The blockbuster trade of Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas has hit a couple of bumps, but it looks like the trade will eventually go through.
When it does, LeBron James may become an entirely new force to be reckoned with. We're talking better than before, even as he continues to age. It'll all be thanks to the help of Thomas and Jae Crowder.
The skills that Thomas and Crowder can provide the Cavs will take a load of pressure off LeBron's shoulders.
We'll start with Thomas. When his hip fully recovers, Thomas will be able to provide most of (if not equal) the scoring firepower Irving provided. Not only that, Thomas averaged more assists than Irving last season. He also had a higher player efficiency rating than Irving despite a higher usage rate.
As much as having Thomas eases the loss of Irving offensively, Crowder's defensive capability might even be more important to Cleveland's success next season.
Last year, LeBron was the only viable option Cleveland had in attempting to defend Kevin Durant. James couldn't rest at all or else the Warriors would bury them with a large run. With Crowder, they now have another player they can reasonably put on Durant. This should give LeBron more chances to rest during the Finals.
If the Cavs play Crowder and LeBron together, it could allow him to expend less energy on the defensive end of the court and focus more of his efforts on offense. Regardless of how they play Crowder, James will have some pressure taken off of him.
Because James won't have so many burdens, he'll be able to wreak havoc on the league throughout the entire season. Watch out NBA, the James gang is coming back stronger than ever.
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