The Cleveland Cavaliers have came back from a 3-1 deficit to be the 2016 NBA Champions! This is the first championship in Cleveland since the 1964 Cleveland Browns. The city has been aching for a title after decades of heartache and disappointment, some of that is due to Ohio native LeBron James.
James started his first seven season with the Cavs hoping to bring the Larry O’Brien trophy to the city. With no avail, he bolted to the Miami Heat announcing his decision on ESPN. Cleveland, feeling betrayed, burned his jersey and cursed his name. LeBron went on to win two NBA Championships with the Heat.
James returned to Ohio two seasons ago as the king to bring a championship home. In a rematch of last year’s Finals, LeBron and the Cavs have finally won it all.
A great story for the NBA and the sports world, but what does it matter if the Cavaliers can’t do it again next season?
Here are three ways the Cleveland Cavaliers can improve for next season:
1. Work on your supporting cast
James will continue to be the best all around player in sports. Kyrie Irving was a huge help for the Cavs, and the same can be said for Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith. The rest of the teams performance was nonexistent for stretches.
Whether it’s in free agency or the NBA Draft, the Cavs needs someone who can knock down shots at a high percentage as well as a better option at the center position.
2. Decide what to do with Kevin Love
Hearing Kevin Love showed up for a game is rare. During the Finals it seemed as Love couldn’t find groove in the game. He was needed in this series but his presence only came in Game Seven. Whether this was enough for the Cavs to keep him we won’t know till later this summer. The organization will have to decide to accept this type of performance or go with another player through trade.
3. Prove the people wrong in 2016-2017
After coming back and beating the best regular season team in the league and it’s MVP Stephen Curry, fans have criticized the NBA. Rumors saying this is a rigged sport is on the back of people’s mind. The only way to combat that is if the Cavs have a season that equals the Warriors historic season. If LeBron and Co. become the best team in the league and return in the NBA Finals, Cleveland’s championship will not be tainted by rumors. They will not be labeled as the team who beat the best team in NBA history, but the team who brought the NBA Championship to Ohio!
