The Cleveland Cavaliers have been attacked all season long, something that isn't atypical for a team who's been so historically dominant.
Even though they're dangerously close to breaking the franchise record for wins in a season, they haven't gotten the national respect because of the devastating loss they suffered in the playoffs last year to the Boston Celtics.
Now, fans and figures in the media are just waiting for the other shoe to drop with this team, considering the regular season a fluke.
Many people far and wide have taken shots at the Cavs this season, but one player's statements in particular have been making headlines as of late.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and guard Darius Garland (10) celebrate after Mitchell made a three point basket during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Patrick Beverly has become one of the most controversial members of sports media in recent years.
While he was still playing in the NBA, he started his own podcast where he discusses all aspects of basketball, and he recently discussed Cleveland and their playoff outlook.
The former All-Defensive Team guard was shockingly blunt in saying that "No one is afraid of [The Cavaliers]."
He then went on to put all the pressure on All-Star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, saying if they don't lead the way then the team has no chance.
While it's hard to say Beverly is wrong because of the dismissal Cleveland has faced this season, they're the exact type of group you don't want to face come playoff time.
They're reminiscent of Boston in the sense that they don't have a true, full-blooded superstar, but the ancillary pieces are nearly too good to fail.
This was clear last year during the Celtics championship run when Jayson Tatum wasn't always playing his best.
Guys like Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday all stepped up to support their MVP candidate when he needed a boost.
The same can be said for Cleveland, with pretty much everyone in the starting lineup being the catalyst of multiple wins.
This is self-explanatory for Mitchell, Garland, and Evan Mobley but center Jarrett Allen can break entire games when he is dominant down low.
Then when you combine that with some of the firepower off the bench like DeAndre Hunter and Ty Jerome, the team is guaranteed to be a headache for anyone that faces them in the playoffs.
To be fair, Beverly went on to list some requirements for Cleveland to be successful in the playoffs.
He stressed the importance of Mitchell and Garland being locked in defensively, explaining that if they're not, "they're gonna lose.'
With about three weeks until the NBA Playoffs open, Cleveland has been getting back on track after a rough four-game losing streak.
But they will need an incredibly deep playoff run to stave off the legion of regular season detractors.
Related: Cavs Send Bold Message to Evan Mobley After Performance Against Portland
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This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 8:40 AM.