Cleveland Cavaliers 2035-36 Season Preview
A New Core. A New Direction. All-In.
After last season’s late Play-In surge and the blockbuster offseason trade that sent shockwaves through the CSL, the Cavaliers are back—and they’ve never looked more intriguing. This is a team built to win now, with size, versatility, and an unrelenting commitment to two-way basketball. Let’s break down the roster, player by player.A New Core. A New Direction. All-In.
Romeo Langford (PG/SG)
The longest-tenured Cavalier enters this season as the undisputed engine of the offense. With elite handle (78), high-level finishing (81 scoring), and solid defense (71), Romeo will once again shoulder initiation duties. His development from streaky scorer to reliable lead guard is the glue holding this ambitious roster together.
Vrenz Bleijenbergh (SG/PG)
A 6’11” unicorn who can stroke it from deep (FGJ 76) and pass like a wing (PAS 71), Vrenz gives the Cavs a second ballhandler who thrives off of movement and spacing. Though his defense (55) is suspect, stealing (69), his shooting gravity and height will demand matchups that most guards can’t handle.
Justise Winslow (SF/PF)
The savvy vet and defensive utility knife, Winslow, enters the fold to guard the league’s toughest wings. His offense is limited (41 handle, 60 FGJ), but with strong defense (77 DEF, 73 STLs) and high defensive IQ, he gives the Cavs flexibility to go small—or shut opponents down late in games.
Ben Simmons (SF/PF)
This isn’t rookie-year Simmons anymore—but don’t mistake that for a decline. His playmaking (PAS 71, HDL 70) remains elite. He’s still a switchable defender (75) with positional size (6'11") and good defensive rebounding (DRB 67). The Cavs will use him as a jumbo initiator in second units or as a defensive anchor next to Porter in clutch minutes.
Michael Porter Jr. (SF/PF/C)
The offensive centerpiece. Porter is in his prime and still one of the smoothest scoring forwards in the CSL. With FGJ 76, SCR 89, and enough rebounding (81 DRB) to handle center minutes in small-ball lineups, he’ll be Cleveland’s go-to bucket-getter. Prepare to see Porter at SF, PF, and C getting buckets.
EJ Onu (C)
Possibly the best rebounder in league history. Onu returns as the rim anchor and interior eraser. His offense is still raw (FGJ 44, SCR 57), but his combination of 98 ORB, 99 DRB, and BLK 57 makes him indispensable in any high-leverage defensive lineup. He’s the Cavs’ safety net—and they’ll trust him to clean up every mess.
Christian Braun (SG/SF)
The shooter. After a successful stint on a two-way, Braun earned his way onto the full roster. His FGJ 82 is the highest on the team, and he’ll be used as a floor spacer and off-ball mover in second units. Don’t expect defense—but do expect buckets.
Kyle Kuzma (SG/SF/PF)
Still here. Still versatile. Kuzma remains the Swiss Army knife off the bench, capable of guarding 3 through 4 and filling in wherever needed. His blend of experience and adaptability makes him the ideal 7th man.
Collin Sexton – PG
Back with a vengeance. Sexton remains an electric scoring guard with an edge. He’ll bring firepower and tempo to the second unit and could close games in smaller lineups.
Alan Griffin – SG/SF
A floor spacer with a confident release, Griffin adds value as a 3&D wing who doesn’t need the ball to contribute. His defensive metrics are quietly impressive.
Kevin Huerter – SG/SF
Red Velvet lands in Cleveland as an experienced sharpshooter and underrated passer. He’ll play a key role in staggered lineups and could thrive next to Langford’s drives.
Gabe York – PG/SG
Reliable and unselfish, York has earned trust as a backup facilitator. While undersized, he brings steady decision-making and is a sneaky good catch-and-shoot option.
Christian Braun – SG/SF
A two-way sniper fresh off a two-way contract, Braun’s perimeter shooting is NBA-ready. Cleveland is betting on his upside as a movement shooter and rotation wing.
Derrick Alston Jr. – SF/PF
Alston provides a tall, smooth perimeter threat with size. His development as a transition finisher and rotational defender will dictate his long-term role.
Jordan Hawkins – SG
One of the most electric scorers in the class, Hawkins boasts a lightning-quick release and microwave scoring potential. Could be a situational weapon if he tightens up defensively.
Cole Anthony – PG
A scoring guard with flashes of brilliance, Anthony brings dynamic ball-handling and perimeter aggression. He’ll battle for backup PG minutes behind Langford and Sexton.
On the Fringe / Depth
Ben Lawson – CA rim protector with great length, Lawson gives insurance behind Onu. His limited mobility may cap his ceiling, but he's a dependable emergency big.
Marco Pacarski – PF/C
A Euro big with intriguing skills, Pacarski is an old-school big in theory. If he can defend without fouling, he could carve out a role later in the year.
Season Outlook
Cleveland didn’t just retool—they detonated and reconstructed. This team is long, switchy, and for the first time in years, balanced. Langford runs the show. Porter scores. Simmons sets the tone. And if Onu becomes even a league-average finisher, this roster has no glaring holes.Expect the Cavs to start fast defensively, experiment with jumbo lineups, and shoot enough threes to bury teams. If the chemistry clicks early, they could make serious noise in the East.
Training camp battles to watch:
Will Cleveland start one of their pure PGs and go all attack with Langford, Simmons, Porter on the wings?
Will EJ Onu be a starter or a 6th man of the year candidate?
Even with all this passing can these 3 guys share the rock?
Who is the starting SG?
Projected Record: 49–33
Identity: Physical. Tactical. Hungry.
Player to Watch: Vrenz Bleijenbergh—Could be the X-factor with his rare blend of height and shooting.
