NBA Season Preview 2017-18: 20 things to watch this NBA season

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a foul shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Five of the 2017 NBA Finals on June 12, 2017 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bruce Yeung/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 08: (L-R) Kevin Love /

19. Hell hath no fury like a scorned King James

Part of Irving’s rationale for requesting a trade was that he wanted “to play in a situation where he can be more of a focal point and that he no longer wants to play alongside LeBron James,” according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. While James took the high road on Twitter upon Irving’s departure, he’s likely simmering privately, especially after Irving’s controversial appearance on First Take in mid-September.

Heading into what could be his final year with the Cavaliers, James can now only wonder when his new starting point guard, Thomas, will be able to take the floor. The diminutive floor general is recovering from a hip injury he suffered late in the 2016-17 campaign, and the team is “hopeful he will be in position to return by January,” according to a statement it released on Sept. 25. In the meantime, Derrick Rose is likely to get the nod at the point, which hardly inspires confidence about the Cavs’ chances of securing home-court advantage out East.

A Herculean effort from James could change that, though.

Heading into last season, Cleveland head coach Tyronn Lue openly discussed how he hoped to limit James’ minutes to keep him fresh for the playoffs. James promptly went on to lead the league in minutes per game (37.8). Though the Cavs would be playing with fire by giving him such a heavy workload again, they may not have a choice since Thomas’ hip is likely to sideline him for a considerable chunk of the regular season. The newly signed Dwyane Wade may help alleviate some of that pressure, but this is still shaping up to be the King James show.

If James really is L.A.-bound in 2018, what better present can he give Cleveland fans than one final season of him playing 38 minutes per game in “Eff You” mode?

Next: 18. Denver's new and improved frontcourt