2. Injured Players from Last Season
In what is perhaps the biggest storyline for the Cavaliers entering this year is the return of several players who had their seasons end due to serious injuries which resulted in surgery.
Love, Irving and Varejao were all starters last season. All three of them ended the year on the inactive list.
Varejao was the first to go after a torn Achilles resulted in surgery in December of 2014. It was the fourth time in the past five seasons the veteran center was sidelined for a majority of the season due to an injury.
Love’s 2014-15 ended during Game 4 of the first round playoff series versus the Boston Celtics after he dislocated his left shoulder when he was tangled with the Celtics’ Kelly Olynyk. He underwent surgery shortly after and it was expected his recovery would take four-to-six months.
Irving’s season ended in Game 1 of the NBA Finals due to a fractured kneecap that required surgery.
Though Cleveland is considered the favorites to win the finals entering the preseason, the health and well-being of the three aforementioned players during training camp will be of the utmost importance.
Next: Can Kevin Love Be Comfortable in the Cavs Offense?
