Two weeks ago it looked like NBA superstar LeBron James might just be mortal after all. With the superstar facing an impending free agency and tasked with an aging roster, it looked like James' streak of 7 consecutive NBA finals would come to an end. With limited trade chips and the face of the franchise rumored to be looking to leave again this summer, the Cavaliers and LeBron James were looking vulnerable in the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference.
How much can hope really change in 2 weeks?
The surprise of the NBA trade deadline, the roster overhaul that Cleveland GM Koby Altman pulled was nothing short of a miracle for James.
Entering the NBA trade deadline, Cleveland's roster had 2 All-Star caliber players (Kevin Love, LeBron) and a bevy of selfish, overpaid, or washed-up players. Chemistry became an issue when reports came out that Isaiah Thomas had called out Kevin Love for leaving a game with illness, questioning the validity of his illness in a brutal loss. Thomas was recovering from illness, playing atrocious, and a new addition to the team. Calling out the 2nd best player on the team who had helped Cleveland win its only championship in history, wasn't the smartest move.
Isaiah Thomas tried to settle the storm by publicly denying any beef with Love, but the damage was done. Later reports came out that Dwayne Wade had actually thrown the first shot at Love- another surprise considering Wade's new addition to the team as well. Jae Crowder had also been brought in by the Boston trade in the off-season but proved to be a poor fit in the Cavalier's offense. Derrick Rose was a distraction on and off the court as he battled injuries and mental stamina; Rose left the team on multiple occasions.
Cleveland cleaned out the players with personal agendas- shipping out Isaiah Thomas, Dwayne Wade, and Derrick Rose. Crowder, Channing Frye, and Shumpert were also shipped out in an effort to get younger, athletic, and productive players.
A roster overhaul without giving up the coveted 2018 Brooklyn Nets pick? Impressive.
Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Rodney Hood, and George Hill are quality additions that immediately proved their worth in consecutive wins following the trade. With 2 more roster spots, the Cavs will likely be able to add a solid veteran contributor from the buyout market.
The trade deadline was a clear win for LeBron and the Cavs, but the All-Star weekend was the cherry on top.
Despite injuries to LeBron's All-Star team (Wall, Porzingis, Love, Cousins), Team LeBron rallied past Team Stephen for the 148-145 win. LeBron put up the clear-cut best numbers of the game, producing 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Winning All-Star MVP for the 3rd time (2006, 2008) was impressive for a 33 year-old future Hall of Famer who continues to deny Father Time.
The game was just a reminder that LeBron James isn't moving aside for the young guys just yet, with his 15th season as strong as ever.
Two weeks ago it looked like LeBron was stuck on a washed up team with an uncertain future.
Not anymore.
How much can hope really change in 2 weeks?
The surprise of the NBA trade deadline, the roster overhaul that Cleveland GM Koby Altman pulled was nothing short of a miracle for James.
Entering the NBA trade deadline, Cleveland's roster had 2 All-Star caliber players (Kevin Love, LeBron) and a bevy of selfish, overpaid, or washed-up players. Chemistry became an issue when reports came out that Isaiah Thomas had called out Kevin Love for leaving a game with illness, questioning the validity of his illness in a brutal loss. Thomas was recovering from illness, playing atrocious, and a new addition to the team. Calling out the 2nd best player on the team who had helped Cleveland win its only championship in history, wasn't the smartest move.
Isaiah Thomas tried to settle the storm by publicly denying any beef with Love, but the damage was done. Later reports came out that Dwayne Wade had actually thrown the first shot at Love- another surprise considering Wade's new addition to the team as well. Jae Crowder had also been brought in by the Boston trade in the off-season but proved to be a poor fit in the Cavalier's offense. Derrick Rose was a distraction on and off the court as he battled injuries and mental stamina; Rose left the team on multiple occasions.
Cleveland cleaned out the players with personal agendas- shipping out Isaiah Thomas, Dwayne Wade, and Derrick Rose. Crowder, Channing Frye, and Shumpert were also shipped out in an effort to get younger, athletic, and productive players.
A roster overhaul without giving up the coveted 2018 Brooklyn Nets pick? Impressive.
Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Rodney Hood, and George Hill are quality additions that immediately proved their worth in consecutive wins following the trade. With 2 more roster spots, the Cavs will likely be able to add a solid veteran contributor from the buyout market.
The trade deadline was a clear win for LeBron and the Cavs, but the All-Star weekend was the cherry on top.
Despite injuries to LeBron's All-Star team (Wall, Porzingis, Love, Cousins), Team LeBron rallied past Team Stephen for the 148-145 win. LeBron put up the clear-cut best numbers of the game, producing 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Winning All-Star MVP for the 3rd time (2006, 2008) was impressive for a 33 year-old future Hall of Famer who continues to deny Father Time.
The game was just a reminder that LeBron James isn't moving aside for the young guys just yet, with his 15th season as strong as ever.
Two weeks ago it looked like LeBron was stuck on a washed up team with an uncertain future.
Not anymore.
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