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The Cleveland Cavaliers had the best record in the NBA last season as the team appeared to be ready to deliver LeBron James his first NBA title. However, those dreams came crashing down in the Eastern Conference Finals, when the Orlando Magic shocked the basketball world, defeating the Cavaliers in 6 games to advance to the NBA Finals.

After such a successful regular season, some might have guessed that the Cavs would have been content to rest on their laurels and try again with the same crew. However, they made a few large changes, most notably the acquisition of big man Shaquille O'Neal. The Big Aristotle had a bit of a renaissance last season, looking more explosive and spry than he had for a couple years. His offensive prowess on the block, combined with a huge defensive presence (as in, he is a big man, which should help against a guy like Dwight Howard), convinved Cleveland that he was a missing piece to the championship puzzle.

The Cavs also brought in Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon, two guys that appear to give them a lot more versatility of the defensive end, which was another huge weakness in the playoff series against Orlando. On paper, the Cavs can matchup against a lot of different teams now, and they have more roster flexibility.

But no matter what they did in the offseason, the focus is still on LeBron James, the most talented basketball player in the world. He was the MVP of the NBA last season, and is the odds on favorite to repeat this year. He has more physical tools than anyone, perhaps in the history of the NBA. He is the best finisher in the NBA, he is a great passer and rebounder, he took his defensive game to another level last season, and he is continuing to develop a consistent jumper. He is the big reason that the Cavs are contenders, and the Cavs will be doing everything they can to keep him happy and in Cleveland for the long-term.

The big piece they picked up before last season was Mo Williams, who should be more comfortable with a season in Cleveland under his belt. They need him to be a second weapon for the Cavs, as someone that can take some of the scoring load off of LeBron James. He has shown the ability to hit the outside shot, which is perfect alongside James.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will again be one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, as LeBron James looks to continue to grow as one of the most dominant players of all-time. If Shaquille and the other new guys can seamlessly mesh in, the Cavs could be hoisting the trophy at the end of the NBA Finals in June.

Learn more about this author, Juan Leer.
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