The Cleveland Cavaliers have been making headlines left and right to begin the 2017-2018 NBA season. Coming off of three straight trips to the NBA finals, the Cavs are one a losing streak that has seen them lose five straight. The drama for this franchise started in the offseason where it was rumored that their star point guard, Kyrie Irving, was clashing with LeBron James and wanted out of Cleveland. This saw the Cavs acquiring Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas, and a first round draft pick from the Celtics in exchange for the young super star. Couple those acquisitions with the signing of free agent Dwayne Wade, LeBron’s longtime friend and running mate during their championship days in Miami, and this team looked as deep as ever.
It has been quite the opposite. The Cavaliers are currently sitting with a record of 3-5 and have lost four straight games. They have used a handful of different starting lineups to try and mix and match which matchups were the most effective and none of them seem to be clicking. The worst stat of them all is the fact that the Cavs are 0-4 against non-playoff teams this year as they have fallen to teams like the Orlando Magic and Indianapolis Pacers. For a team that has had little competition in the Eastern Conference last season, there is little reason to worry. The Cavs have dominated the Eastern Conference in recent years and have seemingly an easier path this season with many eastern conference all-stars being traded to teams in the West.
At the same time, Cleveland know they have a difference maker waiting in the wings. While most of the new members haven’t gotten to get their chemistry together, perhaps the most exciting acquisition of the offseason hasn’t even stepped foot on the court yet. Isaiah Thomas, who was an all-star and leading scorer of the league last season, has missed every game of the new season is expecting a return around December or January. With a starting lineup consisting of Thomas, J.R. Smith, Lebron, Jae Crowder, and Kevin Love, the Cavaliers have one of the best starting fives in the league. Arguably even more impressive is their bench depth where they stash capable players in: Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Kyle Korver, Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert, and Tristan Thomas. This team is strapped up and ready to attack offensively. They are able to run and shoot with the best as they have filled their roster with court spacers and ball movers. The matchup combinations for Tyronn Lue is a fantasy basketball strategy dream as he will be able mix and match players whenever he seems fit.
Ultimately, there is no reason to look too much into this start for Cleveland. Once all of their pieces are healthy and familiar with one another lookout. They have enough star power to matchup with any team in the league and look to be a favorite for a conference and NBA championships again this season.
