Just a few weeks after bowing out to the Warriors in the 2018 NBA Finals, Cleveland is reeling anew, this time from the second departure of its native son, LeBron James. Considered the best player in professional basketball, James was able to bring a much-needed basketball championship to Ohio after decades of failures.
The loss of LeBron will obviously have a huge impact on the Cavaliers’ chances of returning to the finals next season. The Cavs had already struggled with a ragtag supporting cast on its road to the biggest stage of pro basketball, and without its leader, teams like the 76ers and the Celtics are the new favorites to top the Eastern Conference next year.
But is this really the end of the Cavaliers’ reign? Sadly, unless the team finds ways to elevate the defense of its many young players and secure another star player to work alongside Kevin Love, this is most likely the case. There’s just too much talent and established teamwork in the other teams in the East. It will be very difficult to get past even the Raptors, the Pacers, and the Bucks, assuming the Cavs can even reach the 2019 playoffs.
What the Cavs can bank on is championship experience. They’ve been in the Finals for four consecutive seasons, and that sure counts a lot especially in high-pressure situations. But for this to happen, the team must now change how it plays and rely more on ball distribution, grit, hustle. And, again, recommit to defense.
George Ammar is a fitness practitioner, a health enthusiast, and businessman based in Cleveland. For more posts about Cleveland sports, drop by thiswebsite.
George Ammar Cleveland, Ohio 
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