SLAM DUNKS: This franchise is all about G-F LeBron James (31.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 6.6 apg, 1.6 spg), who has established himself as one of the premier players in the world in just three seasons. The 21-year-old took a little longer than expected to sign a long-term extension this summer but finally inked a three-year deal that now allows everyone associated with the Cavaliers to sleep well at night. ... C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (15.6, 7.6) gives the team a steady presence in the middle and F-C Anderson Varajeo (4.6, 4.9) proved to be a capable backup who also gives the Cavs an added dimension of athleticism. ... Wesley (9.9, 2.9 apg) comes over from Houston to give James another outside shooter to look for. The 13-year veteran averaged double-digit points 11 straight seasons before barely missing the clip in 2005-06.

AIRBALLS: The Cavaliers had a hard time finding a second or third scorer to step up when James either was struggling or being double- or triple-teamed. G Larry Hughes (15.5, 3.6 apg) was limited to just 36 games due to a broken finger and G Damon Jones (6.7, 2.1) and F Donyell Marshall (9.3, 6.1 rpg) both shot under 40 percent from the floor. The one place James was able to look for help was Murray, who came over in a midseason trade and proved to be both clutch and fearless. However, Murray was able to spin that success into a two-year, $6.3 million contract with Detroit. ... F Drew Gooden (10.7 8.4 rpg) and G Eric Snow (4.8, 4.2 apg) have big contracts despite limited offensive ability. GUESSWORK: With James in his prime, the Cavaliers need to be fielding a championship-caliber team on a yearly basis. This squad has plenty of top-line talent and a host of accomplished NBA players, but is it the right blend? Do the other players complement James' talents? Ilgauskas is a relatively immobile 7-3 center who is incapable of playing up-tempo basketball. Hughes, meanwhile, can run and score, but he might be too similar to James to succeed as a 1-2 combo in the long run. Snow is good at getting the ball to James and Hughes, but when the ball is kicked back to him, he struggles making jump shots on a consistent basis.

THINKING CAP: After rumors had him looking at potential free agency after this season, James finally calmed Cleveland's concerns on July 12, agreeing to a three-year extension through the 2009-10 season with a player option for a fourth year. The Cavaliers were hoping he would sign a maximum five-year extension but they were more than happy to settle for whatever would get his signature onto the contract. The team also re-signed Gooden to a three-year, $23 million deal this offseason, ensuring all five of its starters are signed through at least 2009.

D-LEAGUE CANDIDATE: Gibson

THE COACH SAYS: "Our goal is going to be the same this year as it was last year, and that is to win the championship. I don't look at the expectations, dwell on it, think about it, or even address it with the team. Because the expectations people put on us aren't anything lighter or easier than what we expect of ourselves."