They may have lost the best player of his generation, but Tristan Thompson still has high hopes for the Cavaliers. And he says that the Eastern Conference is still going through Cleveland.

Thompson reminded journalists to practice Thursday The Cavaliers are four-time defending champions and remain the team to beat in the East despite the departure of LeBron James in free agency.

"We are four more times Eastern Conference Champions, so until you get out of it, the teams do not have much to say," Thompson said. "Boston, Philly, they do not have much to say, Boston lost their home game, match 7. Philly, you've almost been swept in. Toronto – we already know that story. can really say. "

With James in the lead last season, the Cavaliers swept the Raptors in the second round and beat the Celtics in the Eastern finals in seven games, including the decisive victory in Boston. Cleveland was swept into the NBA finals by the Golden State Warriors, and James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.

The 76ers lost to the Celtics in five games in the second round.

Thompson's comments were quick to make their way to the opponents of the Cleveland conference. They do not share Thompson's enthusiasm for the Cavaliers.

Marcus Morris, Celtic striker tweeted: "@ RealTristan13 Cut it off Prepare your vacation early this year! Is not to go through the Cavs this year! #Facts"

In an Instagram commentary, Simmons sarcastically responded: "@ realtristan13 hah yeh ok buddy see you soon"

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Hopes are high in Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto before the season. The Celtics welcome Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, injured. The 76ers have two of the best young players in the NBA, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. And the Raptors defeated Kawhi Leonard, who was one of the best players in the league when they were in good health.

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook projects Boston (57.5 wins), Philadelphia (54.5) and Toronto (54.5) as the top three teams in the East. Westgate is not as optimistic about the Cavaliers as Thompson, throwing Cleveland at 30.5 wins and near the bottom of the East.

Follow Matt Eppers on Twitter @meppers.