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NBA: 5 most under-the-radar storylines of 2017-18

By Jonathan Macri

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 17: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to the game against the LA Clippers at Quicken Loans Arena on November 17, 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 17: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to the game against the LA Clippers at Quicken Loans Arena on November 17, 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Speaking of people who want a word…

Second in the East behind those spunky Celts is the team that – this time – was actually dead in the water.

No, for real this time.

No, like, really for real.

Until they weren’t.

The Cavs have reeled off twelve straight wins, most of which have come in impressive fashion. During the streak, their much-beleaguered defense is 9th in the NBA. It isn’t because of Ty Lue’s stoic leadership, or Dwyane Wade’s mini-resurgence, or Derrick Rose’s being anywhere but with the team.

(ok, it’s a little because Derrick Rose is anywhere but with the team. Not totally his fault, but…Derrick Rose is terrible.)

It’s LeBron, as it always is, and apparently always will be.

I know…it’s a stretch to say anything involving LeBron is under-the-radar, and yes, people are paying attention. But not nearly to the degree they need to be.

Take this: In his 15th season, LeBron is averaging 28 points per game – the first player ever to do so this far into his career. That’s not the impressive part.

No, the impressive part is that he’s scoring at that rate with a .663 true shooting percentage – the second highest clip ever for a 15th year player behind Tyson Chandler last season, who took less than five attempts a game, mostly from close range. The next highest true shooting percentage for a non-center in their 15th season or later was Steve Nash at 625. In other words, we’re in unchartered territory here.

James is doing it in part by shooting a career best 41% from three, but is doing so on nearly five attempts per game – also close to a career high. If his averages hold up, according to basketballreference.com, it would be the 2nd time ever that a player averaged 25 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, a steal and a block per game. The first? A 25-year old LeBron James.

So yea, apparently the Cavs aren’t dead just yet.

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