Cavs earn C-minus as early inconsistency draws scrutiny

The Cavaliers have opened the season at 14–11, a solid enough mark for sure.

But solid isn’t what most fans (or the Cavs themselves) are expecting. Or really, anyone around the NBA.

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz is among those who aren’t overly impressed with the start. In grading every team’s first quarter of the season, he gave Cleveland a C-minus and pointed to uneven early play from two key starters.

“Donovan Mitchell has been spectacular, although Evan Mobley has shown zero growth offensively,” Swartz wrote. “Darius Garland looks like a shell of himself coming off toe surgery, and we’re still waiting on the season debut of Max Strus.”

Cleveland entered the year viewed by many as the favorite in the East after finishing with the conference’s best record last season. With several contenders hit hard by injuries, the Cavs had a path to seize early momentum.

Instead, they’ve hovered in the middle statistically — ninth in scoring, 12th in points allowed, and sitting between eighth and 11th across the offensive, defensive and net rating leaderboards.

“For the NBA’s most expensive team and the only one above the second apron, it’s been a disappointing start,” Swartz added, noting that the group’s effort level has fluctuated.

That said, the Cavs still project as an East contender and expect to get healthier as the season moves along.

But if another early exit follows, there will be pressure on the front office to evaluate whether the current core can deliver a deep run.