Tristan Thompson still believes the Cavaliers are still the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. I guess he hasn’t realized what LeBron leaving really means for the Eastern Conference, let alone the Cavaliers. Thompson brought up the Cavaliers being in the finals four straight times in a row. He also points out the Cavaliers beat the Raptors, who just recently acquired Kawhi Leonard, and his creepy laugh, ten straight times. He is correct on his facts but failed to shed light on the biggest component which is LeBron James. LeBron James is considered by many as the best player in the world, and his presence was felt in a gigantic way in the Eastern Conference. He led his team to victory in all the conference finals and in the one championship win, God was favoring him that year. He is gone from the team and the conference overall. James has joined the Los Angeles Lakers with Magic Johnson to continue his legacy.

A few of the players in the Eastern Conference were quick to respond, most in a joking manner. Joel Embiid replied to the interview with “Lmao… boy if you don’t.” Ben Simmons also replied, with “ha eh okay buddy see you soon.” Both accompanied their response with laughing emoji’s to show how un-serious they are taking this empty statement. And with LeBron gone from the East, the 76ers have a great chance to be the best team in the east with Embiid and Simmons in the front of the charge. Marcus Morris, from the Celtics, also replied saying “Cut it out. Get that ready early this year fam! Ain’t **** going through the Cavs this year #facts.” Morris is on the team that most people are championing to be the best team in the East, and probably the entire league. The Warriors have something to say about that though.

Let’s be honest, the Cavaliers aren’t really seen as a threat in the East anymore. With Kyrie leaving the team two seasons ago, then LeBron leaving last season, all is left is Kevin Love. Love is a great player but doesn’t have the ability to take the team to the conference finals. They are already ruled off to have a bad season, hanging around the lower tier of the Eastern Conference teams. This is the time where you replay Kawhi’s laugh on a loop.

As far as Tristan Thompson goes, he is a good player. He has faced criticism this past season for not playing how he used to when he won a ring. He ended the season with 5.8 points a game and 6.6 rebounds a game. Unless the NBA releases a new rule that the game ends after the first five points, he won’t make any noticeable difference for the team. Even with his low stats for his big talk, he now has a target on his back. Maybe a small target, but it’s still a target.