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NBA: A deep dive into the 5 most interesting teams of 2017-18

By Michael Saenz

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Lonzo BallLOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Lonzo BallLOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 10: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with LeBron James #23 while playing the Chicago Bulls during a pre season game at Quicken Loans Arena on October 10, 2017 in Cleveland, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 10: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with LeBron James #23 while playing the Chicago Bulls during a pre season game at Quicken Loans Arena on October 10, 2017 in Cleveland, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James and Kevin Love are back, but Kyrie Irving was shipped off this summer. The Cavs look nothing like the team that lost in five games to the Warriors in last year’s NBA Finals. Will it matter, though?

We ask Nathan Beighle and Quenton Albertie of King James Gospel for some insight.

Noise and names aside, are the Cavs better this year compared to last season? 

Albertie: The Cavs won’t be as potent from behind the 3-point line but will have better depth and more playmakers than they did last season. Noise and names aside, the Cavs have a roster that on paper looks to be better than what they had last year. On paper isn’t between-the-lines, though, and this is more or less a brand new team so there will be an adjustment period.

Beighle: The question about the Cavaliers improvements or lack thereof this offseason is still up in the air. Although they were able to add former MVP Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, and gain several other vital assets, it will be extremely difficult to replace the production of Kyrie Irving. That said, even though they have developed possibly one of the league’s top benches, personally, I do not think they will be better than last season.

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    • Assuming LeBron is 50-50 or undecided on his free agency next summer, what has to happen this season in order for him to re-sign in Cleveland?

    Albertie: In order for LeBron to re-sign, the Cavs have to be true championship contenders this season and continue to make win-now moves to appease LeBron before he commits. Convincing Isaiah Thomas and Dwyane Wade to re-sign could be a big part of that puzzle.

    Beighle: LeBron has said in the past that he has nothing left to prove. He is only chasing the “Ghost in Chicago.” James knows to blow past that ghost, he needs to win championships. Assuming Paul George is staying in Oklahoma City, his best chance to win a title would be in Cleveland. At this point, I believe James will re-sign if the Cavaliers are a true title contender. If they lose Wade, Thomas, Rose, and the Nets’ pick is not even a top-five selection, then I do think it’s impossible to see him leave.

    Who will have the better season: Dwyane Wade or Derrick Rose? 

    Albertie: Derrick Rose, because he looks more explosive and more determined that Dwyane Wade. There’s a fire to his eyes and a pep in his step this season and unlike last season, he’s not being asked to play outside of himself. He’ll be allowed to drive and create; his specialties. Wade has the ability to have big-time games and will be a consistent playmaker for the Cavs, but I don’t expect him to put up big numbers.

    Beighle: Derrick Rose will have the better season. For starters, he has something to prove. Rose said he wants to double his salary, and he will only do that by showing up every game and being the dynamic scorer the league knows he can be. Wade, on the other hand, is 35. He’s slowing down, and from a statistical standpoint Rose could easily put up 15+ points per game along with a handful of assists.

    Don’t forget to check out King James Gospel for all your Cleveland Cavaliers news and analysis. 

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