NBA 2017/18 Preview: 5 bold predictions for the upcoming season

#3 Jae Crowder the key if Cavaliers are to dethrone the Warriors

Jae Crowder's versatility and defensive disposition will be key to Cleveland's success

Cleveland made a lot of moves in what was a tumultuous offseason, trading away Kyrie Irving to Boston for Isaiah Thomas, Ante Zizic, Jae Crowder and a 2018 first-round draft pick.

Though there has been a lot of talk of Thomas' scoring and clutch play helping LeBron James, his hip injury and uncertain return date make it difficult to quantify the deal till he gets back on the court.

The Cavs have added Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade to help provide creativity and scoring to ease the load on James and combined with Kevin Love and his move to centre, coach Tyronn Lue will have an offensive juggernaut on his hands.

That is definitely a bonus in their fight against the Warriors, but the player who will really make the difference is swingman Jae Crowder. An out-and-out 3 and D guy, Crowder provides the size and versatility needed to combat elite teams on the defensive end.

With existing role players like JR Smith, Iman Shumpert and Tristan Thompson on the roster, the Cavaliers now have enough depth on both the offensive and defensive fronts to take on Golden State.