For Cavs, No. 4 seed may offer best playoff path

This is year four of the Donovan Mitchell era. The Cavs haven’t been past the second round.

So they went and got James Harden. That told you everything.

Cleveland didn’t trade for Harden to “see what happens.” They did it to push the timeline. Right now. In a wide-open East. And if there’s ever been a year for it, this is it.

But here’s the deal: The Cavs haven’t just fallen short. They’ve run into problems. Knicks. Pacers. Celtics. All bad draws, all at the wrong time.

This year? The path might finally cooperate. Hey, you never know.

If the Cavs (42-27) hold the four seed, there’s a scenario that lines up nicely. First round against Orlando. Second round against Detroit. On paper, that’s about as good as it gets.

The Magic are tough, physical, well-coached. But they don’t have the Cavs’ depth or scoring punch — especially if Orlando isn’t fully healthy. You take that matchup.

Then comes the Pistons. A great story. A real team. But still largely unproven in a playoff setting.

And that’s where Harden comes in. He gives the Cavs size in the backcourt, more playoff experience, more control in halfcourt sets. That matters when games slow down.

The Pistons rely heavily on Cade Cunningham. Slow him, and the questions start. Who else creates? Who else scores late? The Cavs have answers. Mitchell. Harden. Evan Mobley. Jarrett Allen.

None of this guarantees anything. Nothing does in the playoffs.

But for once, the Cavs aren’t just chasing it. They might actually be lining it up.

More Cavaliers

• Dribbles: Cavs rise at right time, take down feisty Bucks
• NBA trade proposal sends Giannis to Cavs
• Cavs’ Allen to miss road trip with knee issue