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Cleveland Cavaliers: Big names remain, but the fear is gone

By Mark Wilson

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers prepares to play the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 28, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers prepares to play the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on October 28, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers are going through a rough patch to begin the season. The issue is not the talent, it’s that no one fears LeBron James and Co. anymore

How many teams in the Eastern Conference have beaten the Cleveland Cavaliers when it mattered most? None. The Cavs have lost games over the course of three seasons, of course, but come playoff time, they’ve been lights out. However, the 2017-18 team seems to be a bit different from the others, or are they?

LeBron James, Kevin Love, J.R.Smith, and Tristan Thompson are all still present but the absence of Kyrie Irving might be bigger than some people think. With Irving off to Boston, who’s been the leading PG? While a trade involving Isaiah Thomas has yet to pay dividends on the floor due to injury, the Cavs have turned to former MVP Derrick Rose.

Rose has played great but he’s far removed from the 2010 Rose. The addition of Dwyane Wade filled the Cavs offseason with Miami Heat dominance talk but Wade has looked more like Iman Shumpert than a three-time NBA champion.

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No one fears the Cleveland Cavaliers anymore

Are the Cavs still good? Yes. When Thomas finally hits the floor we might see the team who has run through the Eastern Conference for three straight seasons.

Let’s be honest here. Did the Cavs actually improve over the offseason? What about the Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks or the Detroit Pistons? All the Cavs did was swap Thomas for Irving and bring in an old Wade.

While the Cavs are struggling to find their identity, the rest of the NBA began to notice the cracks in their armor last season.

The lesson on beating the Cavs is simple – take the ball to the rim. Thompson is not a defensive presence in the post and neither is Love. Love may be a great rebounder, but what happens if he has to square off against Andre Drummond, Dwight Howard or Joel Embiid for seven games?

The New Era in the East

As for LeBron, some still consider him the best in the NBA but even that distinction comes with a smirk now. His throne is being threatened the same way he tried to come in and take Kobe Bryant’s. Giannis Antetokounmpo, is the new heir apparent in the league and LeBron has to hear footsteps.

While teams were once in awe of the Cavs, they now can’t wait to play them. Losing games is a part of the grind in an 82-game season but how does the Cavs lose to the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets in a span of three days? That’s not supposed to happen. No matter if Thomas is healthy or not.

Must Read: Miami Heat: Justise Winslow is the best kept secret

There is a new era taking place in the East and sadly to say, the Cleveland Cavaliers may not be a part of this. Talent will get you only so far and for years, the Cavs have won off of fear. The playing field seems to be leveled and Cleveland is struggling to get a grip on reality.

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