Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 obstacles to contending in 2017-18
By Ryan Piers
4. Injuries
Cleveland begins the season behind the eight ball. Thomas is out until at least December with a hip injury, and anyone who plays pickup ball will tell you basketball and bad hips don’t mix.
Wade has played more than 70 games once in the past six seasons. The last time Rose was active for more than 70 games, he won MVP. Smith saw time in 41 games last year, Love 60 and Korver 67. And LeBron is known for taking some time off in the regular season.
Point being, the Cavs core features a ton of regulars on the trainer’s table. Thankfully, everyone on the team could play 41 games and the team would still likely coast into the postseason.
But going back to our previous point, developing cohesiveness is key for the Cavs. It’s impossible to create camaraderie if half the team is in street clothes.
Even if Thomas returns, there are questions about his stability. The hip injury occurred in May, and it still doesn’t appear that he’s recovered. If Thomas never returns to 100 percent, the Cavs’ chances obviously diminish when they reach the postseason.