I don't think Cleveland is a lock to be unbeatable in the east

[Celtics4ever]

I think they will represent the EC.   All these teams people throw out there like the Bulls are a joke.  The only thing that could stop them is an injury to a major player.

[fitzhickey]

Rose >> Irving (if he returns as anticipated)

Joakhim Noah >>> Andy V

I don't necessarily agree with these.  I see Irving and Rose as very close.  Rose may or may not have a slight edge, but I don't think it's worth ">>"

Same thing with Noah vs. Varejao.  I think Noah is a bit overrated to begin with, and Varejao is fairly equal to Noah in terms of scoring, passing, and rebounding (Varejao could have the edge here).  Noah's defense is better, but I think if you put AV into Thibodeau's system, he'd be pretty effective.  So, Noah is better, but not by a huge margin (i.e., ">>>")

I may have overstated the diff. between AV and Noah, but I think Rose is too much for Kyrie to handle on defense, and I think Rose is a capable defender of Kyrie.

[Quetzalcoatl]

While Varejao isn't a rim protector, he can do a lot of things at a really high level.  His passing and rebounding are excellent, plus his jump shot is good enough now that he can execute a very efficient pick and roll.  He is a very good fit to go along with Love/Irving/James as he doesn't need the ball to be effective.  I think they're going to have a real chance at taking it.  They have 3 guys who need to be double teamed, essentially and then Waiters + Varejao will be playing unguarded. 

[bleedGREENdon]

Waiters can stroke it from deep as we'll.

Starting 5 is loaded

Bench is weak though.

Bulls have a very deep team

Starting 5

Rose
Butler
Mirotic
Gasol
Noah

Bench

Hinrich
Jimmer/McDermott
McDermott/Dunleavy
Gibson
Muhammad

[Celtics4ever]

I think Love's offense will outweigh Noah's defense and Love is the better rebounder of the two.   LeBron can guard any position and I think he can guard Gasol if need be rather than Thompson.   The bulls have no one who can stop him.   Rose might be slightly better than Irving but I think that is debatable.    Rose is not the same player he was folks.   His time was really limited in the USA basketball I have seen him play.  Bulls lost Deng.   Is McDermott going to guard LeBron?

Varejao will get these guys in foul trouble,   He is king of the flop.  Waiters is over rated by this blog but I think would rather impact in this series.  Bulls have the depth though.   I think they have the better coach too but I doubt it is enough to overcome 50 PPG from Love and LeBron.

[Future Celtics Owner]

I think people forgot the cavs  still have Tristan Thompson.  He is more than a legit 4/5 backup and can start and get a double double.

[nzea]

You're also forgetting the Cavs could swing for Ray Allen, Matrix and Okafor after the deal is done.

PG

Irving
Dellevadova

SG

Waiters
J. Harris

SF

LeBron
Miller
James Jones

PF

Love
Thompson
Marion

C

Andy V
Okafor
Wright


Who could legitimately challenge that lineup? The Bulls and maybe the Wiz might be close, but still, too much depth and to many stars.