Aside from some small additions and subtractions such as the Warriors losing Harrison Barnes, and the Cavaliers adding Kyle Korver, the biggest change from the 2016 NBA Finals to this season's matchup is the Warriors' addition of Kevin Durant.
There's no need to rehash the details of that move, as there's been more words spilled about K.D.'s decision to leave Oklahoma City to last a lifetime. What will be interesting, however, is how it affects the matchup this time around.
Given Durant's talent level, there's no questioning whether it was a positive addition for Golden State; that's obvious, as you know, he's one of the two or three best players in the world. Rather, it's about whether or not he'll be the difference maker in this year's series. Many, understandably so, think he will be.
As for LeBron James, he obviously believes the Cavaliers will still win, but he's not naive about the impact K.D.'s addition will have. Via Cleveland.com:
"He's one of the most dangerous guys we have in the world already," James said. "So it makes it even more dangerous when you equip that talent, that skill with those guys."
These two superstars have gone up against each other before in the Finals, back in 2012 when LeBron was on the Heat, and Durant was still on the Thunder. That series was a bit of a letdown, however, as LeBron and Co. took care of business quickly. Hopefully this series, and this matchup, specifically, will be as fascinating as everyone hopes.
