The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the season with high expectations after establishing themselves as one of the most balanced teams in the league last year. Instead, they have struggled to find consistency, leading to growing frustration both inside and outside the organization. Reports of owner Dan Gilbert being unhappy with the team’s performance reflect just how far the Cavs have fallen from last season’s standard. While injuries have certainly played a role in disrupting rhythm and continuity, they do not fully explain the drop-off. What has been most alarming is how different this team looks compared to the disciplined, reliable group that thrived a year ago.
Injuries to key players have forced Cleveland into constant lineup changes, making it difficult to build chemistry or establish defined roles. Players who were once comfortable in their roles have been asked to take on more, often in unfamiliar situations. This instability has shown up on both ends of the floor, where communication breakdowns and missed assignments have become common. Last season, the Cavs were known for their defensive identity, protecting the paint and rotating with purpose. This year, that defensive consistency has largely disappeared, leaving the team vulnerable and reactive instead of in control.
Offensively, the Cavaliers have also taken a step backward, especially in ball movement and balance. Too often, possessions stall into isolation plays, with the team relying heavily on Donovan Mitchell to create something out of nothing. While Mitchell is more than capable of carrying an offense on any given night, asking him to do so every game is neither sustainable nor effective. When his shot is not falling or defenses load up on him, the Cavs struggle to generate quality looks elsewhere. This overreliance has made the offense predictable and easier to defend, a stark contrast to the fluid attack they displayed last season.
The inconsistency on both ends of the court has resulted in frustrating losses, including games against teams the Cavaliers would have handled comfortably a year ago. Defensive lapses lead to offensive pressure, and offensive droughts make defensive mistakes feel even more costly. Instead of dictating pace and imposing its will, Cleveland often finds itself scrambling to recover from self-inflicted issues. These problems suggest not just execution flaws, but an identity crisis. The team that once thrived on cohesion and balance now feels overly dependent on individual brilliance.
Ultimately, the Cavaliers’ struggles stem from a combination of injuries, inconsistent defense and offense, and an unsustainable reliance on Donovan Mitchell. While health may eventually improve, effort, structure, and accountability must follow if Cleveland hopes to turn things around. The talent is still there, but talent alone is not enough in a competitive Eastern Conference. For the Cavs to regain their footing, they must rediscover the collective approach that defined last season’s success. Until then, the gap between expectations and reality will continue to fuel frustration throughout the organization.
