Lin is a restricted free agent so that offer isn't final until the Knicks refuse to match the offer sheet which reportedly they haven't received yet. But really I was focusing on the last two sentences.

 

While I'm here might as well mention this hour's Dwight Howard trade rumor.

 

NBA Trade Rumor: Cavs Discussing Trade to Land Andrew Bynum in Magic-Lakers Deal

July 14, 2012 By Jacob Rosen 8 Comments

 

 

I can't stand Bynum. The guy's a head case who was unreliable under under both Phil Jackson and Mike Brown. If he can't be motivated to play on a championship caliber Lakers team, how is he going to act on a team like the Cavs? 

^ Completely disagree.  How often does an All-Star caliber player list Cleveland as one of their desired destinations?  He's a Top 5 center without a doubt.  After last year, I'd say Top 3.  Teaming him with Kyrie and you have a team that should instantly be playoff caliber, especially in the East.

^Agreed.  But I would not be dead set against it.  Coach Scott might be someone who could actually get Bynum to grow up.  Talent-wise, he is the best pure center int he game (that includes DHoward).

 

 

Cavs played their first summer league game last night.  Ugh.  I'm trying to keep in mind that Kyrie was hurt just the day before and that certainly messed up the "game plan"...... but I was extremely underwhelmed by Waiters.  Sure, you NEVER EVER want to take summer league stats and think they will translate to the regular season.  Several players who have never made it off the NBA bench were summer league studs.  And certain all-stars (Crhis Paul, Derrick Rose, etc.) struggled mightily in their first SL game.  I seem to remember that Lebron only averaged around 13 pts during his one year of SL ball.  But it was more than just his stats.  Waiters seemed to get frustrated when his shots didn't fall and that affected his whole game.  He stopped attacking the rim (never really got started on that).  He slacked off on defense.  He fatigued quickly and looked out of shape (definitely one of those athletes who has the potential to become fat once his playing days are over).  His shot looks quirky.  It takes a lot of effort from his legs and arms to get it off with his mechanics.  Looks short (he's 6'2.5 without shoes) and doesn't have particularly long arms.  He had some nice cross-overs and was able to split the double teams rather easily.  He also had some good assists.  But overall, I was disappointed with what I saw.  Hopefully, it is just the first game jitters and lack of conditioning (due to him shutting down his pre-draft workouts).

 

Zeller on the other hand looked like he is ready to contribute right away.  I wouldn't be surprised at all if he starts all 82 games at center for us.  Quality pick-up.

 

Tristan looks like he added a little bit of muscle up top, which is what he needed.  But I was hoping to see something new out of him, which I didn't.... except for perhaps a little more accuracy on his sweeping through the lane shot.

 

Samardo looked like he really concentrated on getting in shape.  Much trimmer and more muscular.  Coming into camp out of shape is what got him in Coach Scott's doghouse last year. 

Zeller shines again.... Waiters, not so much. 

Much, much better last night for Waiters.  Still not shooting well, but he got to the basket at will and had that swagger we've been hearing about.  He splits double teams with his dribble nearly as well as Kyrie does

Much, much better last night for Waiters.  Still not shooting well, but he got to the basket at will and had that swagger we've been hearing about.  He splits double teams with his dribble nearly as well as Kyrie does

 

Agreed.  He seems to get to the rim on any possession he has the ball.  He also made some ridiculous passes yesterday.  You gotta believe that with the extra spacing that Kyrie would give and Anderson's activity will only open those lanes even further.  He is being double teamed fairly often, but that'll be hard to do with Kyrie in the back court.  Still nervous about the pick, but much happier about it than I was after the draft.

So these Bynum to Cleveland trade rumors are starting up again.

That's just the ESPN guys getting bored and playing around on twitter

That's just the ESPN guys getting bored and playing around on twitter

 

So you think Ric Bucher is full of it? The guys on 92.3 are eating it up.

I think it has legs.  Its clear al three teams are interested for different reasons.  Its easy to believe discussions are going on.

That's just the ESPN guys getting bored and playing around on twitter

 

So you think Ric Bucher is full of it? The guys on 92.3 are eating it up.

 

Especially Ric Bucher

JL asks "where's the beef?"

http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-cavaliers/cleveland-cavaliers-1.275356/cavs-trade-talks-involving-bynum-lack-much-substance-1.321081?localLinksEnabled=false&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

OOPS!

 

"Andrew Bynum's agent has had 'zero contact' with Cavs regarding possible trade!"

http://www.ohio.com/blogs/cleveland-cavaliers/cleveland-cavaliers-1.275356/agent-no-contact-with-cavs-about-potential-deal-1.321304

Lloyd has been a wet blanket on all of these rumors all off-season..... but he's been right everytime.

 

Here's the deal.  Neither Howard nor Bynum will sign an extension of their current contract because they would be leaving massive amounts of $$ on the table by not waiting until they are unrestricted next summer.  Weird quirk in the cba.  So..... the Lakers and Cavs would have to take those guys on with only the expectation/promise they will re-sign next summer.  Sort of the Deron Williams model with BK.  Those teams would hold their "Bird rights" and that was always considered a big deal until Bosh and Lebron did away with that theory by signing for less with another team.

Actually, Lebron did sign the max contract, with the Cavs, and was then traded to Miami for picks.  Not sure about Bosh.

Pretty sure that was done so Miami could exceed the cap and he still left money on the table

I understand that a third team is needed to work out the numbers, but if Bynum goes to the Cavs and Howard to the Lakers, who/what exactly is Orlando going to get in return?  Draft picks don't seem as enticing at that point--the Lakers will be title contenders and the Cavs with Bynum/Irving/etc. would be much improved and out of the high lottery. 

Orlando wants to rebuild so they need (a) draft picks and (b) salary cap relief via getting rid of their bad contracts (Turkoglu and JRichardson)

I get that, but what good are draft picks when you're picking in the 20s?  You might get a Rondo here and there, but getting blue-chip players generally means being at the top of the draft, and neither the Lakers or the Cavs are going to be there if the trade goes like that.

 

If Orlando got rid of the bad contracts, got some picks, and got Bynum, I could see it.  But just getting those picks and space doesn't make that much sense to me.  I'd think somewhere like Houston--who can take on salary and offer any number of their young players--would be a better partner.

 

Who knows.  Bynum would be a big get for the Cavs. 

That said, I guess getting some picks (whatever they are) and cap relief is preferable to just having Howard walk at the end of the year.  Makes sense in that regard. 

I think you are overestimating the leverage Orlando has in these talks.  First, there are only a limited number of teams that can make a trade with any reasonable value work for them.  Second, they have to trade Dwight this summer or face a PR nightmare come training camp.  Third, if they don't trade him, they could lose him for nothing at the end of the season.  Most importantly, they are limited in the teams who will take Howard because everyone wants some kind of assurance that he will re-sign after the season and his list of preferred teams/markets is extremely short.  I think the Magic are waiting around for the best deal..... something similar to what Denver got for Melo.  I just don't think that there are teams out there who are willing to part with all of those assets to facilitate Dwight going one of his preferred teams, none of which have those kinds of assets.  A combination of draft picks, cap relief, and Andy (who they can flip at the deadline for more assets) might be the best they can do.  I certainly would like that package if I was them better than the pile of crap the BK was offering. 

 

All that said, I doubt the deal goes down.  'Rumors' in NBA media circles translates to 'already discussed by the GMs and not gonna happen'

And there you have it...... not gonna happen

 

Cavs want assurances from Andrew Bynum in potential Dwight Howard trade

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--cavs-want-assurances-from-andrew-bynum-in-potential-dwight-howard-trade-.html

Relatively minor trade today.  Cavs sent SG DJ Kennedy (a late season call up from the D-League) and his non-guaranteed contract to the Grizzlies for PG Jeremy Pargo (not to be confused with Janero Pargo), a 2014 second round pick, and cash considerations.  Pargo will compete for our backup PG spot, but I'm sure Grant's motivation was the pick..... you know how he likes to collect "assets"

 

Kennedy didn't impress in Summer League and was frankly outplayed by a few other swings we invited to participate.  He wasn't going to make the team so we really weren't giving away anything but a small bit of cap space, which Memphis obviously wanted to have for itself.  This could also be a sign that the Cavs are close to a deal with SG/SF CJ Miles.  I always liked Miles' potential, but he regressed a bit last year... maybe because Deron Williams was no longer in Utah to set up his shot.  I also expect Gee to find that taking the qualifying offer and becoming an unrestricted FA next summer is in his best interest.  Assuming all that happens, the 15-man roster is starting to take shape:

 

PG - Irving/Pargo/Sloan

SG - Waiters/(Miles?)/Gibson

SF - Gee/Casspi/Walton

PF - Thompson/Samuels/Harongody/Jones

C - Zeller/Varejao

oh no, irving just broke his hand. out 2 months. ugh.

oh no, irving just broke his hand. out 2 months. ugh.

 

This actually happened a few weeks ago....unless he just broke his other hand??!!

As I mentioned above was a strong possibility, Cavs have agreed to terms on a 2 year deal with SG/SF CJ Miles

 

 

oh no, irving just broke his hand. out 2 months. ugh.

 

I hear he was wooed by several teams, but he chose the Cavs. I already like him. ;)

 

The view from Salt Lake.....

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/54627870-87/jazz-utah-career-cleveland.html.csp

gee cant be too happy but this is great to hear, miles makes waves now and then.

 

 

 

oh no, irving just broke his hand. out 2 months. ugh.

 

 

haha yeah ive been away on vacation ;)

 

Alonzo Gee has reportedly reached a multi-year deal with the Cavs.  Good to have him back.  He brings that lunch-pail mentality to the court.  Most importantly, he brings one quality that every good team needs, which is a defender that can guard the best perimeter player on the other team every game.

It's VERY early, but this Waiters kid does not look like a top 5 pick.  I certainly don't want to hear any more Dwayne Wade comparisons.  This year is going to be a long one.

It's VERY early, but this Waiters kid does not look like a top 5 pick.  I certainly don't want to hear any more Dwayne Wade comparisons.  This year is going to be a long one.

 

The collective -gasp- I heard when they picked him over Barnes...I have a bad feeling. I'm certainly no authority, but I cannot see anything that points to him being a top pro player.

 

Season is supposed to start tonight (weather permitting).  I actually think we are going to be a little worse this year.  As much as the fanbase would get frustrated with Jamison and Parker, their leadership will be missed.  We are also lacking in size a bit.  I don't foresee a stellar rookie season from Waiters or a true breakout year for Tristan, but if I'm wrong on either of those fronts, then my forecast would change.

If Andy stays healthy they should be around 35 wins...Byron will keep the young guys playing hard after some other teams give up. 

They've had three top-5 picks in the last two years, including a #1 overall, so I'd like them to be near .500 this year.  Tristan and Waiters were very controversial picks.  I might be more patient if they were drafting the shooters we obviously need.

If Tristan doesn't show any improvement then that was a colossal miss on a top 5 draft pick.  Those picks shouldn't come around that often and when they do you have to make them count.  Missing there will basically waste what is left of Andy's value to the team. 

I think near .500 is too optimistic for this year, but hopefully not next year. I'm expecting for ~.400-.430 at the end of the year assuming they don't go and try to tank for ping pong balls. I just think the new pieces coming in this year having a year of experience is what will push up to legitimate 8th seed contention.

Tristan and Waiters are only busted picks if the alternatives picked below them prove to be better.  Tristan will likely be judged based on how the Lithuanian kid Toronto picked right after him pans out this year.  You have to judge a draft based on its relative strength.  A lot of people thought the 2012 draft was going to be the second coming of 2003...... I would say it was one of the weakest drafts in recent memory.  Those same people largely panned the 2011 draft, but I think that draft will, in hindsight, turn out to be much stronger than anticipated.

 

Tristan should flirt with 10 boards/game this year.  If he does that and shows some improvement on offense, I will be encouraged.  I still expect him to grow into his a body quite a bit over the next few years so I think the best from him is still down the road.  I'm not expecting much out of Waiters this year, but if Harrison Barnes really shows up in GS or Drummond starts tearing it up in Detroit, then people are going to groan about that pick.

Keeping in mind that we were playing one of the worst teams in the league which was missing arguably its two best players, that was a great way to open the season.  A win is a win.  We had pretty good control of that game except for the span in the 2nd half when the bench let the Wizards back in the game.  I don't know how many of those we will see against the quality teams we will play, but I will say that this Cavs team is going to be exciting to watch.

 

I think I finally get the logic of picking Waiters.  With him and Kyrie on the court together, they are pretty much interchangeable between the 1 and the 2.  It allows Dion to play to his strengths and it allows Kyrie to play some off the ball at different points in the game.  They both looked great tonight.  Kyrie did was Kyrie does.  Waiters seemed to get to the basket at will.  He might needs to work on his 'touch' around the rim, but he definitely can get to the rim..... which is more than half the battle IMO. 

 

Andy was wow.  9, 23, 9.  He is the glue and keeps us going.  Tristan complimented him nicely.  I liked what I saw out of Tristan.  He seemed a bit more physical and I will take 12, 10, 5, 2 from him any night.

Yeah, I know the Wiz is a bad team, that also was without it's 2 best players, but any win is good, esp for a young, new team out of the gate.  And though it's only 1 game, it was nice to see the much questioned Waiters (questioned by me, esp) thoroughly out play the highly coveted Beal who was drafted ahead of Waiters.  Thompson played with a ton of energy.  And Andy?  not much more one can add about such an amazing performance by the Wild Thing.... Nice crowd, too, despite Sandy and the blackouts all over....

 

... the blemish of course was the awful play by the bench.  CJ Miles, in particular, wasn't mentally there.  Gibson, despite a hot start, was horrible during the 4th quarter swoon. 

Zeller looked alright for his 1st game.  He needs to be a little more aggressive, but overall I like what he can bring to this team...

 

The Q was rocking last night.  It was nice seeing T-Rich, Weeden, Haden, Rucker, and a number of other Browns supporting the Cavs.  Even Fausto was there sitting behind the bench! 

I think I finally get the logic of picking Waiters.  With him and Kyrie on the court together, they are pretty much interchangeable between the 1 and the 2.  It allows Dion to play to his strengths and it allows Kyrie to play some off the ball at different points in the game.  They both looked great tonight.  Kyrie did was Kyrie does.  Waiters seemed to get to the basket at will.  He might needs to work on his 'touch' around the rim, but he definitely can get to the rim..... which is more than half the battle IMO. 

 

If it keeps working out like this, I'm thrilled with Waiters.

And then they played Chicago and went down the toilet. My friend and I went to the game but we bailed in the middle of the third period -- along with many others.

There was a span in the late 1st and early 2nd during which it looked like the Bulls were playing a D-league team.  I know it's cliche to say they got to all of the loose balls..... but I think the Bulls literally did get to every loose ball

I couldn't watch it. It was too painful. The only one who looked like they belonged in the league last night was Varejao. Even Irving looked mediocre.

That and the defensive lapses. Chicago was driving the lane uncontested. Then the Cavs weren't boxing out. On the other end, the Cavs couldn't get into the paint. I was following ABJ's Jason Lloyd (and sitting about 2 rows behind him!). At one point, he tweeted that the Cavs took something like 19 shots and none were from the paint. No fight in that team last night.

Waiters scores 28 -- highest for a rookie so far in this young season -- in beating the Clippers in LA. Great win!!

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2012/11/waiters_irving_lead_cavs_to_vi.html

 

BTW, I hope Zeller is OK.

Waiters scores 28 -- highest for a rookie so far in this young season -- in beating the Clippers in LA. Great win!!

 

Chris Grant....secret genius? 

or hot from three?

Zeller is out Indefinitely with a non-displaced fracture on his cheek bone.

 

CJ Miles is out with flu like symptoms

 

Varejao is sitting out due to knee soreness.

 

Going to be a rough night.

Still, they lost by only 10. Worried about Varejao. I suspect Zeller will be sporting the Richard Hamilton facemask zoon....