In the Eastern Conference, there is no doubt that the Cavaliers are the top dogs in the conference. Although the Atlanta Hawks were in control of 1st place much of the season and were the top seed in the playoffs, many felt that the Cavaliers were the best team in the East and would be in the Finals. Even though they were without their top two big men in Varejao and Kevin Love, the Cavaliers walked into the Finals and then had to deal with the loss of Kyrie Irving and it all seemed too much for Lebron James to handle. They lost to the better team and there is nothing wrong in that. But it also should scare the other teams in the East to know that the hampered Cavs still put up a good fight in the Finals and if healthy, will likely cruise through the East again.
This will be a key offseason for the Cavs. It will be a safe bet to say that the Big three in Love, James, and Irving will be back next season. Although the reports say that James and Love will opt out, expect them to back with the Cavaliers then. It will also be big for the Cavaliers to retain some key players in Tristian Thompson, Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova. The role players were key in the Cavaliers run to the Finals and should be a priority to re-sign. Although they can let players like JR Smith walk, the Cavaliers cannot afford a player like Thompson to walk after this season.
Unlike most of the teams that would be contenders in the East (Bulls, Hawks, Wizards), the Cavaliers are primed for another playoff run and when you have the best player in the NBA, anything is possible.