** Cavaliers Aim for NBA Finals Glory, Says Koby Altman

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Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations, Koby Altman, made it abundantly clear that the team’s aspirations for the upcoming season revolve around one primary goal: reaching the NBA Finals. After an impressive 64-18 record last season and securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Cavs faced disappointment with a second-round playoff exit, courtesy of the Indiana Pacers, who eventually clinched the Eastern crown.

In a recent interview during the Summer League, Altman reflected on the challenges that come with high expectations. “It’s tough the way we ended,” he admitted to NBA TV while speaking with former player Channing Frye and host Jared Greenberg. “There are a lot of expectations this year. For four straight years, we had expectations of the Finals. That’s a different space to live in. We’re excited to live in that space now.”

Despite the sting of last season’s early playoff exit, the Cavaliers are gearing up to build on their strengths. The roster will see continuity, with key contributors returning, alongside some fresh faces. Notable additions include guard Lonzo Ball and forward Larry Nance Jr., both of whom are expected to enhance the team’s performance on both ends of the court. However, the organization did part ways with Isaac Okoro, who has moved to Chicago, and Ty Jerome, who signed with Memphis, as reported by hoopswire.com.

Altman, who has been part of the Cavaliers’ front office since 2012 and took over basketball operations in 2017, has cultivated a reputation for being a steady and strategic leader. At just 42 years old, he is not only the longest-serving basketball executive under owner Dan Gilbert but also the second-longest in franchise history, trailing only the legendary Wayne Embry.

The Cavaliers’ management is aware of the heightened pressure that comes with being a top team in the conference. The franchise has been in a position of expectation for several years now, and Altman is embracing that challenge. The balance of continuity and new talent may be crucial for the Cavaliers as they aim to transform regular-season success into playoff victories.

The upcoming season will test the Cavaliers’ resolve and skill as they strive to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs and contend for the championship. With a mix of returning talent and new additions, fans have ample reason to be optimistic about Cleveland’s prospects in the 2025 season.

As the Cavaliers prepare for the challenges ahead, Altman’s leadership will be vital in navigating the expectations and pressures of a franchise that has seen both exhilarating highs and crushing lows in recent years. The stakes are high, but with the right mix of talent and strategy, the Cavaliers are determined to fight for a spot in the NBA Finals.

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