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Cavs owner believes playoffs not far away
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Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert answers questions during a news conference Wednesday at the team’s training facility, in Independence. Gilbert expressed support for his management and coaching staff, optimism for the future —thanks in part to the development of rookie Kyrie Irving — and a belief the Cavaliers could be back in the playoffs as soon as next season.
Dan Gilbert has confidence in young team, veteran coach
Associated Press
INDEPENDENCE
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert pointed to the gold-colored horseshoe pin on his lapel, a not-so-subtle reminder his downtown casino is days from opening.
These are good times for Gilbert, who believes his NBA team isn’t far from a return to glory.
Back to when LeBron James led the Cavs.
Although they’ve won just 40 games the past two seasons — following James’ departure as a free agent — Gilbert feels the Cavaliers, being built around presumptive rookie of the year Kyrie Irving, can return to the playoffs as early as next season.
“I certainly think it’s a possibility we are in the playoffs next year,” he said. “I think we play every year to be in the playoffs regardless of who is on the court. So I don’t think anyone has put any limits on where the team can go in any year.”
Gilbert seems more optimistic than coach Byron Scott, who recently said a return to the playoffs is “is still going to be a long process.”
The Cavs have struggled since James left, but Gilbert believes the team has progressed to the point that the postseason is again possible.
A little luck would help, and Gilbert got some last year when the Cavs won the NBA draft lottery and selected Irving with the top overall pick. The former Duke guard was better than advertised, averaging 18.5 points per game and renewing optimism in Cleveland.
Gilbert’s teenage son, Nick, represented the Cavs at last year’s drawing. Gilbert plans to send him again.
“If he doesn’t get the first pick, he will be grounded all summer,” Gilbert joked. “This is a very important draft for us. We hope to add some key pieces this summer.”
Gilbert was more serious about his confidence in Scott, who has been charged with rebuilding a young team amid two seasons of costly injuries.
“Byron has been great for the franchise,” he said. “He’s the consummate professional in every possible way. He hardly ever gets rattled one way or another. I think he brings stability to the team and the franchise. He brings credibility and we love having Byron Scott here.”
Thanks to Irving and the development of rookie forward Tristan Thompson, Gilbert said it was much easier to watch the Cavs this season than last, when Cleveland won just 19 games.
“This year we had hope for the future with Kyrie and Tristan and a couple of the other players that are coming back,” he said. “Whether it’s this year or in the future, you know you’ve got pieces you are developing so last year was much more difficult. This year you can see the path.”