Cleveland Cavaliers: 2017-18 NBA season preview
2017-18 Roster
Jose Calderon, PG
Jae Crowder, SF
Channing Frye, PF/C
Jeff Green, SF
John Holland, SF
LeBron James, SF
Kyle Korver, SG
Kevin Love, PF/C
Cedi Osman, SF
Derrick Rose, PG
Iman Shumpert, SG
J.R. Smith, SG
Isaiah Thomas, PG
Tristan Thompson, PF/C
Dwyane Wade, SG
Ante Zizic, PF/C
Offseason additions
Jose Calderon (free agent, Atlanta Hawks), Jeff Green (free agent, Orlando Magic), Cedi Osman (free agent, Turkey), Derrick Rose (free agent, New York Knicks), Dwayne Wade (free agent, Chicago Bulls), Isaiah Thomas (traded from Boston Celtics), Jae Crowder (traded from Boston Celtics), Ante Zizic (traded from Boston Celtics), John Holland (two-way contract)
Offseason subtractions
Kyrie Irving (via trade to Boston Celtics), James Jones (retired), Derrick Williams (free agent), Deron Williams (free agent), Edy Tavares (free agent)
Quick Thoughts
The offseason for the Cleveland Cavaliers started quiet, then all of a sudden it wasn’t when All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving requested a trade. It came as a surprise considering Irving and the Cavaliers had been to the past three NBA Finals, going 1-2 against the Warriors.
Thus, a blockbuster trade ensued that sent Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ first round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. A rivalry has been given greater meaning after he was sent to Cleveland’s rival in the East.
Fortunately for the Cleveland Cavaliers, they’ve got the best player in the league in LeBron James. James has made six straight appearances in the NBA Finals, bringing the city its first NBA title after the 2015-16 season. He’s 3-5 so far in the Finals, with no signs of slowing down and this season, he’s got former Miami Heat running mate Dwayne Wade at his disposal.
James and the Cavaliers fell short last season against Finals MVP Kevin Durant and the Warriors, but this season, defense could be the major focus, especially with Crowder in the mix to start at the forward position.