Draymond believes upstart Cavaliers are 'going to be good for years'

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green spent four straight seasons battling the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals before the franchise began its rebuild, and has taken notice now that they are back in the playoff mix.

"I think the biggest surprise team is Cleveland. I don't think anyone expected them to be this good," Green told reporters, including Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto.

"I think finding a young star in Darius Garland, who's leading the charge. Evan Mobley. They're putting it together, but they're going to be good for years to come."

Garland, who's making his first All-Star appearance, and Mobley, a front-runner for Rookie of the Year, have been the key cogs for Cleveland with last year's leading scorer Collin Sexton out for the season.

The Cavaliers are tied for third in the Eastern Conference at 35-23. They are looking for their first winning season since LeBron James left in 2018 and their first playoff appearance without the franchise icon since 1998.