NBA Media Day is a chance for every team to set its narrative before the start of a new season. But it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the past. Everyone knew the Cleveland Cavaliers would have to answer
questions regarding their recent playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers. That might be why everyone had a similar answer.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Monday was how often the Cavaliers talked about conditioning. Multiple players mentioned it when asked about their offseason and what they learned from their loss in the postseason.
“A big focus so far has been our conditioning level,” said Sam Merrill. “Winning in the playoffs is so about winning on the margins. Sometimes you just have to get a rebound, or get the ball in.”
Last year’s Pacers were a shining example of how far the intangibles can take you. Simply playing harder than everyone else was a core reason they made it to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Of course, many factors contributed to Indiana’s success — but being faster and more conditioned than everyone else was a non-negotiable.
“Building our bodies so that we’re able to last through the whole season,” said Evan Mobley. “Because the season is so long, and grueling, and also knowing when to turn it up and turn it down. I think this team has done their research, and it’s a great team, and they built a program for us.”
The importance of staying healthy through the season is something they don’t need to be reminded of. They’ve been bitten by untimely injury bugs in consecutive seasons. That’s one reason they have focused so much on building their bodies this summer.
“Working on conditioning and cardio,” said Darius Garland. “It’s important for all of us to get that work in.”
The Cavs stressed the value of working together this offseason. They have committed themselves to building towards a common goal.
“The motivation, you see it in every player, every workout,” said Dean Wade. “Guys are hungry… you get on the court and it’s all business.”
Plenty of teams wait until training camp to officially begin working out together. But this Cavs squad has been in the gym ahead of schedule.
“Being here a few weeks before training camp has been really huge,” said De’Andre Hunter on working with Kenny Atkinson this summer. “Building that relationship with Kenny, just picking each other’s brains on what I can do and where I can fit in… it’s been a collaborative thing.”
Conditioning is about more than just running laps. The Cavs are a team that has repeatedly hit a wall in the playoffs. Clearing that mental hurdle is just as important as being physically in shape.
“I think there’s a mental push,” said Donovan Mitchell. “We’ve run into the same wall three times in a row, and mentally you could stop and quit… and so [the question is] are we ready to continue pushing forward? I believe we are.”
Staying motivated could be especially difficult for a team that won 64 games in the regular season last year — only for it to mean nothing in the playoffs. The Cavs understand that there isn’t anything left to gain from the regular season. At this point, nothing matters but the postseason.
“The biggest thing is just understanding that we have to keep going,” said Mitchell. “That’s really all I got, we just gotta keep going and see what the season brings.”
Cleveland won’t have an opportunity to redeem itself until the playoffs begin. Until then, all they can do is put their shortcomings in the past and strive to be better.
“The NBA, it’s a long season,” said Jarrett Allen. “If you stop and sulk for too long, you’re going to get left behind.”
