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5 teams that can stop LeBron from winning a title in Cleveland

By Brad Rowland

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) calls a play against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) calls a play against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball as Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) defends during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball as Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) defends during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are, without question, the biggest obstacle in Cleveland’s way when it comes to the Eastern Conference this season. Atlanta leads the East by a considerable margin with a blistering 50-14 record, meaning that Mike Budenholzer and company will likely hold home-court advantage in a potential series against LeBron and the Cavs.

Beyond that, though, Atlanta’s roster sets up in a way that allows the Hawks to remain contenders for a long time. The Hawks do not have a single “bad” contract on the books moving forward, with their cornerstones locked up in the form of Al Horford and Jeff Teague.

Moving forward, the Hawks will have considerable decisions with upcoming free agents in Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll, but this is a deep, talented group that also includes a rising star at the point guard spot with Dennis Schröder.

For a fantastic kicker, Danny Ferry and his crew fleeced the Brooklyn Nets during the course of the Joe Johnson trade to the point where the number one seed in the East will also likely hold a lottery pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, meaning that the rich are about to get richer in Atlanta.

Many pundits have already stated their allegiance to LeBron and the Cavs if these two teams were to meet in the playoffs, and it is easy to see why with “star power” on Cleveland’s side.

However, this is a well-built roster with a high-end coach and a very high floor, meaning that they will be a road block in the pursuit of a title for at least the next few seasons.

Next: Golden State Warriors

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