Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Media Day 2016-17
The 2015-16 NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers are ready to begin another season. With expectations higher than they have ever been for the team, how will they approach the season?
The 45th season for the Cleveland Cavaliers is almost here, however, something is different … they’re NBA champions!
No more being the favorites within the Eastern Conference, or being the “hunters.” They are the favorites, and they will be the hunted once the journey begins in late October. Unlike last season’s media day, the atmosphere was relaxed.
A quiet confidence was bestowed at Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio.
Instead of excitement and wonderment, everybody knew what the goal was, and that’s to repeat as champions.
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They know that the biggest storyline is Kevin Durant joining forces with the Golden State Warriors to try and regain their championship, but all that matters to them is how every player in the locker room will come out on Oct. 25 and set the tone for the new season.
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James admitted as he has all summer, that winning a championship for the Cavaliers and the city of Cleveland still hasn’t set in yet, and that it “might” once the rings are presented to them.
Even then, I don’t think it will sink in. I still feel like there’s another series to go and that time has paused.
With James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love playing two years together — and finally winning a championship, the sky is beyond the limit for this team in 2016. A full training camp with coach Tyronn Lue‘s system and everybody in good health should assure this team another great and exciting season.
But will they repeat?
According to ESPN.com, Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook had the Warriors at 3-2 odds of winning the championship after the Durant acquisition. They’re now at 5-7. The Cavaliers odds have remained the same at 5-2. If that disrespect doesn’t motivate the Cavs, I don’t think anything will.
What must the team do to continue their same approach as last season? Here are five takeaways from Media Day.