WASHINGTON -- Even before the Cleveland Cavaliers stumbled out of the gates to a 3-5 record -- owners of the league's 29th ranked defense being picked apart by the likes of Orlando, Brooklyn and New York -- teams were taking their shots at the three-time defending Eastern Conference champs.
"We see an opportunity because there isn't a Golden State in our conference or San Antonio or Houston," Miami Heat president Pat Riley said in September.
Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards, who the Cavs will face Friday (7 p.