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Cavs: Best case scenario for team is 8th seed says ESPN

By Chad Porto

INDEPENDENCE, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: Collin Sexton #2 Darius Garland #10 and Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 30, 2019 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: Collin Sexton #2 Darius Garland #10 and Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 30, 2019 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking at a long way back to the top and if ESPN is right, 2020-2021 isn’t going to be the year they reign.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking at a long road back if ESPN is to be trusted. In a recent write-up, Eric Woodyard estimates that a good year for the Cavs during the 2020-2021 season will include a shot at the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. While an improvement over the last two years, that’s not a great thing to hear. Especially with what Cavs fans have been used to for some time now.

Still, the playoffs are still a great step up from where they’ve been, but to get there, Woodyard believes that the Cavs will need to hit on their 2020 draft pick, which currently has them sitting at #5 in the Draft.

Here’s what Woodyard had to say.

"After back-to-back 19-win seasons in the post-LeBron James era, contending for a playoff spot would be a huge success for the Cavs.Cleveland must hit on its No. 5 pick in the upcoming draft to help a roster with plenty of holes. A full season under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, hired full time in March after John Beilein agreed to part ways 54 games into his first season, would establish stability for young guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, with added leadership from All-Star veterans Andre Drummond and Kevin Love.Ideally, the Cavs fight all season to hover around .500 and contend for the No. 8 seed in the East."

The worst-case scenario is just more of the same. Sub-20 win team, and all that jazz. For the Cavs to compete, Woodyard is right, they’re going to need to hit on that Top-5 pick. Deni Avdija and Obi Toppin are likely to land there, assuming someone doesn’t trade up or the projected draft order doesn’t get completely screwed up.

Beyond that, they’re probably going to pursue a mid-level free agent and if they can land a vet on an affordable deal while swinging a trade as well, this team could be in line to really make a push for the playoffs beyond just an eight seed.

Next. Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 What If’s that could’ve redefined LeBron Jame’s first stint. dark

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