The Cavaliers ended last season two wins shy of an NBA title, but they also ended it with injuries to two of their key star players.
The new season is beginning in the very same way.
Iman Shumpert isn't exactly Kyrie Irving, but he is a key contributor who was penciled into the starting lineup. And after hearing the news that he'll miss about three months with a wrist injury, LeBron James said the team must have a "next man up" mentality in order to get through this early bit of adversity.
With Irving not expected to be ready to start the season, J.R. Smith and Mo Williams will likely be the starting backcourt in Cleveland when the season tips off in Chicago on Oct. 27.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.