The Ultimate NBA Cheat Sheet – Mid-Season

Hey, I have spent the past week or two compiling this massive summary of each team’s season so far. I hope that y’all find this useful. Each team has all their basic stats, a paragraph written about their 3 best players, some lineup data, their strengths and weaknesses, a rank of how fun the team is to watch, as well as how important their season is (which probably should be viewed as their need to win urgency instead), some potential trades, and a summary.

​

**Cleveland Cavaliers (CLE)**

**The Basics:**

Current Win-Loss: 29-16

Last 10: 9-1

Record Against top ten teams: 5-8

Preseason Expected Wins: 49.5

Current Pace: 53-29

Power Ranking Tier: Second Round “Locks” (B)

**Team play:**

Offensive Rating: 115.6 (15th)

Defensive Rating: 111.0 (3rd)

Net Rating: 4.5 (7th)

Pace: 98.7 (20th)

Best lineups: With at least ⅓ time as (the most played one(Most played will be in parentheses))

3: D. Mitchell – J. Allen – D. Wade

(3): D. Mitchell – J. Allen – M. Strus

Net Rating: 19.8

(Net Rating): 12.5

Minutes played(654): 366

4: D. Mitchell – J. Allen – M. Strus – D. Wade

(4): D. Mitchell – J. Allen – M. Strus – I. Okoro

Net Rating: 23.1

(Net Rating): 11.8

Minutes Played(330): 300

5: D. Mitchell – J. Allen – M. Strus – D. Wade – I. Okoro

(5): D. Mitchell – J. Allen – M. Strus – D. Wade – I. Okoro

Net Rating: 18.9

(Net Rating): 18.9

Minutes Played(215): 215

**Three best players:**

Donovan Mitchell:

28 Points/ 6 Rebounds/ 6 Assists/ 3 Turnovers/ 2 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 55.3% 3pt%: 34.8% Ft%: 86.0%

Donovan Mitchell’s season with the Cleveland Cavaliers has been a masterclass in offensive leadership and a significant step up in defensive performance. As a primary scoring threat, Mitchell consistently demonstrates his ability to dissect defenses with his penetrative drives and midrange accuracy, exemplifying his scoring versatility. His efficiency at the rim, paired with a solid three-point shooting ability, especially in pull-up scenarios, marks him as a constant offensive threat. Additionally, his improved catch-and-shoot percentages highlight his adaptability and growth as a shooter. Beyond scoring, Mitchell’s playmaking has been pivotal; his ability to balance scoring with creating opportunities for teammates is reflected in his high assists count. Defensively, this season has seen Mitchell embrace a newfound intensity, particularly in on-ball situations. Playing as a point guard has allowed him to utilize his frame and wingspan more effectively, resulting in his best defensive performance since his rookie year. This enhanced defensive engagement, combined with his offensive prowess, underscores Mitchell’s evolution into a more complete player, integral to the Cavaliers’ aspirations and success.

Darius Garland:

21 Points/ 3 Rebounds/ 6 Assists/ 4 Turnovers/ 2 Steals/ 0 Blocks 2pt%: 53.8% 3pt%: 34.5% Ft%: 84.0%

Darius Garland’s current season with the Cleveland Cavaliers reveals a nuanced tapestry of high-octane offensive prowess tinged with challenges reflective of a player navigating a complex phase. Garland, known for his scoring acuity and exceptional playmaking, has experienced a slight ebb in his typically stellar efficiency, adjusting to the contours of a league average shooter after a history of surpassing such benchmarks. His capacity to weave through defenses and set up scoring avenues remains evident, yet it’s accompanied by a heightened turnover rate, signaling a season where his usually meticulous ball control has faced hurdles. While his playmaking abilities continue to shine, the transition from an otherworldly facilitator to a commendably good one marks this season as a period of recalibration. Defensively, Garland’s earnest endeavors persist, though the impact is notably constrained, accentuating the offensive-centric nature of his contributions. In this intricate season, Garland’s journey is characterized by the delicate balance between leveraging his innate talent and navigating the intricacies of evolving efficiency and ball security, painting a portrait of a dynamic guard in the midst of a pivotal career chapter. However the team’s 16-7 record without him is alarming to say the least.

Jarrett Allen:

15 Points/ 11 Rebounds/ 3 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 65.3% 3pt%: 00.0% Ft%: 75.3%

While a healthy Mobley would have been in this spot Allen has played his role exceptionally and is in basically all the positive lineups the Cavs have trotted out. Jarrett Allen’s role with the Cleveland Cavaliers cements him as a pivotal defensive anchor and an efficient scorer in the paint. His exceptional presence at the rim, both offensively and defensively, establishes him as a cornerstone for the Cavaliers. Offensively, Allen capitalizes on his athletic prowess and keen sense of timing, efficiently converting close-range opportunities and making impactful plays without needing the ball in his hands. His high shooting percentage in the paint is a testament to his smart shot selection and ability to finish strong around the basket. While not a shooting threat at all, Allen’s contributions extend beyond scoring; his proficiency in screen setting, rolling to the basket, and grabbing offensive rebounds opens up the floor for his teammates. Defensively, Allen’s impact is profound. He excels at protecting the rim, challenging shots with his length and timing, and his agility allows him to effectively defend in pick-and-roll situations on the perimeter. Despite his limited shooting range, Allen’s ability to influence the game through his defensive prowess, rebounding, and efficient scoring around the rim underlines his significance in the Cavaliers’ strategy, making him an indispensable figure in their pursuit of success.

Strengths:

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ season reflects a meticulously orchestrated symphony of defensive brilliance and calculated offensive execution. With a commendable rank in defensive rating, the Cavaliers have constructed a fortress around their basket, underscoring their prowess in rim protection and effectively managing the pick-and-roll on the perimeter. This defensive solidity is the bedrock of their strategy, setting the stage for a game style that emphasizes control and precision. Offensively, the Cavaliers display a harmonious balance of scoring and playmaking, with a notable proficiency in driving to the rim, reflecting in their remarkable field goal percentage in close. The synergy between Jarrett Allen’s dominant inside presence and the backcourt’s orchestration creates an offense that, while not overly flamboyant, is efficient and potent. The Cavaliers’ ability to transition seamlessly from staunch defense to calculated offense characterizes their gameplay, presenting a team that excels in maintaining composure and exploiting scoring opportunities with a disciplined approach. As they continue to leverage their defensive acumen and refine their offensive cohesion, the Cavaliers epitomize a team that has embraced its identity, poised to navigate the season with a blend of tactical defense and strategic scoring.

Weaknesses:

Despite their formidable defensive prowess and efficient scoring strategy, the Cleveland Cavaliers navigate through areas of vulnerability that temper their overall dynamism. The team’s offensive execution, while proficient in certain aspects, faces challenges in maintaining a consistent rhythm, especially in half-court plays and three-point shooting. The absence of a deep-range threat marginally constricts their offensive spacing, occasionally making their play predictable and reliant on their ability to finish at the rim. This reliance, coupled with a middle-tier offensive rating, underscores a need for enhanced versatility and creativity in their scoring playbook. Defensively, the Cavaliers stand tall; however, their pace in transitioning from defense to offense suggests potential for increased fluidity and speed, ensuring that their defensive stops translate into offensive momentum more effectively. Furthermore, their propensity for turnovers indicates a need for tighter ball-handling and decision-making to fully capitalize on their offensive possessions. To ascend to their full potential, the Cavaliers must address these nuances, injecting diversity into their offensive sets, tightening their playmaking, and harnessing a more dynamic transition pace. Embracing these adjustments could fortify their path to becoming not just a defensively formidable team but a well-rounded contender with a harmonious blend of strategic defense and evolved offense.

Fun rating 3/6:

Donovan Mitchell consistently delivers captivating performances, and Max Struss effortlessly nails deep threes, adding excitement to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ gameplay. With the impending return of Mobley and Garland, the team’s watchability is solidly mid-tier. The slower pace and gritty defense, signature elements of their playstyle, slightly impact their entertainment rating. However, the primary factor is the relative decrease in excitement compared to the previous season, making this team’s games more appealing to those who appreciate strategic, defensive basketball.

**The Future:**

Importance of season 4/5:

The Cleveland Cavaliers, with a touch of financial leeway, a strong young core, and the brilliance of Donovan Mitchell, stand at a promising yet uncertain crossroads. Persistent trade rumors swirl around Mitchell, despite the team’s efforts to dispel them, underscoring the fragility of their future. A key concern is their bench depth and limited draft capital, which could hinder their capacity to build a robust, contending roster. The development of Evan Mobley is pivotal; his timely emergence is crucial to avoid the constraints of luxury tax challenges. While the future isn’t set in stone, the Cavaliers’ foundational strength, including a rising talent in Mobley and the star power of Mitchell, offers hope. With strategic moves and focused development, this team has the potential to sustain contention in the coming years.

Potential trades:

Trade for a 3&D Wing: Trade for either Dorian Finney-Smith or Royce O’Neale. This trade would require something like Isaac Okoro Ty Jerome and probably another player for salary filler. Along with 1-3 2nd Rounders. It is no secret that the weakest part of the Cavs lineup has been their SF positon. With all-star level players at all other positions.

Upcoming Draft situation: 1 1st Rounder their own

Projected Tax Space: 15.4 Million

**TLDR:**

Summary:

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ season is a testament to their robust defensive structure and methodical offensive approach, anchored by the stellar performances of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen. Ranking impressively in defensive metrics, the Cavaliers have established themselves as a bastion of rim protection, seamlessly managing pick-and-roll situations and exhibiting commendable control and precision in their gameplay. Offensively, while proficient in key areas, the team grapples with maintaining a consistent rhythm and faces limitations in long-range shooting, suggesting room for diversified strategies and enhanced creativity in their scoring playbook. With a foundational strength rooted in a strong young core and the star power of Mitchell, the Cavaliers’ future, though not without its uncertainties, holds promise. The team’s strategic focus, particularly in addressing depth concerns, enhancing offensive versatility, and ensuring Mobley’s development, will be pivotal in shaping their trajectory and fortifying their status as a formidable contender.

​

**Project Notes:**

This was a fair amount of work I ended up writing around 50,000 words and if you would like to support ongoing updates for this project you can do so here

[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark)

Also, there is a mega compilation on my substack, with a bit of an explainer about why I chose to make this

[https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm\_campaign=post&utm\_medium=web](https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)

**The future of this project:**

The goal for the next update will be right after the trade deadline, I will summarize the outlook for each, and refresh the stats, upcoming draft capital, and lineup data for the team

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles

This project also originally included storylines/notable events, random interesting stats, and various memes surrounding each team. The next update of this will hopefully include all of those. However, if I could get various suggestions for each of the categories from fans of different teams that would be a major help

**What I am looking for**

**Storylines/notable events:** A storyline/notable event should be something interesting that would otherwise forgotten when looking at this team’s particular NBA season

A storyline last year for the Hawks could’ve been John Collin’s eternal trade discussions

A notable event for the Raptors last year could’ve been Fred Van Fleet’s epic rant against Ben Taylor

A storyline/notable event for the Lakers last year could’ve been the animosity between Westbrook and Lebron, such as ignoring each other at the summer league.

**Random interesting stats:** These are just interesting stats going on for the team or particular player. They can be for the season as a whole or just a stretch

A good example of one was the Warrior’s home versus road performance last year

Another one is how Embiid is averaging more points than minutes played this year

**Memes:** These are just funny things to have happen for a particular team

Mike Brown bringing a laptop to a press conference

Pat Bev showing the Ref the camera

**Long long term goals:**

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles them interesting. But that would require a lot of film breakdown.

by DeficientFooting