Open Thread: These Cavaliers could be the best incarnation the franchise has ever had

Hard to imagined “the greatest” wouldn’t involve LeBron James

As I write this, it is halftime of Game 4. The Cavaliers have 72 points compared to the Miami Heat’s 33.

One could argue that Miami was the tenth seed and pulled the worst luck for any team entering the playoffs facing the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Although the Cavs had the best record in the East, many pundits don’t think they can overcome the world champion Boston Celtics this year.

It’s quite possible this incarnation of the Cavaliers is better than any thus far; including the stints with LeBron James, arguably the best player to ever don a Cleveland jersey.

For one, the best record the Cavaliers ever had was 66-16 back in 2009. That’s two better than the 2025 Cavaliers ended this season. But the 2009 Cavaliers got knocked out of the postseason in Eastern Conference Finals by the Orlando Magic, nullifying their best franchise record.

In 2016, the only time the Cavaliers won an NBA title, their record was 57-25. It was still the best in the Eastern Conference, but remember back there were major talent disparities between the East and West.

The current Cavaliers roster boasts an amazing array of talent. Seven players are averaging double-digit scoring including De’Andre Hunter, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LaVert. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland average over 20 apiece. The team is first in the NBA in points per game.

The Cavs were also first in the league for offensive rating and second overall for net rating at +9.5.

Evan Mobley was just named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. The team’s defensive rating was eighth overall.

There are six active players shooting over 40% from beyond the arc with Ty Jerome leading with 43.9%.

They are quite possible the most well-rounded team in the NBA right now. And in comparison to LeBron James’ second stint with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love as the Big 3, just two other players averaged double-figured scoring, and only Matthew Dellavedova and J. R. Smith shot at 40% or better from downtown.

Great, but not historic.

This Cavaliers team is sending a message.

The 45-point win last night just wasn’t for the Miami Heat. It is for anyone standing in their path as they push their way toward the 2025 NBA Finals.

And an NBA title is the only piece of the puzzle needed to make them the best team in franchise history.

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