Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert aiming for playoffs return next season – NBA Update
The Cleveland Cavaliers had another below par season in the NBA for 2011 – 2012 where the young team showed some potential but ultimately fell short of mounting a serious playoffs challenge. That though has not deterred Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, who is determined to break into the playoffs 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."
The Cavaliers have a young core of a team led by Rookie of the Year contender Kyrie Irving as well as veteran forward Antawn Jamison. Many pundits believe that the side is not yet mature enough or deep enough to challenge for a playoffs spot.
Gilbert though believes that with his young star growing next season, and with more improvements in the team, Cavaliers could have a shot. He is also looking forward to the NBA Draft for 2012, which is projected to be one of the deepest in a while.
The Cavaliers of course landed the first pick last time around, and Gilbert is hopeful they can pick up a decent enough players this time as well.
Still, getting back in the playoffs will be a challenge for the team that completely collapsed with the departure of LeBron James in 2010. The Cavaliers went from being one of the best teams in the NBA to one of the worst when James left as a free agent, and haven’t recovered yet.
James hinted during the season that he could be interested in playing for his hometown team again. Gilbert, who had a very public falling out with the super star, didn’t want to be drawn too much on that, although he did say he wasn’t surprised.
"Nothing in the NBA surprises me," he said. "Honestly, nothing that happens."
The owner also gave his backing to coach Byron Scott, who has guided the young team well in the last season, hinting that Byron could feature on the sidelines for the Cavaliers for a few years yet.
"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."
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