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2016 NBA Predictions: A look at each team in the league

By Keith Rivas

Oct 18, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) talk during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) talk during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers

Oct 18, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) reacts with forward LeBron James (right) from the bench in the second half at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. The Wizards won 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) reacts with forward LeBron James (right) from the bench in the second half at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. The Wizards won 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

We saw Cleveland erase an impossible 3-1 series deficit against an impossible to beat opponent — do we trust them as the best in the Eastern Conference still?

We’d be foolish not to.

LeBron James finally delivered on his long lost promise of bringing a championship back to his home state.

Ranking just eighth in the league overall on offense, the Cavs did a much better job on the other side of the ball, cracking the top five.

James knows that he too carries a lot of the weight on his own shoulders, but now that he has a title for Cleveland under his belt, where he’ll take the Cavs next is a scary thought for their opposition.

Kyrie Irving proved to be clutch and cold-blooded in the same breath during the NBA Finals. Kevin Love also came to play in the postseason, as the Cavaliers proved too much for Golden State in their championship rematch.

With Kevin Durant now on the Warriors, the thought of a third installment of NBA Finals between the two teams is an entertaining thought, at most, because it won’t happen.

As good as LeBron James can be, often the best player on the planet, a bit of championship hangover will linger into their playoff push.

But they’re still hands down the best in the Eastern Conference.

Season Prediction: (55-27), 1st in Central

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