The Cleveland Cavaliers are making waves this season, capturing the imagination of fans and analysts alike. They have orchestrated a historic run, no longer reliant on a singular superstar. As discussed in the “The Big Number” podcast by hosts Dan Devine and Tom Haberstroh, the question remains: Could this team outperform any of LeBron James’ legendary squads?

Cleveland’s exceptional +11.7 point differential surpasses even those teams from the LeBron era. The 2009 Cavs, for instance, boasted a differential of +8.9, cementing them as fearsome contenders during LeBron’s reign. Led by standout performances from Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the current Cavs are charting new territory in franchise history, but what makes this season particularly intriguing is their collective harmony.

Haberstroh emphasizes the Cavaliers’ team-first philosophy, saying, “This team is a team in the purest sense.” Rather than relying on one player to carry the load, they draw strength from a diversified roster. Devine underscores this by highlighting how the Cavs’ balanced approach creates a greater margin of safety against injuries — a contrast to the heavy reliance on LeBron in past years.

As the playoffs loom, the question hovering over fans and experts alike is how Cleveland’s new way of playing and sharing the load will hold up when it really counts.

Cleveland has built a deep roster, and the Cavs have emerged as a collective force, rotating fresh legs. Haberstroh points out, “They’ve got so many good players coming up big for them,” with Ty Jerome being a prime example. Who would’ve anticipated the leap Jerome has made this year?

While Jerome is a testament to the team’s depth of talent, the Cavaliers have leveraged multiple role players for consistent quality minutes. Haberstroh painted a vivid picture of those in the rotation: “When any of those 12 were on the floor, they outscored the opponent. It speaks volumes of their bench.”

Will this become a model for the modern NBA landscape?

James’s legacy at Cavs

LeBron James’ time with the Cleveland Cavaliers is the stuff of NBA legend, defining an era of dominance and resilience. From being drafted as the hometown hero in 2003 to leading the Cavs to multiple deep playoff runs, James was the heart and soul of the franchise. His first stint saw him elevate a struggling team into a perennial contender, carrying Cleveland to the 2007 NBA Finals almost single-handedly. Though he fell short against the Spurs, it was clear that he was destined for greatness.

After leaving for Miami and winning two championships, James returned to Cleveland in 2014 with one mission—bringing the city its first NBA title. His second stint with the Cavs was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in the historic 2016 championship. Facing a 3-1 deficit against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors, LeBron delivered one of the greatest performances in NBA Finals history, leading both teams in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. His iconic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala and a clutch three from Kyrie Irving sealed the deal, solidifying his legacy as the greatest Cavalier of all time.

Beyond the championships and accolades, LeBron’s impact on the Cavaliers went far beyond the stat sheet. He transformed the franchise into a global powerhouse, attracted star players, and made Cleveland a must-watch team every season. Even in his final years with the team, he continued to dominate, carrying an underwhelming roster to the 2018 NBA Finals with sheer willpower. Though he eventually moved on to the Lakers, his legacy in Cleveland remains untouchable, and no matter how great future Cavs teams become, LeBron James will always be the gold standard for success in the franchise’s history.