The Nets are Cavs’ biggest rival for the next 5 years

The Cleveland Cavaliers began this season with patient optimism. They had a collection of talented-yet-ill-fitting young players, a few expensive veterans, and a collective assumption that they couldn’t win without LeBron James. Fast forward through most of the season and the Cavs have taken a huge leap, putting together a strong playoff team and displaying a roster that is good now and should only get better.

As much fun as this season is, the Cavs are looking towards the future and it is bright. The key players on this team are all 25 and under, and rookie Evan Mobley is only 20. Over the next five seasons, this team can expect great things, and it’s within their grasp to win the Eastern Conference one or more times.

Who will stand in their way? Which teams are the best bets to join the Cavs in contending for the East over the next five years? This week here at KJG we will be examining a number of teams in position to be the Cavs’ biggest rival for the next 5 years. Each day we will publish a new look at who the Cavs will have to overcome to realize their potential

The Cavs are a rising force in the Eastern Conference, and over the next 5 years the Brooklyn Nets will be their biggest rival

Today we kick things off with the Brooklyn Nets, a team that continues to dominate headlines for its gathered starpower but who are yet to win anything. What is the state of their rivalry now, and why could the Nets be the team to grow into the Cavs’ foil in the East?

Let’s get “Rivalry Week” started!