Even after a roster upgrade for the homecoming of LeBron James, being behind the wheel of fate a second time around has worn the 30 year-old's body down. Returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers after the "four years of college" in Miami has not exactly been a seat-reclined ride for the 11-year veteran who has lived atop the NBA for as many years.

James has missed extensive time due to injury for the first time in his career and it became clear over his several-week absence how much the team relies on him. It once seemed as though the Cavaliers had built an adequate championship team over the offseason. But a series of unforeseen circumstances arose, forcing the management to make several moves in the trade market. The headlining maneuver was dealing Dion Waiters in a three-team trade that brought J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to Cleveland. Smith has performed well, his sharp shooting facilitated by an increased role as a starter. A guy that likes to take shots, Smith has been another offensive weapon for opposing defenses to worry about on the perimeter and appears to be an upgrade from Waiters. Shumpert, on the other hand, has missed extensive time due to a shoulder injury, but may be another key addition to a supporting cast that has largely underperformed.

Defense and rebounding have largely failed the Cavaliers throughout the season. An aged supporting cast headlined by the likes of Shawn Marion, Mike Miller, and James Jones has not provided the insurance that once looked promising prior to the season. Another unforeseen consequence that forced the Cavaliers to make a move on the trade market was a season-ending injury to Anderson Varejao. The loss Varejao led to an absurdly complex series of moves that ultimately landed Timofey Mozgov in Cleveland. Mozgov has recorded four double-doubles in nine games with his new team, filling a monstrous void left by one of LeBron James's favorite teammates. A move of desperation, the Cavaliers have won six of their nine games with fifth-year center who came over from the Denver Nuggets. However, their frontcourt has not been a strong suit all season and post defense continues to be an area of concern.

The latest acquisitions have increased offensive production to this point, but several holes in the lineup remain and, when compared to a team like the Atlanta Hawks, the Cavaliers' championship hopes appear to be dwindling. The Hawks are the hottest team in the NBA having won 16 consecutive games. Their recent surge has been a product of great team basketball and a balanced attack. On the other hand, the Cavaliers' chemistry has been a slave to the number of players on the roster who demand the ball. Kyrie Irving is the team's second leading scorer, but has less assists per game than LeBron James. Kevin Love is averaging a double-double, but has not carried over his dominance as a two-way player. This Cavaliers team as presently constructed severely lacks the cohesiveness that made the Miami Heat teams of the last four years so successful. Nor does it match up against a team such as the Hawks, who they would likely have to surmount if they hope to reach the NBA Finals.

Amidst a six-game winning streak, the Cavaliers sit behind the Chicago Bulls at fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. With the trade deadline fast approaching, they may not be done finalizing their roster. Meanwhile, the health and stability of LeBron James remains a top concern. As he said, success will take time and, at this point, the Cavaliers will need more than time to compete for a championship.