How Many Cavaliers Make the NBA Top 100? Danny Cunningham Breaks Down Cleveland’s Star Power in 2025

As the NBA offseason heats up and analysts begin crafting rankings and projections for the 2025 campaign, one question surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers continues to fuel debate: how many players on this roster truly rank among the league’s top 100? Danny Cunningham, a trusted voice in Cleveland sports media, has sparked conversation with his analysis of which Cavs deserve elite status and which still have work to do. In a league where star power often determines success, this discussion cuts straight to the heart of where Cleveland stands in its pursuit of contention.

According to Cunningham, the Cavaliers’ current roster includes multiple players who deserve top-100 recognition based on recent performance, skill set, and overall impact. The most obvious name at the top of the list is Donovan Mitchell, the All-NBA-caliber guard who has consistently proven he belongs in the league’s upper echelon. Mitchell’s combination of scoring efficiency, playoff experience, and clutch performance make him an unquestionable top-25 player, if not higher, on most expert lists. His ability to take over games and stretch defenses has elevated the Cavaliers’ offensive ceiling, giving them a go-to option in crunch time that few teams possess.

But Mitchell isn’t the only Cavalier in the conversation. Darius Garland, the smooth-shooting point guard with elite playmaking instincts, continues to draw attention for his growth as both a floor general and scoring threat. While some might argue that Garland had a slightly down year compared to his All-Star campaign, Cunningham suggests that Garland remains well within the top-100 range—somewhere in the 50-70 window—due to his vision, range, and offensive efficiency. He may not be the loudest player on the court, but his impact is unmistakable, especially when given space to operate and create for others.

Then there’s Evan Mobley, the versatile forward-center hybrid whose defensive prowess alone could warrant top-100 status. Cunningham’s evaluation of Mobley emphasizes his elite switchability, rim protection, and emerging offensive game. While Mobley hasn’t yet made the superstar leap many projected early in his career, his value on the defensive end and potential for offensive growth make him one of the more intriguing young players in the NBA. According to Cunningham, Mobley is trending toward becoming a perennial All-Defensive Team candidate—and that alone places him firmly in the league’s top tier of impact players, likely landing him somewhere between 60 and 90 depending on how one weighs defense versus offensive polish.

Cleveland fans have long debated whether the team’s young core is enough to compete with the best in the East, especially in a conference loaded with star-heavy teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers. Cunningham’s breakdown highlights a truth that resonates with both optimistic and skeptical fans: while the Cavaliers may not have a full roster of top-100 talent, they are one of the few teams in the league with three players who can credibly make a case for inclusion. That core—Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley—gives Cleveland a competitive foundation that most franchises would envy.

Jarrett Allen’s name also enters the discussion, albeit with more controversy. Known for his rebounding, rim protection, and pick-and-roll finishing, Allen has been a reliable presence in the frontcourt, but Cunningham notes that his inclusion in the top 100 depends heavily on positional value and consistency in big moments. While Allen’s defensive presence is undeniable, critics often point to his limitations against stretch bigs and his struggles in playoff matchups as reasons he may be just outside the top tier. Still, his durability and statistical production make a compelling case for his inclusion in the 90–100 range, depending on the criteria being used.

Cunningham’s analysis touches on the subjective nature of NBA rankings. After all, the definition of a “top 100” player can vary widely between analysts. Some prioritize raw stats, others emphasize advanced metrics, and many factor in team impact, availability, and potential. For Cleveland, the encouraging takeaway is that the team doesn’t rely on one or two stars—it has a collection of talent that, on its best nights, can rival some of the deepest rosters in the league. That depth, along with internal development, could be the Cavaliers’ ticket to staying in contention for years to come.

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Cunningham’s evaluation also carries weight beyond just rankings. It reflects how the Cavaliers are perceived league-wide. A team’s top-100 presence often shapes national media narratives, impacts All-Star and All-NBA considerations, and even influences free agent decisions. Players want to join teams where other stars are recognized, and a strong showing in these types of rankings can elevate a franchise’s appeal.

The upcoming season will be a proving ground for Cleveland’s top talent. With a new coaching direction and expectations rising, the pressure is on for players like Mitchell to maintain elite production, for Garland to return to peak form, and for Mobley to take the next step. If they succeed, not only will their rankings rise—but so too will Cleveland’s standing in the Eastern Conference. For now, Cunningham’s assessment provides a grounded, data-informed look at a team that may still be flying under the radar despite possessing serious star power.

Whether you’re a Cavaliers fan analyzing the team’s future or a basketball enthusiast following offseason chatter, understanding who makes the cut in the NBA’s top 100 players gives real insight into the state of a franchise. And as Cunningham makes clear, Cleveland’s foundation is not just competitive—it’s built around players who are already among the league’s best.