000 (100/1). This was due to their 44–38 record last season and a narrow playoff miss. But the addition of Mitchell has changed the odds in the team’s favor, with the Cavaliers now being +3000 (30/1) to win it all.
The Cavaliers were already on the rise with the emergence of point guard Darius Garland and center Jarrett Allen. Both players were named to the All-Star team this past season and showed tremendous growth in their games. Garland in particular averaged 21.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting a career-high 46.2% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc on 6.7 attempts per game.
Odds of the Cavs winning the NBA Championship in 2023 after acquiring Mitchell
With Mitchell joining the team, Garland will no longer have to carry the scoring load and will have a reliable scorer to work with. The team also re-signed Ricky Rubio, who will provide quality backup for Garland. This is a win for the Cavaliers, as they could keep up much better in terms of players to secure the services of Mitchell.
The team will also have the luxury of having an outstanding young forward in Evan Mobley, who looks like the real deal after a solid rookie season. The Cavaliers have a talented roster, and with Mitchell on board, they look poised to make a deep run in the Eastern Conference.
3 Reasons Why the Cavs Are in for the Win
So, let’s put it all together in three bite-sized pieces when it comes to this:
The Acquisition of Mitchell, and Garland’s Great Point Play
The acquisition of Mitchell has dramatically improved the team’s championship odds, and they are now considered a strong contender in the Eastern Conference. Also, one of the main reasons for this optimism is the strong play of point guard Darius Garland.
Last season, Garland had a breakout year, averaging 21.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.
With the addition of Mitchell, who is known for his ability to create offense, Garland will not have to shoulder the entire scoring load.
Jarrett In the Center
Another key component to the Cavaliers’ success will be the continued growth of the center, Jarrett Allen. Allen was also named to the All-Star team last season and was a dominant force in the paint, averaging 12.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.
His athleticism and shot-blocking ability make him one of the most exciting young big men in the league, and he will be crucial in defending the rim for the Cavaliers.
A Veteran and a Rookie: Cavs’ Dynamic Duo
Finally, the Cavaliers have a deep and versatile roster that can support their two stars. The team re-signed veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, who will provide a strong backup option for Garland.
They also have a talented young forward in Evan Mobley, who had a solid rookie season and looks poised for even more success in 2023.
Wrap
In conclusion, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a team to watch out for in the 2023 NBA season. With the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell, the team has added more firepower to its backcourt and is expected to be a formidable opponent in the Eastern Conference.
The odds may still be against them, but with the talent on their roster, the Cavaliers could surely try to defy expectations and make a run for the NBA championship trophy.