NBA Analyst Includes Cleveland Cavaliers On Exclusive List

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of a few teams who are legitimate contenders to win the NBA Finals.

Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the NBA's top teams all throughout the regular season, and deserve all the respect they're getting.

Bill Reiter, NBA analyst for CBS Sports, recently created a tier list of NBA's title contenders. He included the Cavaliers in his top level, along with just two other teams: the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder.

"The Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder are head and shoulders above everyone else," Reiter wrote.

"Each boasts a top-10 offense and defense, historically a strong indicator of a championship-level team. The Cavs (first and sixth), the Celtics (third and fifth) and the Thunder (fourth and first) have that balance associated with the Larry O'Brien Trophy."

Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) shoots against Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images / Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

This isn't breaking news. The Cavaliers, Thunder, and Celtics have all passed the eye test to be considered contenders, and as Reiter points out, the advanced stats back up this claim, too.

This trio of teams is playing at a different level than everyone else.

However, the analyst also notes that the Cavaliers and Thunder winning the Finals or going on a deep playoff run isn't guaranteed.

Postseason experience is something that computers can't factor in, and as good as each team is, they still lack some of it.

"These versions of the Thunder and Cavs have not been to a conference finals, let alone a Finals, and the road to a ring, as the Celtics can surely tell you, is usually paved with fits and starts, including conference finals and Finals letdowns. It's often a slow, methodical journey," continued Reiter.

The point is that the Cavaliers have been playing an elite level of basketball during the regular season and deserve respect as a true championship contender.

There's no denying that.

But will their lack of postseason experience hinder a Conference Finals or championship run?

Read More Cleveland Cavaliers Coverage

MORE: Cavs’ Disappointing Loss Shows Importance of This Star Player

MORE: Cavaliers Coach Drops Honest Admission on Eastern Conference Rival

MORE: Current Injury Status for Duo of Cavaliers All-Stars vs. Magic

MORE: What Makes The Cleveland Cavaliers So Special?

MORE: Cleveland Cavaliers React After Setting Incredible Franchise History