Tim Legler

And I think to answer your question, the criteria I use when you hear the word contender for me is, can you realistically see this team like either in the Western Conference, that would mean in the conference finals.

And if you're in the East, can you realistically see them in the NBA finals?

Like, I think that's the question.

And that's why for me, what I've seen out of Cleveland is really disturbing.

Now, I know that they've had health issues like a lot of teams, but

There's something, there's a flatness about them and a lack of defensive presence that concerns me.

I think Orlando, for the most part, has a toughness that they play with most nights.

They haven't been healthy either.

They missed Ben Caro for a while, comes back.

Now you don't have Wagner.

Bain struggled big time early.

I think he was almost like, yeah, new place.

It's always weird for a guy that's like a high volume shot taker, kind of trying to fit into this team.

He's found his stride.

So he's answered a lot of what they needed from a year ago.

They just haven't had their top guys on the court for any sustained stretch with Wagner and Bankero.

Last year included till the second half of the year.

So I'm actually thinking they've got a run in them.

And I think I would differentiate the two of them this way.

Here's why I would put them in different categories.