The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Big Three has led the team to the last three consecutive NBA Finals stint, capturing one title back in 2016. But with Kyrie Irving now playing for the Boston Celtics -- the Cavs’ toughest rival in the East -- there are questions whether LeBron James and Kevin Love would be able to carry the team back to the NBA Finals.

Can LeBron spearhead the Cavaliers’ charge for a fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance, possibly another NBA title? Will the old form of Kevin Love finally show up? Who will be the Cavs’ starting point guard?

Bring the old Kevin Love back

For the seventh time, LeBron James was named as the No. 1 NBA player on ESPN’s #NBArank. LBJ outranked the Golden State Warriors’ Magic 5 led by Kevin Durant (2), Stephen Curry (4), Draymond Green (10), Klay Thompson (19), and Andre Iguodala (43).

But basketball is a game of 5-vs-5, so where are his teammates at? Kevin Love’s the closest at No. 26, followed closely by Isaiah Thomas (33) and Jae Crowder (38). Meanwhile, big man Tristan Thompson grabs the No. 72 spot. And yes, there’s an odd-man out in this equation -- Isaiah Thomas.

Cavs head coach Ty Lue already has an answer on this problematic equation -- bring back the old form off Kevin Love. “This year is going to be a big opportunity for him,” said the third-year coach.

He added, “We're going to play through him more. He's going to get those elbow touches again.”

If Lue’s serious, expect a lot of things to change in Cleveland. One move could be having a smaller but faster frontcourt of LBJ, Crowder, and Love. How about pick-and-roll between LBJ and Love, or an assist from Love to Crowder? Yet still, the Cavaliers must resolve a more serious problem.

Cavs point guards, out

The Cavaliers front office remains elusive when it comes to answering questions about the latest update on Isaiah Thomas’ injury. This has led to some speculations that Isaiah’s injury is far worse than what was initially reported.

There were also reports that Iman Shumpert, who assumed the role as the Cavs' backup point guard last season, has requested to be traded out.

With Isaiah out indefinitely and the looming possibility of Shumpert being traded, the post vacated by Kyrie went from just a little downgrade to a questionable future.

The rise of Derrick Rose

Unlike Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose is still in the hunt for that elusive NBA title. Days before his recent season-ending injury happened, the 2011 NBA MVP said that he will make winning his priority, “I want to win. I want to be happy and feel at peace with myself wherever I'm at.”

This is the reason why he agreed to sign a one-year veteran’s minimum contract with the Cavaliers. But without Isaiah and possibly Shumpert, Rose is expected to take the role of starting point guard. Rose is expected to have fully recovered 6 weeks after the surgery.

If Derrick Rose is able to return to his form comparable to last season which saw an increase in his scoring output, his highest in four years, the Cavs will have a good fighting chance against the Celtics. But how about bringing the NBA title back to Cleveland?
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