3 Reasons Cleveland Cavaliers Can Finish as No. 1 Seed in Eastern Conference

Though it took until late August, the Cleveland Cavaliers offseason can finally be categorized as a success. They were able to land the guys they wanted, while bringing the stars back. James Harden is in the fold for the next couple of seasons while Peyton Watson instantly signed a four-year deal upon joining the squad.

They are under the aprons, an issue that had been threatening to tear the roster apart just a year ago. Koby Altman absolutely deserves his kudos for digging the team out of that situation, while somehow also still improving the roster.

Here are three reasons that the Cavs can finish the regular season atop the East.

They Solidified The Ideal Starting Five

Bringing Peyton Watson into the fold was exactly what this franchise needed. The 6’8 forward brings a level of athleticism not seen here since LeBron James was in the midst of his second tenure. The ability to both protect the rim as a forward and also shoot the three-ball above 40%. This is a player who once averaged three points per game as a college freshman, that has come a long way.

He will fit perfectly in with two playmaking and scoring guards in Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, while spacing the floor for Jarrett Allen to go to work inside. Evan Mobley can get his from the 3PT line and in, so having Watson spraying out will be a little more effective than when it was Dean Wade.

When Max Strus was here and starting, the team was a fair bit undersized. They got longer at the position where they most needed length. This is the perfect starting five.

Strong Bench Play

Coming into the year, the Cavs were already boasting Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill. Each were sensational in the regular season last year, and bring a lot to the table. Between hard-nosed play, taking charges, and hitting 40%+ from 3PT, there isn’t much lacking.

Adding in Mario Hezonja provides more athleticism on the wing too, and another player you can give the ball to for a quick basket. He just dropped 37 points (and the game-winner) for Croatia in a FIBA qualifier against Turkey yesterday and is looking ready to go.

Mario Hezonja today for Croatia

37 pts ✅
Game-winner ✅

Crushing it for his country before Cavs debut. Reminiscent of pre 2021-22 Ricky Rubio. pic.twitter.com/UUrrajSuK7
— Across The Cavs (@AcrossCavs) August 21, 2026

There is one roster spot left to fill, and as that finishes up, there will be one open roster spot after Cam Whitmore is moved. Whoever comes in may well join with nightly minutes. Even if not, the competition for minutes between Tyrese Proctor and Meleek Thomas will enable the best man to emerge, and inspire even more ferocious play.

Team Chemistry and Camaraderie

If you want to be the best team in the conference over 82 games, team chemistry has to be high. There is no debate that the vibes aren’t amazing in Cleveland right now. You had James Harden recruiting Peyton Watson, while his own deal wasn’t even finalized yet.

A number of Cavs players attended Donovan Mitchell’s wedding a few weeks ago, too.

The Cavs team attended Donovan Mitchell’s wedding today…

No sign of Darius Garland 🥲

(h/t @WeAreCavsNation) pic.twitter.com/Ft6STZWVqi
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) August 2, 2026

There have been summer workouts going on amongst the individuals who then link up and play together. The way 2025-26 ended with the ECF sweep against the Knicks is in the rearview. There is no hangover from that. It’s on to the next game, the next season.

The camaraderie of this Cavs team exceptional, and it will be on display. The final reason that they can be the top seed heading into the postseason.

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