King James Gospel
Fansided

What would have happened had LeBron not come back?

By Robbie DiPaola

Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 23: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 23: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

How Love fits into the equation

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Love was in fact not willing to commit to the Cavaliers long term if he was dealt here.

Had a deal been made for Love to come to the Cavaliers without LeBron, that team still would have likely made the playoffs. Their starting five could have been Irving, Hayward, Ariza, Love and Anderson Varejao. Players such as Frye, Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters would have rounded out the best of the second unit.

Obviously, the Cavaliers plans went up in smoke when LeBron made it known he was coming back to Ohio. While we would not have likely witnessed a championship, it is quite interesting to speculate on where Cleveland would be today had James not come back.

While the Cavaliers were the beasts of the East for four years, they are now in a position of uncertainty. Granted Cleveland has a core in place, it will likely take some time for the team to get back into serious playoff contention.

Next. Ranking the top 30 greatest Cavaliers of all time. dark

What transpired in the seasons after James came back is something no fan of the Cavaliers will ever forget. But it is at least fair to wonder what would have happened if LeBron never decided to come home.