The Cleveland Cavaliers have either finished with a Top 4 seed or missed the playoffs entirely since 1998.
The last time the Cavaliers have entered the playoffs as a 5th seed or lower was in 1998 as the 6th seed, when they lost to the Pacers 3-1 in the first round.
From 1999 to 2005 they did not make the postseason.
From 2006 to 2010, they enjoyed a high level of success as contenders with LeBron.
From 2011 to 2014 they were horrible.
From 2015 to 2018 they again enjoyed a high level of success as contenders with LeBron.
From 2019 to 2022 they missed the post-season.
Since the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell in 2022, they’ve been Eastern Conference contenders, finishing Top 4.