Tristan Thompson must think the Cavaliers still have LeBron James.
The Cavaliers forward emphatically insisted Cleveland is still the team to beat in the Eastern Conference on Thursday, challenging rivals they vanquished thanks to James’ dominance. James signed a four-year deal with the Lakers this offseason.
“We’re still four-time Eastern Conference champions, so until you take us down from that, teams ain’t got much to say. Boston, Philly, they ain’t got much to say,” Thompson said Thursday. “Boston had homecourt Game 7 and lost. Philly, you guys almost got swept. Toronto — we already know that story. So until someone takes us down, there’s not much they can really say.”
Thompson, known more for his off-the-court drama than production, said the Cavaliers are better than the Raptors, Celtics and 76ers, the clear favorites in the East this season.
His optimism, unsurprisingly, created laughs around the East.
“Cut it out. Get that vacation ready early this year fam! Ain’t s–t going through the Cavs this year! #facts,” Celtics journeyman Marcus Morris wrote on Twitter.
Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons also laughed off Thompson’s early predictions.
“@realtristan13 hah yeh ok buddy see you soon,” the 76ers star wrote.
The Cavaliers will be riding Kevin Love and a slew of unknowns into a hopeful playoff spot.