Le Cavs! A Cleveland Cavaliers Blog

The BCC

2008-10-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

I'll say it. Mike Brown is the BCC.

Best Coach in Cleveland.

Yesterday I was driving in my Bentley Continental (read: Chrysler Pacifica), blasting some hardcore street thug rap (read: my old Kriss Kross CD), when I switched over to AM radio to hear once again, to my surprise and delight: The Coach Mike Brown Show.

What a great show and what a great coach! I know that he isn't exactly beloved in Cleveland, and is not considered one of the greatest coaches in the game today, and that sometimes his offensive game plan leaves something to be desired (like offense). But let's hear it for the boy.

Under Coach Brown, we have made it to the finals, we always play hard, and we usually look great on defense.

But I digress, the Coach Brown show is fantastic for two reasons. Coach Brown tells it like it is. When I finish listening to a Romeo Crennel or Eric Wedge news conference, I feel dirty, tricked, and confused (That's what she said?) Mike Brown yesterday, laid out his plan for the Cavs during training camp, spoke directly about the performance of certain players, and gave expectations.

* He plans on getting back to the basics of basketball, concentrating more on offense but still keeping the focus on defense, he expects us to contend for and win the championship, gave a real good report about 'Bron looking even better, Boobie putting on some strength and weight, Sasha losing 12 lbs. and JJ Hickson being an overall beast.

But here's the best part of the Mike Brown show. He takes phone calls from fans. He actually takes them. And even though 90% of the people who call in are complete idiots, he takes the time to answer the people's questions directly and responds to criticism from fans.

The fact that a coach would even offer to hear the fan's point of view on how he runs plays, what players to put in, what needs to be changed, etc. makes Mike Brown by far the BCC.

I'm very excited for this year's team, and honestly feel that this is our best chance to win it all.

Also, I'm calling it right now- Lebron wins the MVP and Mike Brown wins Coach of the Year.

(PS to Matt- Do my posts go to fearthesword also? Am I part of the big move? Was I sold as part of the LeCavs merger?)

Dream Team 2009

2008-09-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

(This post is cross posted on FearTheSword.com. I'll be writing there regularly and camping out there during games to chat in the game threads. How's that for an announcement?)

I have September 18th marked off on my calendar as National Hyperbole Day. Also, since this is my first post on Fear the Sword, I figure I need to make my pie in the sky optimism completely obvious.

This is the best Cavs team since 1992 - and the best Cavs backcourt for just as long. The Mo Williams signing, the Delonte signing and the best draft since Lebron pretty much guarantee an easy path to a 2nd round match against an aging Celtics team or a Pistons team with no identity.

Think about it. Just the backcourt for now.

Mo Williams, Delonte West, Boobie Gibson, Sasha Pavlovic, and Wally Sczcerbiak.

When did the Cavs last have that depth? In 97-98, the 5th guard was Scott Brooks. And we made the playoffs.

In Lebron's rookie campaign, the 5th man was JR Bremer. I think. I might rate him ahead of Dajuan Wagner or Kevin Ollie. No wonder we drafted Lebron to run the point.

Even 3 deep, knowing these young horses can each go 30+ minutes, when have the Cavs been as good as Mo, Delonte and Boobie? When we won 50 for the first time in the Lebron era, and topped the Wizards for the first of many times, Eric Snow played the 3rd most minutes behind Flip Murray (late season acquisition) and Larry Hughes (made of glass). Really, Damon Jones was in his heyday, and he still couldn't get more than 14 (clutch) seconds against the Wiz.

In '96-'97 we missed the playoffs for the first time in a while behind Terrell Brandon, Bobby Phills, and slam dunk contest hero Bob Sura. Gordon Gund should've started up some tanning salons on the side to lure Dan Majerle into staying. As it is, that threesome might stand up to the current one. Brandon was in his prime, putting up a Mo Williams-like 20 and 6. Phills was a solid contributor in his last Cleveland campaign, acting as the glue guy, alternating between scoring, passing and rebounding as needed. And Bob Sura could dunk, sometimes. More than Boobie can say.

And then there's Mo Williams alone. When have the Cavs had a guard as good? Andre Miller. Terrell Brandon. Mark Price. Price groomed Brandon. There were 2 painful years of Brevin Knight before Miller stepped in as a rookie. Now we're heading into our 7th season since Andre Miller left town for Darius "The SAT is racist" Miles.

The Cavs simply haven't had this strong of a backcourt since those days of Price, Ehlo, a young Terrell Brandon, Steve Kerr, John Battle and a green Bobby Phills.

Once we figure out if the front court is just as stacked, we'll know if this team has championship written all over it. And here's a hint: it is.

Go Cavs!

West's Value Skyrockets

2008-08-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

A little exaggeration is healthy. Skyrockets? No. But goes up like the Cavs win total? Definitely.

Until yesterday, the Cavs had a shaky ball-handler at the point and scoring guards who could barely score for themselves and never involved teammates in the process. Delonte West didn't fit well at the 1, surely not worth starter's money as he needed to be replaced by a "pure point", or at least somebody who could handle a trap.

Now it's all changed. Suddenly Delonte fits in perfectly. If he's not our starter, he's 6th man of the year. Now, the Cavs can spring Lebron like a jack-in-a-Box. He'll leap out with a big smile, scary good, and make you jump even though you know he's coming.

With 2 competent ball handlers in the backcourt, 2 guards who can score or pass, who can run the offense, Lebron can play below the 3 point line. Before, we needed Delonte to be a better point or to be replaced by a better point. Now we just need Delonte to be Delonte - and maybe grow 2 inches. Scoring, ballhandling, energy. He's like our own crazy version of Manu Ginobili. ... And in my mind, Lebron is Tim Duncan. I'm getting carried away.

Knowing that Boobie is locked up for a while making specialist money, able to play some at the 1 or the 2, all you need for a complete backcourt is the big athlete. The scorer who can play the 2 or 3, who won't let the offense stagnate and can defend opposing big guards. Enter Frankenszczerbovic's monster. At some point Wally and/or Pavs will either turn into the big guard we need or, thanks to their expiring contracts, be turned into the big guard we need.

So despite bringing in a replacement, it's more important than ever that the Cavs keep Delonte West in the fold.

Mo
Delonte
Lebron
AfroCorpse
Z

Go Cavs!

Let me repeat: 82 and Mo!

2008-08-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

Batman has his next Robin, and his name is Mo Williams. Is this a case of one player single-handedly killing a team to the point that they trade for him? Probably.

After the Larry Hughes debacle, I think we need to pace ourselves before going out and declaring the things yet to come.

...

Have I waited long enough?

...

CHAMPIONSHIP! In the bag. Mo Williams will be perfect on the Cavs. Delonte can be our combo guard. Sasha or (pre-trade) Wally can be our big guard. Boobie can be a specialist. And Lebron James can actually play off the ball against a real defense. Hallelujah for that!

If you've read Tom Ziller's Ballad for a Combo Guard, you already know Mo is as combo as they come, damn near a "perfect balance". With Lebron, the Cavs need a pure point like they need back to back road games. What they need is somebody who is not one dimensional, not a specialist. They needed an athlete, a scorer and a ballhandler, and they got one.

Mo is only 25 and he's improved every year he's been in the league, up to his latest line of 17.2 PPG on 48% from the field, 39% from deep, and 86% from the line, 6.3 assists to 2.8 TOs, 3.5 boards and 1.2 steals.

Honestly, I'm trying to temper my excitement by finding reasons not to like him, and here's what I got:

He's owned the Cavs ... but that doesn't matter anymore!

He doesn't get to the line much, which tells me he likes to settle and could go cold without the touches he's used to. He's more of a pull up-floater than twisting layup kinda guy, though, not a house-built-from-18-footers Larry Hughes type.

His PER against last year was higher than his PER. So he's not the best defender. But who on the Cavs is? Yet they continually turn in solid team D. At least he's quick. With some coaching and some winning, he'll be good enough.

The contract. Mo Money is getting at least $8.5mm for the next 4 years, with his option for a 5th. I've seen some people say that's bad, but those people are idiots. He's 25, he keeps getting better, and we have him locked up for a long, long time. Already people are saying he's definitely taking that option. I'm saying that barring a huge change in salary structure, he'll opt out at 12:01 am and sign a long term worth 8 figures per.

If there is anything I can hold against Mo Championships, it's that he's injury prone. He logged 80 games he's second year in and hasn't hit 70 since. He's small, so he's fragile, I guess. The only way this can go wrong is if Mo doesn't get to play enough, because mo' Mo means mo' wins.

And what did we give up to get him? Only the greatest shooter on the planet to not get minutes and a solid veteran big. We're either signing 47 year old Charles Oakley or thinking JJ Hickson is his 2nd coming, since the rookie is now getting penciled in for 15 per from the start.

I'm a little worried that this means the door for Delonte, but we're keeping him at least another year or getting something back right now in a sign and trade, since we'd be fools to let him walk, even with Mo in the fold. I'd sign up Delonte for 5 mil per right now and slot him in at the 2.

I made it, guys!

Go Cavs!

82-0

2008-08-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

The NBA schedule is out. The Cavs have tied for an NBA record 82 games, but then we knew this would be a big year.

All I've heard so far from the people who care about these things is how hard their teams' schedule is. Since people caring about these things is new to me, I'm here to hop on the bandwagon.

Damn the Cavs schedule is tough! We open the season against the defending champions - the hottest team in the league. How are we supposed to contend with a schedule like that?

If Ori plays his cards right, he and I will be headed off to Game 2, the home opener against Charlotte, while the wife takes care of the youngins.

The rest of November seems pretty mundane. Wait, sorry, I'm doing this wrong....

We got screwed! 4 back to backs in the opening month?? 3 on the road? The wheels will come off by December! With 3 of our first 4 on the road at Boston, New Orleans and Dallas, we will be tested early. We should definitely be in double digit wins after a month - I'd guess 11-6.

Tue 28 @ Boston
Thu 30 vs Charlotte
Sat 01 @ New Orleans
Mon 03 @ Dallas
Wed 05 vs Chicago
Fri 07 vs Indiana
Sat 08 @ Chicago
Tue 11 vs Milwaukee
Thu 13 vs Denver
Sat 15 vs Utah
Tue 18 @ New Jersey
Wed 19 @ Detroit
Sat 22 vs Atlanta
Tue 25 @ New York
Wed 26 vs Oklahoma City
Fri 28 vs Golden State
Sat 29 @ Milwaukee

December brings 3 more roadie back ends, so 7 through 2 months. I think last year was 16, and we were middle of the pack. I'm pretty excited for December 21 @Oklahoma City, even if that's just a lousy team in a lousy city. Christmas pits Santa Bron against Deshawn and his Wizard Elves in the last of 5 Christmas day games. Where's a Jewish kid supposed to find time to squeeze in movies and Chinese food?

In all, December should be a cake walk, a good time to get on a roll. Seriously, we could be undefeated. Check this out:
Wed 03 vs New York
Fri 05 vs Indiana
Sat 06 @ Charlotte
Tue 09 vs Toronto
Wed 10 @ Philadelphia
Fri 12 vs Philadelphia
Sat 13 @ Atlanta
Wed 17 @ Minnesota
Fri 19 @ Denver
Sun 21 @ Oklahoma City
Tue 23 vs Houston
Thu 25 vs Washington
Sun 28 vs Miami
Tue 30 @ Miami

Where are we losing? At Denver has to be the toughest game in there. Houston is tough, but that's at home. Philly should be good, so maybe we split that home and home. Miami? I could argue the same thing, but they're a crapshoot. If we lost 4 of these, I'd be disappointed.

January is where it starts to get tough. Sorry.

The misery continues in January! 3 back to backs, though only 1 is a roadie. Of course, that one is Utah, so it's probably a loss. I hate Carlos Boozer. Unlike December, we face a lot of winning teams.

Fri 02 vs Chicago
Sun 04 @ Washington
Wed 07 vs Charlotte
Fri 09 vs Boston
Tue 13 @ Memphis
Thu 15 @ Chicago
Fri 16 vs New Orleans
Mon 19 @ LA Lakers
Wed 21 @ Portland
Fri 23 @ Golden State
Sat 24 @ Utah
Tue 27 vs Sacramento
Thu 29 @ Orlando
Fri 30 vs LA Clippers

I could see us sliding through a .500 month, since Memphis is the only roadie gimme.

February will be another tough month, with a couple tough home games, plus 3 back to backs, including the start of 4 games in 5 nights in Houston and San Antonio.

Sun 01 @ Detroit
Tue 03 vs Toronto
Wed 04 @ New York
Sun 08 vs LA Lakers
Tue 10 @ Indiana
Wed 11 vs Phoenix
Wed 18 @ Toronto
Fri 20 @ Milwaukee
Sun 22 vs Detroit
Tue 24 vs Memphis
Thu 26 @ Houston
Fri 27 @ San Antonio

No games between 2/11 and 2/18? Do they play an exhibition game in there or something? Home for Memphis is another gimme, but we could ostensibly lose every other game. If I had to predict, I'd put us at 7-5 for the month.

March will be a boring month barring a race for playoff positioning, but it'll be a busy one. 17 games in 31 days, but only 3 back to backs, starting with the easy half of that 4 in 5 nights. We end the month with 8 of 9 at home, against mostly lousy teams, so if we do need to move up in the standings, there is our chance.

Sun 01 @ Atlanta
Mon 02 @ Miami
Wed 04 vs Milwaukee
Fri 06 @ Boston
Sat 07 vs Miami
Tue 10 @ LA Clippers
Thu 12 @ Phoenix
Fri 13 @ Sacramento
Sun 15 vs New York
Tue 17 vs Orlando
Thu 19 vs Portland
Sat 21 vs Atlanta
Sun 22 @ New Jersey
Wed 25 vs New Jersey
Fri 27 vs Minnesota
Sun 29 vs Dallas
Tue 31 vs Detroit

That first home game against Milwaukee after being on the road for 4 in 5 is a total trap game. I'll say 10-7, just so I can add them all up at the end.

April brings a lot of attention with 5 of 8 games on national TV. I wouldn't be surprised if 7 of the 8 games are against playoff bound teams, but at that point, it might just mean resting stars. If we are jockeying for position, I'll feel pretty good finishing the schedule with 4 of 6 at home, traveling only to Philly and Indy.

Thu 02 @ Washington
Fri 03 @ Orlando
Sun 05 vs San Antonio
Wed 08 vs Washington
Fri 10 @ Philadelphia
Sun 12 vs Boston
Mon 13 @ Indiana
Wed 15 vs Philadelphia

Knowing the Cavs, throw a couple of these away and end up at 5-3 or so.

Completely unscientifically, that's 51 wins, the best of the Lebron/Mike Brown era. Really, who knows how it'll play out. Can't wait for camp to start and Kunta Delonte to be there.

Go Cavs!

Cavs Sign Liam Neeson's Son

2008-08-05T08:31:00.001-07:00

Shablam!

And like that, the off-season has begun. Wall Street Danny, as I like to call him, has set off a domino effect that will reverberate through the alleys of Cleveland for months to come.

With this signing, the Cavs have signaled one of two things. One the one hand, Tarence Kinsey might just be here to replace Devin Brown on the cheap. On the other hand, Mike Brown seems like the kinda guy who would really like a guy like Devin Brown. This signing could be the first in a series.

They say the Cavs are looking J.R. Smith square in the eye while offering GM Mark Warkentien a hand job in a sign and trade. Or maybe that sign and trade - or another deal - involve some of the Cavs shorter-than-Lebron type players. Could be Sasha Pavlovic, who never found a groove after holding out then getting injured last season. Could be Damon Jones, who really should've defected to play for Team China next week. Could be that despite all indications of a slave well kept, the Cavs think they are losing Delonte West.

Since Danny Ferry doesn't know the language of the media, we won't know until it happens. What we do know is that Tarence Kinsey is a Cav. Talk about tremendous upside, the kid is only 24 and he's already 6'6" and a staggering 189 pounds! Nobody expects the world from him, but there is definitely room to grow. He's young enough not to peak for another 4 or 5 years, and check out what he's done in the past.

In case you missed it, go back and scroll on down to the end of the year. Fresh off turning 23, Kinsey started pouring it in. I realize the final game of the season between Memphis and Minnesota 2 years ago was basically a D+ League game, but 22, 9 and 7 on 69% shooting against people who are being paid to be there translates to any league. The kid can play, at least a little bit.

I know some of you were hoping for Baron Davis or Ron Artest, but Tarence Kinsey y'all! Get excited!

Go Cavs!

A Few Quickies

2008-07-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

Some Quick notes on the Cavs:

My Boobie's Back...
And you're gonna be in trouble!

I'm hearing that the Cleveland Cavliers have re-signed Daniel "Boobie" Gibson. Not only that, but I am hearing that we signed him to a 5 year deal! I haven't heard any information about $$$. For those of you who know me, this makes me quite happy in the pantiloons, I am a huge Boobie fan, and do not share Matt's belief that all he can do is shoot. I think he's actually a pretty good defender for his size, a smart player with the ball, and can take the ball to the hoop and finish when he needs to. I think he still has some growing to do as a player, but he's young and already has terrific fundamentals. This is an A+ move in my opinion for the Cavs, and as long as he stays healthy, we can even work on turning him into more of a PG. Also, Lebron loves him so that helps.

Summer League:
I've only seen one game (we've only played one as of my writing this), but JJ Hickson is a beast. We have nobody like him on the team. He takes good shots, has some really nice moves, and looks to attack every time he gets the ball on the post. In the Knicks game, it did not matter who was guarding him, he was looking to post them up. He ended up with 26 pts and 9 rebs in probably about 25 minutes of playing time. I'm liking this draft pick more and more, and if we can develop him and he adds even more muscle, I think that he can turn into even more that a "Jason Maxiell type player". He actually has a similar game to Boozer, in terms of going after the ball and attacking the basket.

-The Tractor may earn a spot on this team. He's still really big, but after watching everybody bounce off of him, and him make a few nifty passes, I think he can provide us with more than a Dwayne Jones or Lance Allred.

-Darnell Jackson looks alright, he probably makes the team on hustle and size alone. Although by my count, we have alot of big guys and not many little's which may mean a trade is on the way.

-Dru Joyce and Romeo Travis are just on the team to appease Lebron. Neither one of them belongs in the NBA, and they didn't exactly tear up the German league last year (not even that good of a league in Europe).

-Brian Windhorst (the best and most reliable source for Cavs info) is apparently very sick and almost died a few weeks ago. Best wishes go out to him.

Fixin' Up Dem Cavs

2008-07-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

Bottom Line: We have to win now.

I've never been the "Lebron James is leaving" chicken little type, but from everything I've seen and read, he probably is gonna go. And then again he might not. But here is what I do know for sure. We have the best player in the NBA on our team for two more seasons. He needs a bit of help to get over the hump he needs some guys who can make plays and make baskets.

It's obvious we aren't going to make a major splash in free agency with our trade exemption, so we are going to have to get Lebron help via the trade.

Here's the sad part though, we don't even really have many trade-able assets. We have a few expiring contracts, Sasha Pavlovic, AV and that's pretty much it. So I don't expect us to pull off any Kevin Garnett like trade miracles, we'll have to be creative and get good undervalued players.

So without any further ado, if I'm the GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers, here is what I do:

First trade:
Cleveland Trades: Anderson Varejao and Eric Snow (or Damon Jones)
Chicago Trades: Kirk Hinrich and Jameson Curry

Cleveland does it because they get a quality PG whose value is down after having a rough year, Hinrich though, actually works better in Cleveland's offensive sets of self-creating, clock wasting ands Lebron finding than he does in Chicago's everybody can score offense. Chicago does it, because they just drafted their PG of the future, they need a hustle C-PF, and Eric Snow gives them cap space next year or even this year if he does indeed retire.

Second Trade:
Cleveland Trades: Wally Sczerbiak
New York Trades: Zach Randolph and 2010 1st round draft pick

I know this isn't going to be popular but why not? First of all, many of you are probably thinking to yourselves, why the hell would the Knicks do this? The latest rumor I've been hearing is that the Knicks have entertained the thought of trading Z-Bo for a second round draft pick. Just to get rid of him and his hefty salary (14.4 million a year like Big Ben).

First of all, the case for Randolph- He's a legit PF who averages 20 and 10 for the past 4 seasons. He's a good rebounder and a solid inside presence and nobody questions his on court attitude or ability. Everybody's problem with him is that he is nuts when he is off the court. Maybe I'm crazy, but I'll take my chances. We also get a 2010 first round pick which along with our own first round pick could turn into some pretty solid players and a fresh start if Lebron does in fact leave Cleveland.

The problems with these deals:
Both Z-Bo and Hinrich are locked up for a good sum of money for a long time (4 more seasons for Hinrich and 3 more for Randolph) along with Big Ben for 2 more seasons, we have alot of money invested and not much flexibility in the future.

The goodsies with these deals:
We now have an NBA team that can beat anybody. With a starting lineup of:
PG- Hinrich (14 PPG, 8 assists)
SG- Pavlovic (10 ppg, Good D)
SF- Lebron (27 ppg, 8, 8)
PF- Randolph (20 ppg, 11 rebounds)
C- Ilgauskas (15 ppg, 9 rebs)
6th man- Boobie
Bench- Delonte, JJ Hickson, Ben Wallace, Curry, Damon Jones, Joe Smith, Darnell Jackson, etc.

We don't give up alot of talent (not like we had much to give anyway) and we have a good young core signed long term.

Who wants a ring? Part 2

2008-07-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

Does free agency always start with this much of a bang?

First, the opt out period was exciting - Arenas, Brand, Davis - even when nothing happened - Artest.

Then the coffers opened and it seems like everybody is on the move. Baron Davis is headed to LA, but he might just be swapping places with Brand. Arenas is getting a boatload of cash to stay. And some big name restricteds, namely Monta Ellis and Josh Smith might be the next to move.

All the while, as always, Danny Ferry and the Cavs are staying mum. The only rumors I've seen published by anybody with some access and accountability have had Posey, Mickael Pietrus, and now lately, Monta Ellis coming to the north shore.

Our infatuation with James Posey has existed since before he headed to South Beach to win his first ring. Now with the second in his jewelry box, he's sure to get a bigger contract than a 31 year old 3 who just shoots 3s and defends should get. Is he really a lock down defender? No, he's good, he tries hard, and that's most of the battle, but he's not Ron Artest or Bruce Bowen here. His sweet spots from the field are around the top of the key towards the wings, so he doesn't overlap with Boobie in that respect, but position-wise he is completely blocked by Lebron. I guess he could play some 4 against smaller teams or guard bigger 2s to protect Lebron, but it seems tough to justify a full mid-level contract for a guy who you can't easily slot in for 25 minutes. Besides, is his $6mm/year better than Ira Newble? I doubt it. Nonetheless, the Cavs will make a run and might get it done.

If we can't bring him home, we look to the restrict list.

Mickael Pietrus fits next to Lebron a bit better, but he lacks any of the pedigree Posey would bring to the team. If Dan Gilbert wants Ferry to make a splash, Pietrus isn't the guy he'll need to get the fans excited. At the same time, Pietrus can probably be had for less than the mid-level, meaning the Cavs would have more room to operate.

Monta Ellis has obvious appeal to a number of teams. His frame matches Boobie's, definitely tall enough for a PG, but rail thin. However, unlike Boobie, Ellis has explosive quickness. Also unlike Boobie - thanks to that quicknees - Ellis scores by getting to the hoop, rather than counting on his poor outside shot. The two together would give us an inside-outside NFL style backfield, with Lebron at QB overlooking the defense, since neither of those guys are liable to chalk up 5 assists/game, even playing 40 minutes. Offensively, that scheme definitely works. Ellis is the sort of ball-handler we need to take the pressure off Lebron, but we know Lebron is able to dominate the ball and run the offense when he has weapons keeping the defense honest. Throw in Delonte, the hybrid between Boobie and Ellis, and you have a complete background, all 6'4" and under.

If the Cavs go crazy and bring in Vince Carter or even just decide to trust Sasha Pavlovic, it could work if Mike Brown figures out a scheme to protect them from some stronger guards. I'd love to see what Coach Mike could come up with when Baron Davis posts up Monta Ellis in a grudge match. Could we count on Lebron putting lots of souvenirs in the stands or do we have another shotblocker hidden on the roster? Could we count on smothering a posting guard with a bigger double? I'd love to see somebody like Lebron (or Posey) move for that double, but I'd be scared to use a big to help on a ballhandler with good vision.

The toughest part about bringing in Ellis is in, well, bringing in Ellis. He's restricted, and Golden State, after losing Boom Dizzle, will match just about anything. Teams are usually willing to work out sign and trades rather than just holding players hostage (Andy), but since Golden State would be so barren after losing both lead guards, I doubt Chris Mullin would give up Ellis without getting something worthwhile in a sign and trade. We've heard before that they're interested in Varejao. We've also heard that Andy will reject any deal (as he can until 12/6) where he wouldn't get feature minutes. Of course, in Golden State he'd be bumping up against Al Harrington at the 4 and Andris Biedrins at the 5, but he could definitely fill 35 minutes backing up both the 4 and 5 - and there are always talk that Harrington is on the move. If Danny Ferry can work it out, I'd love to see it, but without many assets to send back to Golden State, it won't be easy.

There are plenty of other interesting restricted free agents, including the 2 currently in the Cavs control - Daniel Gibson and Delonte West. Short of bringing in Ellis or making a trade for somebody like Kirk Heinrich, the two are sure to come back. Despite our undying love resulting from their clutch playoff performances, neither have stock too high around the league. Plus, the likelihood that we'll match any reasonable offer scares off other suitors.

Other big name restricted free agents include:
Andre Iguodala
Josh Smith
These two have their fortunes intertwined, as the 76ers are hot for Smith like I'm hot for Ori's mom. The Hawks talk about matching any offer for Smith and Josh Childress, but if the 6ers can pry him away, it makes it more likely that Iguodala could sneak loose. He'd make a high energy running mate for Lebron, but I'm not sure his skills are broad enough to warrant the price tag.

Emeka Okafor
He's young, big athletic. He'd fit next to JJ Hickson in 4 years. But he'll also be expensive. He's the defensive minded sort of player we'd like, but isn't that just a nice way of saying he doesn't have much of a post game? He seems capable offensively, though, which just adds a weapon for Lebron to look to when the defense looks to suffocate him. Knowing what he turned down last year, I'm not sure we could afford him, but maybe he just wanted to hit free agency to move to a winner. I'm all for moving Andy for a guard and throwing our money at Okafor.

Luol Deng
Ben Gordon
Can you believe these idiots turned down those huge contracts? The Bulls would be smart to sign and trade Gordon for whatever they could get. Deng would be smart to take a qualifying offer and try to earn his payday next summer. With Derrick Rose coming in, the ball movement and looks should open up his game and put his stock back where it was last summer. I hate Ben Gordon.

Andris Biedrins
Is it possible that Andy's minutes in Golden State will come from a swap straight up for Biedrins? Or will Biedrins just follow Andy's lead of playing out his contract, spotlighting his offensive game to win that big contract?

Josh Childress
Remember back when he was coming out? It's a sad reminder of just how bad a pick Luke Jackson was, but man were Ori and I in love with this guy. For the first few years, he, too, seemed like a bust, but now I'd love to have an athletic glue guy hiding in Lebron's shadow. Like Posey and Pietrus, Childress could fill the space wherever Lebron wasn't. Unlike Posey and Pietrus, Childress is probably stuck in Atlanta, as I'm sure they will live up to their promise to match when all we can offer is the mid-level exception.

Nenad Krstic
Nenad is totally flying under the radar. He's been freaking good when healthy, but I guess that's a big qualifier after playing only 71 games... in 2 years. Still, if the right people believe he's healthy, he could be a steal, able to back up the 5 if Varejao goes and fitting next to Hickson once the current crop of bigs crumble entirely.

Ronny Turiaf
No way he's leaving the Lakers. Not after he helped Kobe jump that car. He's the hype guy. He's Kobe's Bundini Brown.

Louis Williams
Lou is young and unproven, which will drive his price tag low enough that the Sixers would be idiots not to match. Still, if the Cavs make a big run at Ellis and can't get it done, I'd love Williams as a consolation prize.

Then there are some more restricted free agents. Bigs like Craig Smith, Carl Landry, Ryan Gomes and David Harrison. Wings like Carlos Delfino, Kelenna Azubuike, and Sasha "The Machine" Vujacic. I'm sure Danny Ferry will be burning up the phone lines looking for value. Okay, I'm not sure, in fact, I doubt that, but I do really hope. If the Cavs bring in some former Pacer or Spur like Harrison to fill the roster, I'll start to get a little worried. But until then, Go Cavs!

Who wants a ring?

2008-07-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

This just in: NBA players want to get paid. This is there chance.

All around the interwebs, you can find lists of who is free and who is still restricted. Too bad none of those sites tell you who the Cavs are going to sign. Until now.

Let's start with the unrestricteds. The Cavs don't have the cap room to spare on any of the big names, but we can always dream. Somewhere out there is that stupid GM hoping to get something for an outgoing star. Too bad dealing with the Cavs means that's just Anderson Varejao and a 2nd round pick..

Apologies in advance for the tweeners. I hate them and don't want to sign them anyway.

PGs:
Gilbert Arenas, Wizards
Man, the Wizards are offering a crapload of cash. Only way he goes elsewhere is a sign and trade to another team offering a ton, and that ain't the Cavs.

Shaun Livingston, Clippers
I'm not sure the Cavs are in a position to take a flier, knowing they need to bring in talent over the next 2 years. However, Livingston would be a great fit bring size and ballhandling to the backcourt. Danny Ferry is sure to make an offer, but I doubt it'll be the biggest or longest Livingston sees.

Carlos Arroyo, Magic
Why can't Arroyo stick around anywhere? He's had a fair shot in Detroit and Orlando, but nobody wants to keep giving him minutes. If Boobie and Delonte stick around, is there room (or money) for another backup? No, but if we lose one or the other, Arroyo is probably the best PG option in the same price range.

Chris Duhon, Bulls
Scrappy, smart, intangible... but not very good. Duhon fits in behind Boobie and Delonte not getting the minutes that Damon Jones would prefer to cease to not get. Like DJ, Duhon probably thinks he's better than that and wouldn't sign up with the Cavs unless we thinned ranks first.

Jason Williams, Heat
He can handle. He can pass. He can shoot. He can't defend, but neither can Boobie. If it were just for this year, I'd take White Chocolate over Boobie, but looking to the future, the Cavs won't make that choice.

Jannero Pargo, Hornets
Pargo has the same willingness to shoot as Williams but not the acumen to distribute. If you turned Boobie from a shooter to a slasher, you'd have Pargo. Maybe the Cavs will sign him up and get the two in a lab with Dr. Frankengauskas.

Keyon Dooling, Magic
If Pargo was a step down from Williams, Dooling is a step down from Pargo. With Boobie, Delonte and DJ in the fold, this isn't worth anybody's time.

Sebastian Telfair, Timberwolves
I'd love to take a shot on Telfair, but he would need minutes to develop. If Boobie or Delonte slip through the cracks, I could see Ferry and crew taking a shot on a playmaker with a lot of upside.

Anthony Johnson, Kings
Steady hand, veteran... Maybe at 34 he's not getting many offers. If we move DJ, we could probably lure him as an insurance policy.

Tyronn Lue, Kings
I think Tyronn Lue might be the only player in the NBA Boobie could take in a fight.

Damon Stoudamire, Spurs
Sam Cassell, Celtics
Old, ineffective, not worth the phone call unless they'd be happy wearing a suit most of the year.

Wings:
Corey Maggette, Clippers
Maggette could be a Cav. Some team will probably offer him $8-10 mil per, counting on him to be the goto guy, but if everybody wises up, there's a slim chance he'd pick the shot at a ring in Cleveland over any other suitor offering midlevel money. I'd still count the odds as slim.

James Posey, Celtics
The Cavs are sure to be in the forefront of any talk about Posey, as always, because he's the home town boy. However, he doesn't fit well next to Lebron and could probably get more years and more money elsewhere, with his stock as high as it is coming off winning a championship.

Mickael Pietrus, Warriors
Pietrus is okay for a French guy. He's a good rebounder for his size, but I doubt his handle. He's an athlete, he has upside, but he's probably be another Larry Hughes around here. For the same reason (whatever it is) that we didn't go for Bill Walker or Chris Douglas-Roberts, I doubt we're throwing any money at Pietrus.

Ricky Davis, Heat
Oh yeah, this'll happen.

Brent Barry, Spurs
Barry is a great combination of ballhandling, shooting, rebounding and smart defense. At 36, he's probably just staying close to home in San Antonio. At 26, I'd have wanted to throw everything we have at him to slot in between Boobie/Delonte and Lebron.

Matt Barnes, Warriors
I don't think his game translates to the Cavs slow down style.

Gerald Green, Rockets
So bad, but still so young. Who knows if he's getting an offer from anywhere. If we wouldn't spend the cash on CDR, we're not offering much for this insurance policy/project.

Jarvis Hayes, Pistons
Entering his prime, Hayes can do better than backing up Lebron and playing occasional 4.

James Jones, Blazers
Jones could probably step in with defense and shooting as well and as cheaply as anybody here. Unfortunately, at 28, there isn't much upside and he barely projects as a starter, unless he morphs into Bruce Bowen. Unless Wally or Sasha is on the move, we don't have the minutes.

Kareem Rush, Pacers
How could Kareen give up the chance to play with his brother? Why would the Cavs want another undesized 2? Not happening.

Gordan Giricek, Suns
Past his prime. Not that good of a shooter. Not much of anything else. Maybe if we trade Wally and experience trader's remorse.

Quinton Ross, Clippers
Ross can be a lockdown defender, except against healthy adult males. If we're willing to let Sasha play against stronger 2s and Ross lock up the quick, shifty sorts, we could have our 2 guard rotation.

Antoine Wright, Mavericks
I can't think of anything Wright does well. I'd rather sign Ori.

Fred Jones, Knicks
I still remember his rookie year, when Freddie came out and said early on in the season that he wouldn't be entering the slam dunk contest. I think I'd have gotten about as much pub if I'd come out saying the same thing. At least you might recognize my name. Now he's been around for years and has shown he can't cut it as the undersized 2 in this league.

Juan Dixon, Pistons
I guess if we build a system to maximize our undersized 2s, we could replace DJ with one of these younger, more athletic, poorer shooting versions.

Maurice Evans, Magic
Again, if we weren't drafting a scorer with some peripheral skills, why waste money on a scorer without any now?

Kirk Snyder, Timberwolves
I could see somebody with the all around game of Snyder as this year's Devin Brown. He's probably more athletic but less skilled.

Devin Brown, Cavs
Unless, of course, we just keep the original around. He can't be happy about going from starter to nothing when the playoffs came around, but it's not like he's leaving for a bigger role elsewhere.

Bigs:
Elton Brand, Clippers
Let's assume the reports about Baron Davis to the Clippers are true. That leaves the Clips with a starting 5 of Boom Dizzle, top pick Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, Brand and Chris Kaman and a bench of Tim Thomas, Cuttino Mobley and maybe Shaun Livingston. The Cavs can't offer an upgrade or fill any holes, so cross Elton off the list.

DeSagana Diop, Nets
Does Tyrannosaurus Diop want back in where his career began? If we do move Andy, we'll need a backup center, and Diop would provide the defense Mike Brown likes up front. However, I don't think we'll be in too much of a rush to bring in another player without an offensive upside.

Kurt Thomas, Spurs
Too old. If the Cavs bring him in, except to see a lot of JJ Hickson and Dwayne Jones once everybody else breaks down. If he did land in a Cavs uni, I could see us protecting him, limiting his minutes, saving him for the playoffs, but that's just a waste of cash.

Kwame Brown, Grizzlies
Like Diop, Kwame would make a solid backup. I'd like to convince you that he'd blossom under the tutelage of Ben Wallace, but I'd cry every time Lebron whipped a pass his way. Kwame couldn't catch a cold.

Bostjan Nachbar, Nets
He always seemed to kill the Cavs. Maybe it's just something about our uniforms. Without something scientific to back that up, though, I doubt we're talking a big who doesn't rebound.

Eduardo Najera, Nuggets
Another intangibles guy, Najera has the well rounded game to play big minutes against small lineups, where he can play some 4. Would a lineup of Delonte, Sasha, Wally, Najera and Z count as a white out?

Patrick O'Bryant, Warriors
Project big. Just drafted one. No thanks, not worth the cash somebody will be willing to spend.

Juwan Howard, Mavs
Robert Horry, Spurs
Theo Ratliff, Pistons
Jamaal Magloire, Nets
Of the 4, only Magloire could probably log minutes throughout the year. Our frontcourt is plenty full right now, but Magloire could come in and capably replace Andy.

Michael Doleac, Timberwolves
We do like our shooting bigs, but again, there's just no space for a guy who will get minutes somewhere.

Francisco Elson, Sonics
Primoz Brezec, Raptors
Adonal Foyle, Magic
Sign here if in need of a warm body.

The way it's shaping up, the Cavs need to look at the trade market. Later on we'll see if there's any action on the unrestricted market. Go Cavs!

Draft Recap

2008-06-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

Best draft ever.

It only took a few days, and now I'm totally sold on JJ Hickson. First of all, he does really fit a need for the Cavs. We have shooting, we have ball-handling. We can rebound and have our bigs step out and hit a shot. But whenever we decide to establish a post presence, it's a slow developing, horrifying, sweeping hook a la Ilgauskas. Since we gave up Gooden, we haven't had anybody who can go on the block and work.

Hickson is young and raw, but of all the players drafted before (or after) him, only Beasley is more of a threat on the block. Kevin Love is known for his range. Brook Lopez has the moves, but lacks explosiveness. If Jason Thompson is the next Joe Smith, he'll never be a #1 option on the block. Randolph, Robin Lopez, Speights, Hibbert, McGee... all have a combination athleticism, size and moves, but only Hickson has the presence on the block and the ability to face up and blow past his man. He fits in at the 4 next to Z, Wallace or Varejao, and has the size to bang right now. Some people are saying that we're trying to replace Boozer, but frankly Hickson could easily have a better back to the basket game than we ever saw from Boozer. If he spends the next few years honing that and then learns the 15 footer during his 2nd contract, 10 years from now, 8 championships in, he'll be Boozer+Gooden on the offensive end.

Yes, 8 championships in 10 years. Here's where it all started...

Atlanta Hawks
Picks: None
The Hawks are on the upswing. Unlike the Pistons and Lakers, they took the Celtics 7, which I guess means they're top 3 in the league. No need for a shake up, right?

Boston Celtics
Picks: J.R. Giddens, Bill Walker, Semih Erden
Damn them for buying Bill Walker in the draft slave trade! His knees better be messed up, or Danny Ferry will have some serious explaining to do. Some years it feels like the teams drafting late don't get any talent, but this year it feels like the C's are bringing in plenty.

Charlotte Bobcats
Picks: D.J. Augustin, Alexis Ajinca, Kyle Weaver
I've lost all faith in Michael Jordan, General Manager. What the hell is his thought process? If he's going to fail, shouldn't it be because he tries to recreate the Bulls?

Chicago Bulls
Picks: Derrick Rose, Omer Asik, Sonny Weems
If they are the contender they were 2 years ago, Derrick Rose should slide in and push them up the ladder. If they're last year's scrubs, in 5 years Rose will be the only Bull left.

Dallas Mavericks
Picks: Shan Foster
Has Mark Cuban already shifted from the maverick who you'd expect to buy assets to a stodgy, conservative owner, happy to see his also-ran team just make the playoffs?

Denver Nuggets
Picks: $3 million
Was all the talk about Chalmers false? Did they just not think he'd be there? Why couldn't the Cavs buy this pick, damnit?

Detroit Pistons
Picks: Walter Sharpe, Trent Plaisted, Deron Washington
I'll be frustrated but not surprised if Walter Sharpe starts contributing before JJ Hickson.

Golden State Warriors
Picks: Anthony Randolph, Richard Hendrix
The Nuggets are happy to be that exciting but non-contending team. Which is boring. Go figure.

Houston Rockets
Picks: Donte Greene, Joey Dorsey, Maarty Leunen
Good value picks, but can the Rockets ever make the next level if they can only bring in role players? Maybe Greene becomes T-Mac Light. Maybe they package 5 or 6 of their solid PFs for a star.

Indiana Pacers
Picks: Brandon Rush, Roy Hibbert
The Pacers got 2 guys I'm sure will be in the league in 10 years, but what good is a team of good complimentary players? Who do they go to in crunch time? If Granger is a star, they could be building something.

Los Angeles Clippers
Picks: Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, Mike Taylor
I'm on board as saying Gordon won't be very good and I'm happy to jump on the anti-DeAndre bandwagon. However, life around here is always more fun when the Clippers elbow their way into the Lakers spotlight, so I'm willing to hope otherwise.

Los Angeles Lakers
Picks: Joey Crawford
Hahahaha. How is this not a joke?

Memphis Grizzlies
Picks: O.J. Mayo, Darrell Arthur
Let me be the first to say that I hope we sign Mayo in 3 or 4 years. Many championships will follow.

Miami Heat
Picks: Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers
Stupid tanking. They should be plenty good next year.

Milwaukee Bucks
Picks: Joe Alexander, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
The Bucks definitely have a strategy: draft athletes. Now, if they change the scoring system from baskets to some gymnastics style judging, the Bucks are it.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Picks: Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic
Man, where did all this Kevin Love love come from? And why is nobody more upset about the short lived Gay-Love era in Memphis? Circle the home game against Minnesota as the first time JJ Hickson drops 20 points.

New Jersey Nets
Picks: Brook Lopez, Ryan Anderson, Chris Douglas-Roberts
Lebron is on record as saying "I will travel to the ends of the earth to play alongside Ryan Anderson". So now you know why the Nets drafted him. Also, I might have just made that up.

New Orleans Hornets
Picks: $$$
Seems like this would've been a good chance to pick up a glue guy, knowing the big bucks are going to Paul and West. But I guess $3 mil buys some glue, too, and these guys are getting better with or without a pick.

New York Knicks
Pick: Danilo Gallinari
Man, I love this pick. I am officially excited for the Danilo Gallinaro era. Win or lose, we're all in for a treat.

Orlando Magic
Picks: Courtney Lee
I don't why Lee is a first rounder while CDR and Walker tumble. I guess he's a good shooter, but let's see what happens every time somebody bigger is in his face. In 5 years, you'll be cashing in just as much as Lee.

Philadelphia 76ers
Picks: Marreese Speights
Guess they're not getting Brand, huh? When they're the 6 or 7 seed next year, will they be the team nobody is scared of or the team nobody wants to face?

Phoenix Suns
Picks: Robin Lopez, Malik Hairston
From Stoudemire, Marion and Diaw to Stoudemire, Shaq, and Lopez, my how the Suns have grown.

Portland Trail Blazers
Picks: Jerryd Bayless, Nicolas Batum
Those 2 championships the Cavs aren't winning? Yeah...

Sacramento Kings
Picks: Jason Thompson, Sean Singletary, Patrick Ewing Jr.
Those 2 championships? Not these guys.

San Antonio Spurs
Picks: George Hill, Goran Dragic, James Gist
I'm certainly not going to be the one to say the Spurs aren't drafting correctly. It's an odd numbered year, so put your money on them to win it all now.

Seattle SuperSonics
Picks: Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, D.J. White, DeVon Hardin
When the Sonics stink again next year, and make some moves, they might be a in position to start 5 top 5 picks at once. If Durant is going to play out of position again (what position is he, anyway?), is it good to bring in a "PG" who can't really get him the ball?

Toronto Raptors
Picks: Nathan Jawai
I haven't seen enough to know, but I'm guessing the Raps feel like Jawai could develop into the next Jermaine O'Neal. Which will be nice once O'Neal gets hurt again.

Utah Jazz
Picks: Kosta Koufos, Ante Tomic, Tadija Dragicevic
Like all Ohio products, myself and Ori included, Koufos will dominate the league. I knew we should've drafted him!

Washington Wizards
Picks: JaVale McGee
This doesn't seem like a win now move for a team with 3 stars in their primes. You can't worry about that continuity until you're a contender.

Plus the Cavs grabbed Darnell Jackson and Sasha Kaun. It's really a shame we couldn't buy a couple picks and trade up to grab Rush, Chalmers and Arthur, too. I'm not sure it would be a winning combination, but it would be cool to roll out a 10 man rotation sometime where the bench bunch all came from the same college champion.

I'm glad we bought the picks. I still have a little faith in Ferry, so I'd like to think at least one will play regularly for us at some point. Word is Kaun is headed to Mother Russia for a few years, so maybe he'll come back roided up like Ivan Drago and dominate the league alongside JJ Hickson.

Anyhow, that's the draft. It's just the tip of the iceberg for the off-season, so it's tough to be especially harsh or positive. Just about every Cavs fan would've liked to see a few different moves from Ferry, but he still has a lot of time to bring it all together for next season.

Go Cavs!

LebronZydrunasSashaDelonteJJ? Cavs draft Hickson

2008-06-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Who's excited? Anybody? Somebody talk me in to this.

Ori and I were on the phone for the picks heading up to the Cavs talking about who we wanted. He was busy talking me into Kosta Koufos. We were both proud of ourselves for jumping on the Brandon Rush and Jason Thompson bandwagons ahead of the curve. We were debating Super Mario Chalmers vs Daniel Boobie Gibson. We were amazed to see Hibbert go and amazed when McGee followed.

Then the line went dead.

Ori's reaction went "Oh sweet god. Oh lord, why? Oh, oh, oh..."

JJ Hickson? Seriously? Did ANYBODY see that coming? We've mentioned JJ Hickson all of twice on LeCavs. First, we made fun of Chad Ford, who had Hickson going 25. Then I commented on Hickson staying in the draft:

J.J. Hickson, Fr., NC State - Big mistake, unless he was just flunking out of school. I can't see how Hickson doesn't move up to mid first round by next year. His money...

I guess he knew what he was doing.

We'll have more analysis once we digest and see if the Cavs make any moves through the rest of the draft. Donte Green just went and Mario Chalmers is still on the board as of this writing. In the meantime, enjoy the highlights.

GET EXCITED CLEVELAND!

Jermaine O'Neal is not a Cav

2008-06-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

And that's definitely a good thing.

When I first heard rumblings about a deal for O'Neal, I was terrified. Surely nothing the Pacers could want from us would be worth giving up. A best case scenario in my mind was a deal of expiring, like Wally and Snow for JO, meaning we'd take on an extra year of inflexibility and get a flyer on a former all-star. Still, I'd rather take my chances with those expirings turning into a proven healthy player in February or, you know, expiring next June.

Then the rumors floating around that somehow in this trade we'd also get the Pacers #11 pick. Suddenly, I was in. Completely. A number of teams have big expirings this year and there aren't any KG/Gasol type stars waiting to be moved. Let's strike while the iron is hot, before our commodity loses it's value. Having the #11 and the #19 would mean we could happily grab a point guard or wing early and take a young big to replace to our withered old trees. Maybe we could even package our picks to move into the top 5. Imagine the talent we could pair with Lebron - OJ Mayo and Jermaine O'Neal next to the King. Would've been great.

Now it's come out that the Pacers are finalizing a trade for TJ Ford and the Raptors #17.

Yikes! The Cavs were never players in that game. Now, Ford is all sort of broken up his back and neck, so he's definitely not as valuable as a point guard in a healthy body, but that's still way more than the Cavs could offer.

Who is the Cavs 2nd best player? Who would be our version of Ford in this deal? Boobie? I mean, Z is our #2, but he wasn't going anywhere unless it was under the pretext of one year of productivity and a contract soon to expire. And there is no way Ferry gives up a fan favorite and productive player to take on risk.

Andy and Gibson are the other 2 players with value. I'm okay with saying either of them roughly compare to Ford in value. Ford is clearly better, though either Boobie or Varejao could develop, but Ford, again, is broken.

How could the Cavs have made that work? Well, Andy and Wally would work. Maybe the Pacers would value Wally enough that we wouldn't have to give up #19, but we're still giving up 2 of our biggest assets. Maybe if we went so far as to offer Andy, Wally and Boobie we could get JO and the pick, though I suspect in that would only get us a swap.

So I'm back to being glad it wasn't us. I'm not in love with anybody on the Cavs except Lebron (and Damon Jones), so I'm not averse to any trade that's a step forward, but after a few years of salary cap strain, we're finally close to a positive position. This season we actually have assets to move. There's no reason to throw that away now, so close, for an old man who might, but probably won't get healthy enough to have another solid season or two.

Good no call Danny Ferry. Go Cavs!

Welcome to the Green Room

2008-06-23T13:13:00.001-07:00

One great way to find a talent is to pick that one kid left hung out to dry in the green room. He's there for a reason - somebody thinks he has talent. And now, after being embarrassed on national TV, he has something to prove.

That said, here is a list of those invited to the Green Room for this year's draft (courtesy of Truehoop):

Joe Alexander (West Virginia), Darrell Arthur (Kansas), DJ Augustin (Texas), Jerryd Bayless (Arizona), Michael Beasley (Kansas State), Danilo Gallinari (Italy), Eric Gordon (Indiana), DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M), Brook Lopez (Stanford), Robin Lopez (Stanford), Kevin Love (UCLA), OJ Mayo (USC), Anthony Randolph (LSU), Derrick Rose (Memphis), Brandon Rush (Kansas), Russell Westbrook (UCLA).

What do you make of it?

First, there are 16 guys, so this takes us into the back half, and there could easily be more than one of these guys on the board at 19. Next, Robin Lopez is obviously only there because it's a family thing and his brother Brook is a top 10er.

So, we're looking for the guy who will be there with Robin at 19.

Darrell Arthur is viewed as a fringe lottery pick - he could fall.
Anthony Randolph has been dropping, though not as precipitously as DeAndre Jordan.
Rush has been moving up - unfortunately, out of our range.
Most of the rest are considered sure lottery picks.

It's always possible the NBA knows something we don't and some of those guys have promises, but I'm looking into that trio of bigs. Jordan and Randolph are a long way from contributing, and though I earlier put him on my list of players to stay away from, once they're on the clock, the Cavs might be staring a pissed off Darrell Arthur in the eye.

Charles Barkley Likes to Gamble

2008-06-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well this is one post I can't tie back to the Cavs at all. Maybe we'll sign Charles Barkley after trading away Varejao? Think he could be a hybrid 5th big/shooter?

The Chuckster is gambling again. Lot's of people are out there saying, "Duh!" or "I knew it" or "Of course, he's a junkie" or "I like little boys".

To all those people I say F-U.

Let's say you're morbidly obese. You probably have a problem controlling your eating, right? One little donut and all of a sudden you're finishing a dozen. No wonder you're so fat. It's bad because all those donuts will kill you.

But what if they didn't? What if I gave you a donut that didn't quite taste as good, didn't really fill you up, but also didn't have any calories?

Here's another one. You love your girlfriend, but you're a hormone driven 20 something. Man, every little thing that walks past looks tasty. Maybe you're an ass and you start sleeping around. Chances are you're more of a man than that. You love your girlfriend. You want to be with her, you don't want to hurt her. So you find an alternative that doesn't hurt anybody.

That's right: Charles Barkley is masturbating for charity.

He sure loves to gamble (and who can blame him). It was getting out of control. Why does the guy have to torture himself to swearing it off entirely? He's not really gambling here. Nothing is at risk. In fact, anything he does is positive. It's for charity!

I'm Tiger Woods. I love me some golf. But - uh oh - I busted up my knee! If I golf again in the next year, I'll never walk without a limp. Thank God they named a video game after me. I can fake it till I'm ready to make it.

Life is about substitutes that take away the danger. How cool would it be to be Iron Man?? Wait, that's dumb. I'm not that smart - I might get hurt. I'll just watch the movie.

I love playing poker. I can't afford to lose my house. I need to feed my family. That's okay; I'll just play with pretend money. Just like Charles Barkley.

Once again, that's a big F U to all the know-it-alls who just knew Chuck couldn't stay away. He's a better man than you.

Mock Draft on Hiatus

2008-06-17T20:35:00.001-07:00

(Ed. note: Draft back on)

Hold on! Stop the presses!

I've waited for this moment.

Matt, the defender of all things Kobe, is going to try to explain how a player like Kobe Bryant, with the talent he has, got absolutely embarrassed on both a team and personal level in the NBA Finals!

I've said it for 2 years, and now I'm hoping to have some more support behind me:

Lebron James is the best player in the NBA. Lebron is right now already better than Kobe.

Kobe's loss this year in the finals, was a bigger blow-out than the Lebron's was last year. Even in the sweep to the Spurs, there was no doubt that the best player on the floor was Lebron.

Kobe got outplayed by Paul Pierce.

Kobe got outplayed by Ray Allen.

Kobe got outplayed by Rajon Rondo.

Kobe got outplayed by Leon Powe.

Wow.

Peace and Lebron Always.

Cavs 19th pick

2008-06-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Giving me the old Re-do, eh?

I think it's fair, since every mock draft is now scrambling to re-adjust their picks.

Before the news broke that he's going back to school, I would have without a doubt picked Ty Lawson (Not Brandon Rush as many of you assumed), for the Cavs with the 19th pick. I am totally sold on him. He's a Top 10 pick next year. Also, my boy Omri Casspi (The Israeli Lebron James) decided to go back to Maccabi to play another season, which is good since he is only 19 years old (but already 6'9 240 lbs. SF).

So I'm looking at who might still be available with pick #19 in the draft and here are my thoughts:

1. First thing we should be looking to do is trade this pick. And we should go one of two ways with a trade. We should be looking to trade up in this draft maybe with New York for #6 pick and Zach Randolph, or to Portland for the #13 pick and one of their 2nd rounders. I'm pretty high on the New York deal. I know we would be helping them clear space for their "Lebron James" run in 2010 but if we can do up a Wally, DJ and #19 for Z-Bo and #6, you gotta like that. We can draft a premier PG (Bayless, Augustin, Westbrook) and get a scoring-rebounding PF you can count on to perform (but not to be sane). I hope Ferry is sincerely trying his pants off to do something big this off season, and I feel like our pick is one of the keys to get something done.

2. If we keep the pick here are some players who I think might still be around (in no order for now...I'll make my pick in the end):

Chris Douglas Roberts
Kosta Koufas
Roy Hibbert
Brandon Rush
Mario Chalmers
Nicolas Batum
Alexis Ajinca
Nathan Jawai
Mareese Speights

Frankly, none of those players get me really excited about coming in and being a huge part of our team.

CDR could plays a Chris Mills (For old school Cavs fans) type role for our team, since he seems to be that type of player, but I don't know that we need that.

Neither Kosta or Hibbert would contribute much as rookies.

Apparently, everyone else sees a good player in Brandon Rush. I see a very average SG, who contributes little to nothing to our offense. Basically another Devin Brown.

Super Mario hasn't sold me at all. He's good at everything but great at nothing.

Batum, Ajinca and Jawai are all intriguing but they aren't going to give us much as rookies either.

I don't want Speights.

So without further ado, with the #19 pick in the draft, (If they keep it, which I hope they don't) The Cleveland Cavaliers select:

Jason Thompson PF, Rider

Want to know more about Jason Thompson? Well then Google "Joe Smith" because they are basically the same exact player, except that Thompson is much younger and has better knees. I can only go based on Youtube highlights and what I've read about him, since we don't get too many Rider games on TV here in Cleveland, but he sounds like he might be a diamond in the rough and a Danny Ferry type guy. He's humble, well-spoken, a good passing big man, has nice touch and has an NBA body right now. Drafting him, also means something is probably in the works (most likely a Vareajao trade). If we stay at #19, I like this pick as much as any, because I can see a future for Thompson on this team, even if it's as a role player or 6th man. I don't want Rush, I don't want Chris Mills, and I don't want Super-Mario....

I would probably be ok with the Aussie guy too (Nathan Jawai)...and maybe even some guy named Bill Walker.

Back to school!

2008-06-16T20:17:00.001-07:00

5 pm today was the official "I haven't gotten a promise good enough for me" deadline. Thank you ESPN for telling me exactly who's coming and going.

Staying In Draft

Joe Alexander, Jr., WVU - Probably lottery bound. No brainer.

Ryan Anderson, So., Cal - Fringe first rounder. Did he get a promise? If so, not from the Cavs.

Mario Chalmers, Jr., Kansas - He's been moving up lately and might find himself in the land of guaranteed money. I'm not sure he'd go much higher next year.

Jamont Gordon, Jr., Mississippi St. - Who? I'm not sure Jamont is even getting picked. Maybe he's just trying to capitalize on a lack of point guards in this draft. Maybe he just doesn't like school.

Richard Hendrix, Jr., Alabama - With all the success of the Milsap, Landry, and Hayes types, somebody will pick him, maybe higher than they should, maybe even late first round.

J.J. Hickson, Fr., NC State - Big mistake, unless he was just flunking out of school. I can't see how Hickson doesn't move up to mid first round by next year. His money...

George Hill, Jr., IUPUI - Hill is an out of nowhere up and comer who's probably hoping to catch up with a winner like the Spurs, needing to develop a young ballhandler.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Jr., UCLA - If his timing is always this good, he'll be racking up a lot of fouls. Mbah a Moute might've been a first rounder last year, but now he just needs to hope he gets drafted.

Marreese Speights, So., Florida - As high as he'll go, this makes sense.

Bill Walker, RS Fr., Kansas St. - He must know what he's doing. Like going to Detroit this summer. Damnit.

Returning To School

A.J. Abrams, Jr., Texas - He's definitely a PG at 5'11", so a year with more than 1.5 APG might help.

Josh Akognon, Jr., Cal St.- Fullerton - Likewise. Plus, who?

Chase Budinger, So., Arizona - Shocker here. The latest news was that he would just miss the lottery. We'll see if he does better next year.

Lee Cummard, Jr., BYU - Wasn't getting drafted this year. Probably won't next year.

Robert Dozier, Jr., Memphis - Memphis won't be as good next year, but Dozier will be a bigger part of it. I don't think he ever planned to stay in.

Wayne Ellington, So., UNC

Danny Green, Jr., UNC

Ty Lawson, So., UNC - UNC will be freaking good next year with these 3 plus Hansbrough. A strong season and deep run could take all 3 from 2nd rounders at least into the teens.

Lester Hudson, Jr., Tennessee-Martin - That sound you hear? Ori's heart breaking.

Jeremy Pargo, Jr., Gonzaga - Despite being on the upswing, he wasn't cracking the first round. No harm in putting it back in the oven for a year.

Ronald Steele, RS Sr., Alabama - After knee surgery, he probably wasn't getting a chance anywhere. He just went through the system to get the experience and floor time. He could pop up late first round next year, which sure beats a job at Walmart.

Robert Vaden, Jr., UAB - He'll get a shot in the league eventually, since he has the size, handle and shot. But he wasn't impressing anybody this year, so he's not losing much waiting.

So how does it affect the Cavs? Not much. After the knee injury, we weren't taking a flyer on Walker. I never thought we'd reach all the way for Lawson. I guess losing somebody like Budinger, who would've gone before 19 (or to the Cavs), thins out the talent a bit, but really this wasn't much of a shake up going towards our first rounder.

Who says you only live once?

2008-06-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

When you play make believe, you can live as many times as you want. If I had it all to do over again, I'd start with a better mock draft. At least a better 19th pick! It all hinges on the 19th pick.

After the news of Broken Bill Walker came out, my blind love has subsided a bit. I guess the Cavs don't need an injury prone player just to get headlines, when Lebron should do just fine getting them on his own.

Actually, I think Bill Walker will be just fine. He's torn both ACLs now, so it's safe to say the injury trouble is behind him. He'll probably go back to school, dominate at Kansas St. and make himself a little more money up front.

As for the mock draft, let's rewind it a bit. Ori and I have already finished picks 19-23, but *wink* let's just pretend that never happened. Instead, let's just make this the new mock draft post, just to keep you on your toes. If you need to catch up, click these links.

And without further ado,

19 - Cleveland Cavaliers - Ori
Jason Thompson - PF - Rider

Ori: Want to know more about Jason Thompson? Well then Google "Joe Smith" because they are basically the same exact player, except that Thompson is much younger and has better knees. I can only go based on Youtube highlights and what I've read about him, since we don't get too many Rider games on TV here in Cleveland, but he sounds like he might be a diamond in the rough and a Danny Ferry type guy. He's humble, well-spoken, a good passing big man, has nice touch and has an NBA body right now. Drafting him, also means something is probably in the works (most likely a Vareajao trade). If we stay at #19, I like this pick as much as any, because I can see a future for Thompson on this team, even if it's as a role player or 6th man. I don't want Rush, I don't want Chris Mills, and I don't want Super-Mario....

Matt: Wow, great pick! Too bad we're in the top 20 and need to draft somebody the people of Cleveland have heard of before. Then again, it could happen. The world is upside down. Koufos has been destroying the competition in workouts. Hibbert is the next Ewing. Maybe Thompson is better than them both.

20 - Denver Nuggets - Matt
Mario Chalmers - PG - Kansas

Matt: I heard Carmelo likes Super Nintendo. Plus the Nuggets need a point guard. I'm surprised they didn't make a promise to Lawson, since Chalmers seems like a drop off, but since he's been quickly climbing everybody's draft boards... Maybe Lawson and the Nuggets knew something before everybody else. After all, the first workout Lawson flaked on after his DUI arrest was with the Nuggets, where he would've been matched up against Chalmers. Unlike Lawson, Chalmers isn't the speed demon that would would fit best with the Nuggets at first glance, but also unlike Lawson, he is a gunner, shooting 47% from deep last year, while still going for better than 2:1 assist to turnover. Since he was born in Alaska, he's the next Trajan Langdon until he proves otherwise, but I think the Nuggets are willing to take that chance.

Ori: No sir I don't like it. I don't like Chalmers at all, he reminds me of a worse (albeit taller) Brevin Knight. This seems like a reach for the Nuggets at #20, I feel like they could trade down with Detroit and he would still be ther if they really wanted him.

Side Note: I'm more and more convinced that the Cavs will not be keeping the #19 pick. No change on the Nets pick.

With the twenty-first pick in the draft Ori and the New Jersey Nets select:
Mareese Speights, PF, Florida
Ori's thoughts: The Nets might be the wussiest team in the East. Assuming they don't trade away the whole team, They have a PG in Harris, and SG in Jefferson, a SF in VC, and a C in Kristic. Sadly, for the Nets, each one of these guys is a little-r bitch than the next. This team needs strength and size and Speights gives them that. Speights needs to toughen up a bit himself since he seemed to dissapear at times, but he has played with and against NBA level players at Florida and that should help him settle in and contribute earlier in New Jersey.

(Matt, I will be out of town for the next almost 2 weeks, with little to no access to a computer. You can finish up the rest of the round if you like, and you can add the commentary I made on a few other players.)

Bill Walker, We Hardly Knew Ye!

2008-06-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Say peace out to Bill Walker. Walker, a long-shot to be drafted by the Cavs anyway, re-injured his knee in pre draft workouts and will most likely (and should) return to school.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/news/story?id=3445779

It's a weekend thing

2008-06-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

WITH THE NINETEENTH PICK IN THE DRAFT ORI AND THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS SELECT:

Bill Walker, SG, Kansas St.

So says Ori. But only because he wants to win my love. Otherwise he would've tabbed Brandon Rush, just like Danny Ferry would, if given the chance on June 26th.

Here's our full draft, to date:

Could've been the Cavs

2008-06-13T08:28:00.001-07:00

Are the Celtics that good? Are they winning with anything but defense and rebounding? Have they been efficient offensively? Hot from the field? A few breaks in Game 7, and it could be the Cavs up 3-1 right now.

No more could'ves and should'ves, but this is exactly why we need to think of every year with Lebron as one with championship potential. There is definitely no rebuilding.

Meanwhile, Wow! What a come back! I can't believe the Lakers through that one away. I can't believe Ray Allen got to the rim so many times. I was having flashbacks to He Got Game for a minute, because Ray Allen shouldn't be able to drive on anybody without heavy editing.

I still can't imagine the Lakers losing this series. They're just not that bad and the Celtics are certainly not that good. Seriously - have the Celtics actually earned anything yet? I don't believe so.

But then if Kobe goes out like that again in Game 5, on his home floor, with the series on the line, there goes that legacy. All the accreditation he's earned as one of the greatest of all time gets flushed by this choke job if Kobe can go through this entire finals without being Kobe.

Which is why I fully expect to see 50 ppg from Mamba the rest of the way and an eventual parade in front of my house.

Plus, I hate Boston.

Go Cavs!

Arenas opts out

2008-06-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

Next stop, Cavs?

ESPN article here. Nothing much to read. He said all along he would do it, and now he did.

Think he knows something we don't? Some team will sign him up for another 5 years and $65mm or more. Will he get back to healthy after missing most of the past season and the post-season before? If he was 30, I'd pass on him in a heartbeat. He's never been so good that he's worth the risk. But go ahead and guess how old Gilbert Arenas is.

Wait, first, think about how young he would have to be worth taking a chance. At 24, with the skill set he's shown, there's no doubt he could come back from a year-long injury and earn every penny of that $65mm. Now throw 6 more years onto those legs, and tell me he's also worth it at 30, knowing that he'd need to be healthy for the next few years to make up for the decline at 33, 34 and 35.

Now, what did you decide would make him worth the risk? And how old is Arenas, anyway?

26. Just under 3 years older than Lebron. Meaning another 5 year deal would put him just into the bad side of 30 - his prime years are just coming up.

Of course, it's probably moot. All indications are that he'd be happy and welcomed back in Washington, alongside Antawn Jamison. But ... is it possible the Cavs can snag he and Jamison? Presumably each want to win, and surely they realize that showing up alongside Lebron will go a ways to get them there.

The problem for the Cavs is that they are too cash strapped. Expiring deals are worthless in a sign and trade and they're the Cavs biggest asset. What else might be enough for the Wiz?

First, recognize that a sign and trade benefits the Wiz if they can get anything of value, since anything beats the nothing of lose both players. Perhaps expirings aren't so bad after all, if they feel like a big piece might come into play during the season. Or perhaps the Cavs could even provide enough talent to seduce them. As I mentioned when mock drafting Nicholas Batum for the Wizards, they don't have much by way of small guard and only Nick Young, at exactly 40%, hit from that notable rate from downtown. You see what I'm getting at.

I also wonder what would be too much for the Cavs to give up. I have to be honest; I don't know the exact mechanics of sign and trades, but I don't believe the cap rules come in to play. In addition to, say, Boobie, Andy and whatever amount of expirings the Wiz might want, how many picks would you offer? As badly as I want OJ Mayo with the 19th pick, I think I'd give up this year's and 2010's to bring in 2 major players in their primes.

It won't help the Cavs get any younger, but imagine trotting out a lineup of:
PG: Delonte West
SG: Gilbert Arenas
SF: Lebron James
PF: Antawn Jamison
C: Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Backed up by Wallace, Smith, DJ, and Pavlovic/Wally. We would absolutely need to bring in some young bigs ASAP, but I'd take my chances with that team.

Mock lottery complete

2008-06-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

We've made it through 14 picks of our mock draft, and Ori hasn't been fired yet. Then again, this is a league that employs multiple Paxsons. I guess Ori is more of a Paxson than an Isiah Thomas.

Anyhow, here's how things are shaping up so far. Check in on our full post for a new pick each day (with the Cavs pick coming soon) and our insider knowledge. As in the knowledge we gain inside our basements.

Cavs not drafting Lawson

2008-06-06T09:05:00.001-07:00

While I think 19 would have been a bit high, I would not have been outraged to see the Cavs tab Ty Lawson, assuming folks Brandon Rush and OJ Mayo were gone.

After getting arrested for driving drunk, I now doubt it's even a possibility. My guess would be he's going back to school to try to climb into the lottery. Even if he didn't, I can't see the Cavs, with their love of character guys, reaching for a guy who was recently arrested.