The champagne stains have barely faded at Cavs headquarters, and confetti still flecks the street outside of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Cleveland is still recovering from its Donovan Mitchell Extension Parade. But nine days after Mitchell agreed to his three-year, $150 million contract, Cavs fans are already tapping their feet, waiting for president of basketball operations Koby Altman to satisfy their roster angst.
Where’s the wing upgrade? Why hasn’t Cleveland added more shooting? When is Altman going to announce the big offseason addition?
Newsflash: He already has. Altman’s biggest move of this summer is among the most important in franchise history. It changes the Cavs’ trajectory for at least the next three seasons, if not longer. And in one reporter’s opinion, it has already earned him an “A+” grade for the 2024 offseason.
Don’t you see? Signing Mitchell was the best move at hand, the biggest swing within Cleveland’s reach, the best barometer for Altman’s success or failure. Mitchell’s commitment might seem predetermined now that Cleveland has it, which might cause fans to forget the anxiety his decision caused them before last week. But the risk of losing Mitchell was real, and the success of retaining him should earn Altman more time and trust from fans.
To be clear: This is no call to rest on laurels or assume Cleveland’s roster is complete. The Cavs could use another wing and/or shooter, the core four’s fit does deserve scrutiny despite last season’s playoff series win (especially if trading a member means yielding another, better-fitting All-Star). And while Mitchell’s commitment should bring fans peace of mind, the Cavs shouldn’t assume their star’s decision is final, particularly in the nomadic NBA.
In fact, the more prime years that Mitchell entrusts to Cleveland, the more pressure Altman should feel to build a championship roster. And the more you stare at Darius Garland’s playoff numbers or Cleveland’s offensive rating with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen on the court, the less confident you might feel that this core is contention-ready. But in landing Mitchell’s signature, Altman earned more time to evaluate this roster.
Not forever, not five years, and not even the three that Mitchell signed for. If Cleveland is still stuck in the second round this time next season, it should consider − or have already considered − a significant change.
But nine days after a seismic move in franchise history is too early to expect the next one. The ink has barely dried on Mitchell’s contract, and Cleveland is still recovering from the champagne-soaked confetti party that followed. Altman and the Cavs deserved to celebrate this move, and they deserve more wiggle room this offseason from a fanbase quick to wiggle its anxious feet.
Cleveland’s two-way wing can − and at this point in the offseason, may have to − wait. Its shooter can be signed to a minimum or added midseason. And the Cavs’ big addition has already been announced.
Newsflash: The Cavs won their offseason last week, even if their fanbase is already anticipating the next victory parade.
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