The Cavaliers heavily struggled in Diop's first few years with the team. The franchise eventually began to improve with the addition of an 18 year old LeBron James in the 2003 NBA draft. In the 2004-2005 season, the Cavaliers had posted their best record since the 1997-1998 season, going 42-40. However they still missed the playoffs and this was Diop's final year with the team.