In terms of season results, the Cleveland Cavaliers have shown steady progression over the past three campaigns.

After reaching the NBA Play-In Tournament in 2022, the Wine and Gold made it to the first round of the NBA Playoffs the following year, and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals this past season.

While Cleveland hired a new head coach in Kenny Atkinson this offseason, the team’s foundation remains the same. The Cavaliers secured contract extensions with four players, three of whom have been mainstay starters for multiple seasons.

With the 2024-25 season on its way next month, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes recently published a list of every NBA team’s biggest X-factor for the long-term future. His pick for Cleveland was forward Evan Mobley, one of the team’s starters who signed a contract extension this offseason.

Hughes explains how Mobley, a premier defender, has developed offensively during his first three seasons, increasing his assists per game total each year and becoming a better true shooter.

This past season, he averaged career-highs in rebounds (9.4), defensive rebounds (7.1), assists (3.2), and three-pointers per game (0.4). He also shot career-bests from the field (58.0%), two-point range (60.4%), three-point range (37.3%), and the free-throw line (71.9%), albeit in 50 contests.

However, Hughes believes that the Cavaliers big man could potentially become an NBA All-Star and give his team increased chances at another title only if he becomes a stronger scorer. The seven-footer has averaged 15.6 points per game over his first three NBA seasons, topping out at 16.2 in 2022-23.

At just 23 years old, Mobley’s best basketball is likely ahead of him. Like the team has recently improved year-to-year, Cleveland fans will look for Mobley to grow individually this season as well.

James R. Van Gorder, Sr.

OBITUARY

James Richard Van Gorder, Sr. “Jim”, age 87, of Willoughby Hills passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH. What a journey! He is with Jesus now. He was born October 1, 1936, in Geneva, OH to the late Franklyn and Mae (nee Pudder) Van Gorder.Jim attended Chagrin Falls where he graduated in 1955. High school years were good to Jim where he played football for four years. Jim served in the US Navy from 1956-1958, traveling the ocean on an aircraft carrier. He worked as a cabinet maker, carpenter and master craftsman most of his life, which he started in high school. He formed company “Van Gorder & Sons Fine Woodworking” in the early 1990s. Jim liked to work in his yard, the Cleveland Browns, and traveling with his wife to see many of the highlights in several states in the USA.Jim will be sadly missed by his wife Marla Mary, of 45 years, as well as his sons Jim, Jr. (Bridget deceased) Jay (Janine), Rob Van Gorder; stepson Ken (Barbie) Uram; daughters Leslie (Bob) Dick, Lisa (Rick) Wilson; and sister Joyce (John) White. As of last count, he had 15 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sister Barbara (Don) Cannon; stepsons Christopher “Chris” and Russell “Rusty” Uram.There will be visitation on Wednesday September 25th at 10 AM and a celebration of life at 11 AM at his church, Christian Assembly, 25595 Chardon Rd, Richmond Hts. OH 44143 , where Pastor Alan and his wife, Mary, Schrader will conduct services.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Christian Assembly.

CLEVELAND, OH — One team trying to build some momentum in the early stages of the regular season is set for a hopefully easy matchup on Sunday, as the Cleveland Browns host the New York Giants.

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New York Giants (0-2) vs. Cleveland Browns (1-1)

• When: Sunday, September 22
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Where: Huntington Bank Field (Cleveland, Ohio)
• Channel: FOX­­
• Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), DirecTV Stream, Sling

After an impressive end to the 2023 season, many had high hopes for the Browns heading into this year. However, a blowout loss at home to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 certainly dampened a lot of people’s expectations. Yet, while the offense was still lackluster last Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland’s defense showed what made them one of the best in the league last year, holding Trevor Lawrence and company at bay and coming away with an 18-13 win. The big glaring issues for the Browns has been Deshaun Watson’s struggles, having just thrown 355 yards over the first two games and one touchdown. If Cleveland wants to be considered a contender in the AFC North, they need to start putting up more points.

Many Giants were just hoping for a better performance from the team after a topsy-turvy season last year. Unfortunately, things have not started well for the team from New Jersey. After getting waxed by the Minnesota Vikings on home turf to start the season, their offense also had problems last week against the Washington Commanders, only putting up 18 points in a 21-18 decision. If things do not right themselves soon, it is looking like another long season for the G-Men.

The Browns are 28-22-2 against the Giants, including winning their last meeting in 2020.

MY PICK: Browns win, 23-10

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