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2019 Year in Review: Cleveland Cavaliers

May 21, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman (left) formally introduces new head coach John Beilein (right) during a press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

CLEVELAND, OH — One word describes the Cavaliers in 2019: rebuild.

The Cavs are in the middle of what is expected to be a lengthy rebuild. They made some progress, but there's still a long way to go.


The Cavaliers hired John Beilein in May. The longtime collegiate coach signed a 5-year deal. He hopes to build a culture in Cleveland that can bring winning basketball back to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

The Cavs have revolved around LeBron James since he was drafted in 2003. Even when he left in 2010, they lacked a sense of direction. They believe Beilein can build a sustainable culture with the Cavs.

"John is one of the most accomplished and innovative basketball minds and leaders in the entire game," Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman said after Beilein was hired. "He has a unique ability to create an outstanding culture that will promote the development of young players and provide a solid structure to the entire program; not to mention the fact that John Beilein wins everywhere he goes."

The Cavaliers didn't only hire Beilein in 2019. They also committed to Altman, who signed a long-term contract extension in November. He's the first general manager owner Dan Gilbert has signed to an extension.

Altman hopes to continue to build through the draft. He selected Darius Garland with the No. 5 pick, Dylan Windler with the No. 26 pick and Kevin Porter Jr. with the No. 30 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Garland and Porter have both shown flashes of potential this season, despite being 19-years-old. Windler has yet to play with the Cavaliers due to a stress reaction in his left leg. The organization hopes he can return to the court in January.

Altman will be responsible for what's next. Veterans like Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love, Matthew Dellavedova, Brandon Knight, Jordan Clarkson and John Henson could all be dealt before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

Gilbert continues to recover after suffering a stroke in May. The entire Cavaliers team visited him in October at his home in Franklin, Michigan before a preseason game against Detroit. Gilbert has owned the Cavaliers since 2005.

Quote of the Year: "I hope none of my teammates said that because at the end of the day if you're going to build a culture and a family, you can't have that chatty patty sh-- going on. That sh-- is wack to me." — Tristan Thompson  

Moment of the Year: Hiring Beilein has to be the highlight of 2019. No one expected the Cavs to bring in a coach with his experience, even if it is at the collegiate level.

Drafting three young promising players in the first round is a close second. The organization loves what they've seen from Garland, Porter and Windler.

The Cavaliers are hoping to build a solid foundation for the future. No one — not even those within the organization knows if they going to be successful, but one thing is certain — 2020 will be an important year for the Wine and Gold!