Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

NBA: X-Factors for the top 5 teams entering 2017-18

By Morgan Dunn

INDEPENDENCE, OH - SEPTEMBER 7: Isaiah Thomas is introduced as a Cleveland Cavalier at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 7, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OH - SEPTEMBER 7: Isaiah Thomas is introduced as a Cleveland Cavalier at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 7, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
BOSTON, MA – MAY 19: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics runs in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Two of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 19: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics runs in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Two of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Cavaliers – Isaiah Thomas and his hip

Recent reports suggest that Cleveland expects Thomas to return from his hip injury in January. If that’s the case, and he’s 100 percent, then Cleveland just might be able to compete with the Warriors. Maybe.

Cleveland needs LeBron James to continue to be his superhuman self, holding up through the rigors of a long NBA season once again. Dwyane Wade must give the Cavs 25 quality minutes a night, and potentially ramp up his playing time in the postseason without sacrificing efficiency. Jae Crowder needs to shoot the ball well and have a bounce-back season on the defensive end. Kevin Love has to remember how to be a go-to offensive option again, at least early in the season.

There are a lot of factors in play for Cleveland this season, but Thomas remains the most important one. Cleveland needs a player that can generate his own offense when LeBron is on the bench. Thomas may be the only guy on the roster than can truly do that, though Wade should see stretches of success in this regard.

Still, if Thomas experiences further problems with his hip, it could sink the Cavs and their title hopes before the playoffs even begin.

Home/NBA News