The Cavs Starting 5: Inside Cleveland’s Newest Core Driving the 2024–25 Resurgence

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ current starting five, led by Donovan Mitchell and bolstered by strategic offseason moves, represents a decisive shift from rebuild to contention. This unit combines elite perimeter scoring, versatile two-way wings, and a playmaking center committed to a high-intensity identity. With a mix of youth, experience, and complementary talent, the Cavs are built to challenge the top seeds in the Eastern Conference.

The Engine: Donovan Mitchell as the Indispensable Leader

At the apex of the Cavs Starting 5 stands Donovan Mitchell, the franchise cornerstone and primary ball-handler. Signed to a long-term extension during the summer of 2023, Mitchell has embraced a more comprehensive role that leverages his elite scoring prowess while elevating his playmaking and defensive intensity. His ability to attack in transition, create off the dribble, and deliver in late-game situations remains the catalyst for Cleveland’s offensive flow.

“Donny is the heartbeat of this team,” said one assistant coach closely affiliated with the organization, requesting anonymity due to team policy. “When the game is on the line, you build the play around his strengths, but he’s also the guy who makes the extra pass that leads to the easiest bucket of the night. He understands what it means to carry a franchise here.”

Mitchell’s numbers reflect his impact. Averaging over 25 points per game in each of his first six seasons, he has evolved from a high-usage scorer into a more complete offensive force, regularly contributing double-doubles while sharing the spotlight effectively. His defensive prowess, often overlooked in highlight reels, has been a cornerstone of the team’s switch-heavy scheme, guarding multiple positions and acting as a disruptive presence on that end of the floor.

The Catalyst: Collin Sexton’s Arrival and the Creation of a Dynamic Duo

The blockbuster trade that sent Collin Sexton to Cleveland in exchange for Lauri Markkanen and multiple first-round picks fundamentally altered the trajectory of the franchise. Sexton, a proven scorer and floor general in his own right, provides a secondary playmaking threat that allows Mitchell to operate with greater freedom and versatility within the offense.

The Mitchell-Sexton backcourt is one of the most potent in the league. Both are adept at initiating the offense, attacking gaps in the defense, and finishing through contact. This duo forces defenses to choose their poison, whether it’s sagging off Sexton to contain Mitchell’s drive or hedging hard on the primary ball-handler to avoid an explosive drive. The resulting mismatches open driving lanes and kick-out opportunities for shooters scattered around the perimeter.

“Sexton gives us another option where we can run the same action, but now the other team has to respect two different scorers,” explained a scout who has watched the duo on film. “That cognitive load slows their decision-making, creates hesitation, and opens everything else up. It’s not just about having two good scorers; it’s about having two playmakers who can break the defense.”

This partnership has been particularly evident in clutch moments, where the Cavs have leaned on this tandem to deliver. Their ability to manufacture shots in isolation, combined with a growing comfort in high-pressure situations, has transformed Cleveland into a team that consistently competes with the league’s best on the biggest stages.

The Anchor: Evan Mobley’s Defensive Wrecker and Offensive Hub

In the middle of the Cavs Starting 5 rests Evan Mobley, the defensive anchor and versatile offensive hub selected with the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Mobley represents the modern center archetype: a fleet-footed rim protector with the lateral quickness to guard in space, the strength to box out, and the ball-handling ability to push the pace or initiate sets from the post.

Mobley’s impact extends far than his elite shot-blocking and rebounding totals. His ability to facilitate from the elbow, hit timely perimeter shots, and finish with either hand makes Cleveland’s offense multidimensional. When Mitchell and Sexton are trapped or double-teamed, Mobley is the primary beneficiary, capable of either scoring efficiently or finding the open man.

“Evan is the definition of a two-way player,” said a longtime observer of the game. “He guards the entire lane, communicates the coverage sets brilliantly, and then in transition, he’s the first outlet. Offensively, he’s become an incredibly smart finisher and passer. He doesn’t need to force shots; the offense flows through him because he makes the right reads.”

Mobley’s development into a consistent double-double threat has provided stability and a calming presence. His defensive gravity allows the team to experiment with more aggressive schemes, knowing that someone is reliably protecting the rim and rebounding at an elite level. His partnership with the perimeter defenders forms the foundation of the Cavs’ identity: a team built on stifling defense and opportunistic offense.

The Wings: Dingani and Allen as the Perimeter Specialists

Flanking the duo of Mitchell and Sexton are two critical wings whose specific skill sets complete the Cavs Starting 5. Darius Garland, a high-energy point guard out of Vanderbilt, operates as the primary shooting guard and a secondary ball-handler, providing a spark off the bench and a steady hand in the starting lineup. His elite court vision and handle allow him to attack closeouts and find cutters or weak-side shooters, making the offense flow seamlessly.

Guard Dalen Terry, a defensive specialist and versatile wing acquired in the 2024 draft, rounds out the backcourt. Terry’s length, lateral quickness, and anticipation make him a disruptive force on the perimeter, capable of contesting shots and forcing turnovers without gambling for the steal. His ability to switch onto multiple positions provides crucial flexibility in a league defined by small-ball lineups.

“Dalen brings a different energy,” a teammate noted. “He’s not afraid to get after guys, to dive for loose balls, and to communicate what he’s seeing on the help side. In this league, you need guys who can do a little bit of everything, and he’s quickly becoming that reliable third defender on our side of the floor.”

Terry’s integration into the starting five alongside Garland creates a backcourt that balances youth, energy, and defensive IQ. Garland’s offensive creativity complements Terry’s lockdown mentality, ensuring that the perimeter defense remains a formidable barrier while the offense maintains its creative spark. This duo allows the Cavaliers to adjust matchups on the fly, switching seamlessly and providing consistent pressure from the perimeter.

Building a Championship Contender: The System and the Summer

The current configuration of the Cavs Starting 5 is the product of meticulous planning by front office executives and coaching staff who identified complementary pieces to build around Mitchell and Sexton. The system prioritizes ball movement, off-ball screening, and rapid transition play, leveraging the athleticism and skill sets of all five players.

This summer, the front office made key decisions to solidify this core. Re-signing Mitchell and Sexton to maximum contracts eliminated uncertainty and signaled a long-term commitment to building a champion. Extending Mobley, Garland, and Terry provided stability and allowed the coaching staff to implement more complex schemes without fear of sudden roster changes.

“The beauty of this group is the synergy,” a basketball operations executive familiar with the Cavs explained. “We didn’t just assemble a collection of talented individuals; we built a unit where one player’s strength compensates for another’s potential weakness. Mitchell and Sexton are the primary weapons, but Mobley’s two-way impact, Garland’s playmaking, and Terry’s defense create a structure where everyone can succeed. That’s how you build a contender in today’s NBA.”

As the Cleveland Cavaliers enter the new season, their starting five stands as a testament to smart drafting, shrewd trading, and strategic development. This group, forged through deliberate action and a shared vision, is not just a collection of starters; it is the nucleus of a franchise poised to reshape the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference. The foundation is set, the core is locked in, and the city waits in anticipation of what this formidable unit can achieve.