Cavaliers: The Biggest Test To Get Back To The NBA Finals Is?

Jun 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard

(4) before game three of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Overcoming The Loss Of Shumpert

Ric McElroy

Now that Iman Shumpert is injured and Tristan Thompson is still unsigned, the loss of Shumpert will hurt the worst. They really have no one to replace his defense. They also may not be able even replace his offense on a regular basis. J.R. Smith is good when he’s on a hot streak, but we’ve all seen when he isn’t and he can throw up some bricks.

Thompson, if he doesn’t sign long-term, will be missed next year but he has no place to go this year and there are better players available for the same or a cheaper price. To return to the finals, it will definitely have to be a team effort. LeBron can only do so much as evidenced last year.

Jay Frierson

Their biggest challenge would be themselves. I don’t see anyway that they don’t go back to the NBA Finals and win it all this year. Health is the key thing with this group. It hurts that Shump will be out for three to four months with the wrist injury, but they can overcome that with all of their depth. The only team I see being a true challenge to us is the Indiana Pacers.

With a healthy Paul George coming back, and now an offense that won’t be as stagnant or slow with the trade of Roy Hibbert, they will be dangerous. I don’t know what to expect from the Bulls on a yearly basis especially with ” The Mayor” Fred Hoiberg taking over as head coach and the uncertainty of Derrick Rose on a daily basis, now with the orbital bone problem.

It will be a fun and memorable season for us Cavs fans. Let’s be honest, with the dysfunction of the Browns and continuous failures of the Tribe, it will be refreshing to bring winning back to Cleveland right now.

Next: Injuries And Health Are Issues