Cleveland Cavaliers: Five things you need to know

• Lebron James drafted by Cleveland in 2003, left in 2010, returned in 2014 to lead the team to their 2016 championship
• Cavaliers overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors
• Emerging young stars carrying franchise into new era

The Cleveland Cavaliers are an NBA franchise from Ohio who have triumphed in one NBA championship. The franchise wrote its name in the history books when they came back from 3-1 down in the Finals to defeat the Golden State Warriors, who boasted the best NBA record of all time.

2024-25 NBA Season Summary

• Record: 64-18
• Finish: 1st seed (Eliminated in Eastern Conference Semifinals)
• All-Star Selections: Darius Garland; Donovan Mitchell; and Evan Mobley

The Cavaliers had an excellent 2024/25 season, finishing as the first seed in the Eastern conference with a record of 64-18. Carrying their red-hot form into the postseason, the Cavs swept the Miami Heat in the first round, before losing in five games to 2025 NBA finalists, the Indiana Pacers. It was a disappointing ending for the Cavs, who were favourites to win the East and appear in the Finals. With their young emerging players and three All-Stars, the 2024/25 season served as a necessary learning curve that could propel the Cavs to reach championship glory in the coming years.

Offseason Moves

Re-signing: Sam Merrill returns on 4-year deal

Ins: Lonzo Ball joins via trade with Bulls; and Larry Nance Jr. agrees to deal

Outs: Ty Jerome departs in free agency to Grizzlies; and Isaac Okoro departs via trade with Bulls

Drafted: Australian Tyrese Proctor

This offseason the Cavs have worked to strengthen their bench unit, bringing in Lonzo Ball as a backup to Darius Garland and bringing back Larry Nance Jr as depth in the forward/centre positions. These two additions are like-for-like replacements for the departing Ty Jerome and Isaac Okoro, whose production was crucial to Cleveland's success last season.

The Cavs’ starting lineup is one of the strongest in the league, maximising the offensive prowess and defensive versatility of their players in order to suffocate teams. Possessing the league's best ranked offence and 12th best defence, the Cavs under the guidance of Kenny Atkinson are a well drilled team that are hard to break down on both sides of the ball.

With All-Star guard Darius Garland set to miss a short time of the NBA season, Donovan Mitchell will need to take on more offensive responsibilities to start the season. Containing two of the league's best rim protectors in Jarrett Allen and 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, the Cavs will prove a tough matchup for teams who rely on scoring points in the paint.  

As the Cavs reload for another title push, Cleveland’s three All-Stars coming off the back of a disappointing end will be eager to earn redemption. Learning from last season's mistakes, the Cavs are set for another successful year which could see them make the jump to the NBA finals.

2025-26 Predicted Lineup

• Point Guard: Darius Garland
• Shooting Guard: Donovan Mitchell
• Small Forward: Max Strus
• Power Forward: Evan Mobley
• Centre: Jarrett Allen

Australians who have played for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Matthew Dellavedova: Born in Maryborough, Victoria, Dellavedova began his NBA career with the Cavaliers in 2013. He was a key contributor to the team's 2016 NBA Championship victory. After stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings, he returned to the Cavaliers in 2018 and again in 2020. Known for his tenacious defence and playmaking abilities, Dellavedova has been a fan favourite in Cleveland.

Dante Exum: From Melbourne, Victoria, Exum was traded to the Cavaliers in December 2019. He played with the team until January 2021, appearing in 30 games and providing depth at the guard position. Exum was recognised for his defensive versatility and athleticism.

Luke Travers: From Perth, Western Australia, Travers was selected by the Cavaliers with the 56th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. After continuing his development in Australia's NBL, he signed a two-way contract with the Cavaliers in August 2024. Travers is known for his versatility, capable of playing multiple positions, and is expected to contribute to both the Cavaliers and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.

History of the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers joined the NBA as an expansion team in the 1970 season. In 1976 the Cavaliers won their first division title and went all the way to the Eastern conference finals where they lost to the Boston Celtics.

The early 80s were a tough period for the Cavaliers who underwent ownership changes, posted multiple losing seasons and had the lowest attendance figures in the league. After another ownership change in 1983, the Cleveland franchise flipped a switch, making the playoffs for 10 consecutive years from 1985-1998, posting two 57win seasons and making the Eastern Conference Finals.

The drafting of Akron native LeBron James in 2003, propelled the Ohio franchise into a new dimension. As one of the best High School talents in the sports history, LeBron’s impact was immediate, guiding the franchise to their first NBA Finals in 2007. In the following years, the team would achieve a franchise record 66 wins and book a trip back to the Eastern Conference Finals. The first LeBron James era ended when he joined the Miami Heat in free agency 2010.

The Cavaliers' greatest era came from 2014-2018 when LeBron James returned to lead the team to four straight NBA Finals. The pinnacle was their historic 2016 championship, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the 73-win Golden State Warriors. This ended Cleveland's 52-year major sports title drought.

Since LeBron James departed Cleveland for the second time in 2018, the team has built an excellent young side that has been complemented with great pieces like Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. With the success of the 2024/25 season culminating in the side’s number one seeded finish, the Cavs head into the upcoming season with high hopes of going on a deep playoff run.

Identity

The Cavaliers have built their identity around tough, gritty basketball reflective of their blue-collar city. They emphasise strong defence and physical play, often led by dominant front court players. The team culture prioritises loyalty and connection to Northeast Ohio.

Cleveland's playing style has evolved over the years but generally features inside-out offense built around dynamic guards and versatile big men. The Cavs aim to control tempo, protect the paint, and wear down opponents over four quarters.

The franchise takes pride in developing homegrown talent and maintaining strong community ties. There's an underdog mentality that resonates with the fanbase and fuels the team's competitive fire against big-market opponents.

Five Fast Facts:

1. The Cavaliers were one of three expansion teams added to the NBA in 1970.
2. Cleveland's first playoff appearance came in 1976, known as the "Miracle of Richfield."
3. LeBron James was drafted first overall by the Cavs in 2003 out of nearby Akron.
4. The team's 2016 title was the first by a major Cleveland sports team since 1964.
5. In 2025 the Cavaliers had three players selected as All-Stars (Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley)

Club Timeline

• 1970: Cavaliers founded as NBA expansion team
• 1976: First playoff appearance and division title
• 1986: Brad Daugherty drafted first overall
• 2003: LeBron James drafted first overall
• 2007: First NBA Finals appearance
• 2016: Win NBA championship, defeating Warriors
• 2022: Return to playoffs led by young core
• 2025: Became the first seed in the East with 64-18 record.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have established themselves as a modern-day success story, dominating the NBA. The Ohio franchise’s underdog championship win in 2016 shone a light on the culture of loyalty, homegrown talent and competitiveness evident in the state. On the back of the success in the 2010’s, a new look Cleveland side is preserving this winning culture, topping the Eastern conference standings in the most recent season. Led by their three All-Stars and high-class rotation players, the Cavaliers remain favourites to win the East next season and possibly book a trip to the NBA finals.