--- title: "2016 Cavs: Where Are They Now, 10 Years Later?" description: "From LeBron to the deep bench: A decade-later snapshot of every player from Cleveland's historic title run." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/where-are-the-2016-cavs-now-10-years-after-the-best-finals-a333bdd0 published: 2026-06-19T18:39:06.051+00:00 updated: 2026-06-19T18:39:06.051+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # 2016 Cavs: Where Are They Now, 10 Years Later? > From LeBron to the deep bench: A decade-later snapshot of every player from Cleveland's historic title run. Ten years after LeBron James and Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers to the first 3-1 Finals comeback in NBA history, the 2016 Cleveland roster has scattered across leagues, coaching staffs, and retirement homes—but their legacy remains untouchable. LeBron James is still defying time with the Los Angeles Lakers, having added another championship in 2020 and the all-time scoring record. Kyrie Irving remains one of the most gifted ball-handlers in the NBA, now starring for the Dallas Mavericks alongside Luka Doncic. Meanwhile, role players took different paths: Timofey Mozgov, the backup center who started Game 7, retired after a few more seasons and now lives back in Russia. Dahntay Jones, a defensive specialist, moved into coaching and is currently an assistant at Duke University. Others on the roster found careers in broadcasting, front offices, or overseas basketball—a testament to the league's rapid turnover. For fans who lived through that June night, the 10-year check-in is both nostalgic and sobering. The Cavaliers' run is often called the defining series of a generation, and revisiting each player’s journey highlights how improbable that championship really was. No team had ever overcome a 3-1 Finals deficit, and the combination of LeBron’s block, Kyrie’s shot, and Kevin Love’s defensive stand on Stephen Curry remains etched in NBA lore. Looking ahead, the 2016 Cavaliers' legacy will be invoked every time a team faces a 3-1 hole in the Finals. Their comeback set a standard of resilience that no franchise has matched since. As the league evolves, that one magical season in Cleveland stands as a permanent reminder that basketball history can turn on a single possession—and that the 2016 Cavs are its greatest example. ## Why this matters The 2016 NBA Finals remain the peak of competitive basketball—a series where the best regular-season team ever (73-9 Warriors) fell to a Cleveland squad that refused to quit. This decade-later retrospective highlights how legacies evolve: LeBron’s continued dominance, Kyrie’s mercurial journey, and the quiet retirements of role players. It’s a reminder that championship windows are fleeting, and that one magical June can define a city’s sports identity for generations. ## Frequently asked ### What made the 2016 Cavaliers' comeback historic? They became the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, defeating the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. LeBron James’ block and Kyrie Irving’s go-ahead three in Game 7 are iconic moments. ### Where is LeBron James now? LeBron is still playing at an elite level with the Los Angeles Lakers, now in his 22nd season and chasing his fifth championship. ### Where is Kyrie Irving now? Kyrie is a star guard for the Dallas Mavericks, known for his dazzling handles and clutch scoring. He remains one of the most talented players in the league. ### What happened to Timofey Mozgov? After winning a ring as a backup center, Mozgov signed a big contract but saw his play decline. He retired from the NBA and now lives in Russia. ### What is Dahntay Jones doing now? Jones, a defensive specialist off the bench, transitioned into coaching and is currently an assistant coach at Duke University. ## Sources & Citations - [Where are the 2016 Cavs now? 10 years after the best Finals ever](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49113154/the-10-year-anniversary-greatest-2016-nba-finals-history-cleveland-cavaliers-golden-state-warriors-lebron-james-kyrie-irving-stephen-curry) — ESPN (2026-06-19) --- Cite: 2016 Cavs: Where Are They Now, 10 Years Later?. Sportopod, 2026-06-19. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/where-are-the-2016-cavs-now-10-years-after-the-best-finals-a333bdd0