NBA analyst points to Cavs’ defense as lingering concern

The Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference Finals this season, but questions remain about whether they can take the next step toward a championship.

Looking back at his preseason predictions, ESPN’s Zach Kram noted that Cleveland’s defense slipped noticeably during the 2025-26 campaign.

Kram predicted the Cavs would finish with a below-average defense. While they technically finished 15th in defensive rating — barely above league average — he viewed the forecast as largely accurate after the Cavs took a step backward on that end of the floor.

The decline was particularly notable given that Cleveland ranked among the NBA’s better defensive teams throughout Evan Mobley‘s first four seasons.

Looking ahead, Kram suggested defense remains one of the organization’s biggest concerns.

“The Cavaliers face some of the largest team-building questions of any team this offseason,” he wrote.

Kram noted that the Cavs posted a losing playoff record despite reaching the conference finals and struggled defensively throughout the postseason.

He also pointed to the challenge of building an elite defense around a backcourt featuring Donovan Mitchell and James Harden.

The Cavs have repeatedly expressed confidence in their core. But as the offseason begins, improving on the defensive end could be one of the franchise’s top priorities.

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