2011-12 =won 7, loss 59 (lockout year) worst winning percentage in NBA history
2012-13 = 21-61
2013-14 = 29-33 after 62 games, (20 remaining) pretty solid 7th seed in EC playoffs.
CHA just defeated IND, one of their two most likely opponents (EC top two seeds) by more than 20 in their last game. An upset is not likely, but is not impossible. With MIA with maybe one more year in its current configuration, and IND likely plateaued, CHA has established a top 5 center-solid PG combo, a good set of role players, a top-of-the league defensive concept, and multiple first round picks in the upcoming draft. Oh, and they are owned by the best to ever play the game, who can come in and deliver a pep talk to the team prior to a game against CLE, who had designs on CHA's playoff position.
Yes, indeed; IMHO CHA is an ascending team. Needle seems to be pointing up!
As far as Varejao, I believe that he could have been a part of a package to acquire Jefferson at a point in time in which he would have still had more than one year on his contract and would have provided the opportunity to develop the CAVS team concept at a much faster rate. Of course who really knows, but after all UTA simply let Jefferson walk with no compensation whatsoever; they could at least be shaving an additional 5 mil off their cap by cutting Andy next year.
This scenario is in opposition to the tank philosophy which resulted in the opportunity to select Bennett, Porter or Noel number one in the 2013 draft. (not hating on my man Anthony, just saying!). I don't see how you don"t see that CHA is currently in a superior position relative to CLE. Not saying CLE cannot make strides in the offseason, but these teams appear to me to occupy different levels at the present time.