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NBA Christmas: A Gift For Every Team’s Wish List

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view as an official Spalding basketball goes through the hoop and net during the Phoenix Suns game against the Boston Celtics at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) talks to guard Kyrie Irving (2) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 111-76. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Cavaliers

Everyone Staying Healthy

We could apply this Christmas gift to virtually every team on this list, but since the Cleveland Cavaliers were missing Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love for the NBA Finals last year, not to mention Irving and Iman Shumpert for the start of this season, they’ve probably earned the injury-related gift.

When LeBron James left the Miami Heat and returned to the Cavs, it was more than just a feel-good homecoming; it was a basketball decision too. Cleveland was supposed to make his job easier with two young stars who could help him ease into his 30s without having to bear so much of the burden.

That hasn’t been the case thanks to recurring injury problems to the supporting cast, but if the Cavaliers can stay healthy, they’re legitimate title contenders. If not, Cleveland is still a safe bet to win the East, but they’d be hard-pressed to defeat whatever monster emerges from the West in a championship series.

Next: Dallas Mavericks