The promise King James made in front of hundreds in Cleveland, Ohio last summer seems to be his reality. While many believed the Cavaliers had a legitimate shot at the title this season, the "injury bug" said otherwise. LeBron said in his speech "it will take time" but I don't think he imagined it would be because of the health of the team. The loss of a championship in Miami during the first season of " the big three" era wasn't due to injury but yet the chemistry of the three super stars . It also was a key concern for LeBron heading into this season. The focus has now shifted to no longer worrying about the chemistry factor of the team but the longevity and health of the players.
The Larry O'Brien trophy day by day is becoming out of reach for LeBron James and The Cleveland Cavaliers. "The cards are stacked against them" is an understatement. LeBron James is not getting any younger and with a new age of rising stars...... his era of dominance is slowly closing. This isn't to say, once the Cavaliers get all their pieces back intact next season they won't be able to win a championship... it goes far deeper...... This team at some point will win a championship......the question is .... Will King James be able to win multiple Championships with this group?.... That has yet to be determined. With their leader currently 2-3 in NBA finals .. the urgency to win is more prevalent then ever. The job will not get any easier because the Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Chicago Bulls next season could be legitimate threats in the Eastern Conference and to championship aspirations of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
I believe next season the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will be in the finals . The Oklahoma City Thunder's starting forward and guard, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, spent most of the season playing without each other. The Thunder's ability during the regular season to add pieces to expand their bench was key to their future championship aspirations... possibly as soon as next season. In addition to a deep bench the Thunder arguably have two of the top five players (When healthy) in the league. This will be one of the team to keep on your radar in the loaded Western Conference next season.
On the flip side the Pacers were without their staring forward,Paul George, for most of the regular season. The Pacers similar to the Bulls could have been a true road block for the Cavaliers. Unfortunately the return of Paul George was a little to late. Their ability to pick up a great player, high in the NBA draft will add to a strong roster.
This season in one phrase..... "played into the hands of the Golden State Warriors". It seems as if every team except the Warriors throughout the post season battled with physical lingering injuries and many Cavalier fans and fans around the league would agree with that statement. . How ever you chose to identify this playoff run by the Cavaliers, the "will to compete" is embed into every players DNA on their roster. With two of their "big three"going out in the post season, their ability to make it to the NBA finals speaks for its self. You can't deny or ignore the fight the team put up..... after staring adversity in the face multiple times.
My main point here is...... the Cavaliers will be the favorite to return to the finals and win a championship next season if all their pieces stay in tact. I would not be surprised if the Pacers were able to dethrone the king from the Eastern Conference Championship title. The effects of going to the finals ....5 straight seasons in this era has shown its physical drainage on the King. This leads me to believe at some point he will need a break. Based on his record in the finals its assumed fatigue has played a factor in the successes and failures on the biggest stage in professional basketball. If he returns for a 6th straight finals appearance... its likely the Thunder's bench will be a determining factor in the series. This chapter of the dominance of King James is turning a new page.
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