I hope we are not thinking of renting Kevin love for one year. ... HELLO NO!!!!!!!!!!!

 

^Agreed.  I don't know what Sam Amico is smoking --- he's a major advocate of doing just that.

As much as I want Wiggins, I have to admit, all four teams that are still alive in the playoffs have a legit, real, top-caliber center, and that's what Embiid is.

 

We won't get Love unless it's a sign-and-trade so there's an extension included. I don't think that's going to happen. We probably just draft Wiggins or Embiid and then go from there.

The heat don't.

LeBron, Love, Kyrie, me and the janitor. That starting five alone could win the east.

Loyalty is #1 in my book.  I don't want him back.

Do you take the same stance when a team trades a player or doesn't reup his contract?  Why wasn't the team loyal to him?

You're right. It works both ways. I feel the same about the Browns trading Kosar, and Thome leaving.  Bernie should have been allowed to stay and transition into a future after his playing days were over.  The city owed him that just for his saying he wanted to play here.  Thome could have been a god in Cleveland, instead he got just a few million more, and no legacy.

 

I also think the Browns should have drafted Clay Matthews Jr. just for what his father was.  As it turned out, it would have been a great move anyway, not only for the human interest part. 

Do you take the same stance when a team trades a player or doesn't reup his contract?  Why wasn't the team loyal to him?

 

I would hate the team as well if they had a douchebag self-aggrandizing ESPN special to announce their "Decision."

Do you take the same stance when a team trades a player or doesn't reup his contract?  Why wasn't the team loyal to him?

 

I would hate the team as well if they had a douchebag self-aggrandizing ESPN special to announce their "Decision."

 

Winning a championship would make me forget all about the horrendous Decision.

 

Anyhow, we all know a lot of athletes are d-bags. Or stupid. Or worse. Pretty depressing actually!

LeBron won't come back, at least not this cycle. Maybe later, as a sentimental farewell tour for 2-3 years late in his career. If I'm wrong, awesome. I'll take LBJ back immediately. I like him.

 

But he won't, so, bring on Wiggins.

I will understand if the pick is Embiid, but I'm a huge Jabari Parker fan.  When scouting basketball prospects, I look for fluidity in movement above all else...... the fluidity you see in nearly all great NBA players, but not all great athletes.  Wiggins is a fantastic athlete, but he doesn't seem to have the basketball skills he should.  He is not some newbie to the game a la Embiid.  He has been playing since he was 4.  Still can't dribble or finish with his left.  His shot looks quirky.  No thanks.  I can't remember the last superstar wing player who developed those skills once he got into the league.  "Raw" and "undeveloped" and "just tapping into his potential" are not terms I want attached to a wing player my team is taking #1 overall in a loaded draft

I will understand if the pick is Embiid, but I'm a huge Jabari Parker fan.  When scouting basketball prospects, I look for fluidity in movement above all else...... the fluidity you see in nearly all great NBA players, but not all great athletes.  Wiggins is a fantastic athlete, but he doesn't seem to have the basketball skills he should.  He is not some newbie to the game a la Embiid.  He has been playing since he was 4.  Still can't dribble or finish with his left.  His shot looks quirky.  No thanks.  I can't remember the last superstar wing player who developed those skills once he got into the league.  "Raw" and "undeveloped" and "just tapping into his potential" are not terms I want attached to a wing player my team is taking #1 overall in a loaded draft

Did good news come in regards to his back? If so I'd take him no problem, I just don't want him to be the next Greg Oden.

I thought i heard reports they will not Take Embiid? were those bunk?

Tony Rizzo mentioned last week that his "sources" said that there were enough red flags with Embiid's physical (maybe not limited to his back) that the Cavs were going to pass.  Numerous other reports have said the opposite.  If there are no issues, the Cavs might have to take him.  He is a superior prospect to both Jonas V., Drummond, and Noel, the top center prospects from the past 3 drafts the Cavs had the opportunity to take but passed on.  He is a legit 7'1, with a 7'6 wingspan and 9'5 standing reach (the latter being the most important measurement in basketball IMO).  He finishes well at the rim and he can shoot from the outside.  Unlike Drummond, he is good enough of a FT shooter that you don't have to pull him at the end of games.  He has a bit of a nasty streak, which I think is essential, and he has only been playing the game for 4 years.  He is going to get a lot better, contingent on staying healthy.

 

All that said, my focus is on next year and making sure we don't bungle another #1 pick (although I'm not ready to write off AB as some are)...... with that in mind, Jabari is my guy.  He is about as safe a bet to become an all-star as any wing player who has come into the league since Durant.  He might never be MVP, but he will be a perennial all-star and the sure-fire ROY

Plenty of other 'sources', like Sam Amico's, say the physical was fine, no issues whatosever. Rizzo loses a battle of credibility, all other things being equal. I think they take Embiid. If he's healthy, he's the right choice.

 

Also, we need a coach. At some point. Minor detail, I know.

Embiid's agent has confirmed that he has a foot injury.  Speculation is that it might be a fracture and that it was discovered by the CCF doctors while he was doing his evaluation here in Cleveland.  If true, looks like Rizzo's "sources" were better than all the rest of the "experts" who claimed there were no issues.

... bye-bye Joel!

It's a stress fracture and surgery will be performed on Friday.  Now the Cavs want to work out Exum, my guess being they are looking more seriously at the potential trade with Philly, who wants Wiggins.  If they drop down to #3, they would get one of Parker, Embiid, or Exum.  If they take Exum, I would take that as a sign that they are looking to 'ship' Kyrie or Dion.

 

I want Jabari and will be ecstatic if they stay at #1 and take him.  He has been my guy from the start, healthy Embiid or not (although, as I said prior, I would have completely understood the Embiid pick).

Cleveland Cavaliers hire David Blatt as head coach

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- David Blatt, who just resigned as coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv last week, has reached an agreement to become the 20th head coach of the Cavaliers, replacing Mike Brown who was fired on May 12, an NBA source told The Plain Dealer on Friday.

 

This will be the first NBA job for the well-respected Blatt, an American who played for Pete Carril at Princeton and has played and coached in Europe the past 33 years. He also will become the first European head coach to be picked to run an NBA team.

 

 

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2014/06/cleveland_cavaliers_hire_david.html#incart_big-photo

Seriously, I give up on the NBA.

a former princeton euro coach? it might pay off if the cavs can grab up that world talent like the spurs did. we'll see. from espn:

 

 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached a verbal agreement with David Blatt to become their head coach and a deal could be signed by Friday, sources told ESPN.com.

 

Blatt, a longtime European coach, has been in Cleveland this week meeting with Cavs officials and was offered the job on Thursday night. Also on Friday, the Cavs hosted potential No. 1 overall draft pick Jabari Parker for a visit and a workout.

 

 

edit -- broussard is down on it, i dk why, most ppl seem to think this was a great move by the cavs:

 

http://nypost.com/2014/06/20/why-lebron-may-not-be-happy-with-the-heat-or-cavs-right-now/

It wasn't that long ago that bringing a player over from Europe was considered going against conventional wisdom.  Now those players are scouted nearly as heavily, if not more, than the American players.  Maybe we start a trend with hiring a coach.  Considering the other options, I can't say I am disappointed.  I don't know enough about the guy to be disappointed and all I hear is rave reviews.  His intensity/fire is certainly going to be quite a change of pace from our last several hires.

Sure. Let's see what your opinion is when the Cavs are shooting underhand free throws and bounce-passing the ball to each other while running in a figure eight

Seems to me that European players are more fundamentally sound when it comes to shooting and passing than American players are. I don't think that's because American players are less talented. I just think that's comes from culture and coaching. Hopefully Blatt can bring both here.

Sure. Let's see what your opinion is when the Cavs are shooting underhand free throws and bounce-passing the ball to each other while running in a figure eight

 

We hired a guy from overseas, not the 1950s.

 

Fine....when Kyrie is pulling the ref's pants down while Andy throws a water bucket into the fans seats. (Don't worry, it's only confetti)

^Now that sounds more like the modern day NBA..... #StephensonEarBlow #JRSmithShoeLaces

Hearing Jabari Parker was out of shape and missing shots in his workout worries me, especially with what happened with Bennett, BUT hearing that Wiggins wants to go to Philly (Why can't draft prospects just SHUT UP about things like this) puts the Cavs in a hard spot in my opinion.

It is misinformation season.  The Cavs are at the forefront of that.  With Embiid not an option at #1, they probably want to see what kind of King's Ransom they can get for #1.  Philly has #3 and #10, and the word is they want Wiggins.  Orlando has #4 and #12.  Utah has #5 and wants Parker, probably because he is a Mormon.  There also is a rumor that Parker actually prefers Milwaukee over all the other teams in the top 5 since he is from Chicago and would be closer to home.  If the feeling is mutual, Milwaukee might pony up and we could still get one of Parker/Wiggins/Exum.

 

If last year's draft taught us anything, don't believe the smokescreens on draft week.  Nobody has any idea who the Cavs are picking.  I would expect a different 'consensus' prediction each day up until the draft.  Parker wants to be here.... he doesn't want to be here.... he's out of shape.... he looked great.... etc., etc.

It wasn't that long ago that bringing a player over from Europe was considered going against conventional wisdom.  Now those players are scouted nearly as heavily, if not more, than the American players.  Maybe we start a trend with hiring a coach.  Considering the other options, I can't say I am disappointed.  I don't know enough about the guy to be disappointed and all I hear is rave reviews.  His intensity/fire is certainly going to be quite a change of pace from our last several hires.

 

Pretty much how I see it.  As soon as I heard they were talking to him I liked the idea, for exactly these reasons.  Adding Lue patches the concern about his NBA experience.

 

No one has mentioned the now-infamous Savannah James tweet?  It should be noted she was said to be against LeBron going to Miami in the beginning, while Maverick Carter and that gang were pushing for it.  They were somewhat on the outs at that time.

 

Pretty much how I see it.  As soon as I heard they were talking to him I liked the idea, for exactly these reasons.  Adding Lue patches the concern about his NBA experience.

 

x2. Very happy they also added Lue.

 

As for Savannah James, or Lebron's reported dust-up with Pat Riley, there's too many things pointing to Lebron leaving Miami and possibly returning home to be simply ignored. If he does return, I think we need one more player (in addition our top draft pick) to bring here to be a championship-competitive team.

 

Pretty much how I see it.  As soon as I heard they were talking to him I liked the idea, for exactly these reasons.  Adding Lue patches the concern about his NBA experience.

 

x2. Very happy they also added Lue.

 

As for Savannah James, or Lebron's reported dust-up with Pat Riley, there's too many things pointing to Lebron leaving Miami and possibly returning home to be simply ignored. If he does return, I think we need one more player (in addition our top draft pick) to bring here to be a championship-competitive team.

Lance Stephenson? :) :roll:

 

I really hope Griffin doesn't get cute at this draft and out think himself unless he swing a truly killer deal...  Unlike last year, this is a high quality draft and I don't want the Cavs to piss it away.... No pick is perfect and the best man, Embiid, is damaged goods.  And Parker's defensive issues and lack of lateral speed, worry me.  Just take Wiggins and, then, look for a quality, reasonably-priced vet; preferably a big man, because we obviously can't count on Andy's health anymore. 

 

LeBron's wife heats up the rumor mill with Instagram post

 

 

LeBron James' wife, Savannah is causing quite a stir with a recent Instagram post.  In the post, Savannah has a picture of Akron with the words, "Home sweet home!! The countdown is real! #330."

 

 

 

 

http://www.19actionnews.com/story/25842785/lebrons-wife-heats-up-the-rumor-mill-with-instagram-post

Lebron just opted out of his contract. It could mean he's leaving Miami or it could mean he's willing to stay with a new contract that gives the Heat flexibility to add new players. If he's leaving, other teams can't talk to Lebron until July 1. But it's interesting he did it before the draft which increases the flexibility for other teams to draft/trade accordingly, with a plan/hope to sign Lebron. He could have waited until the weekend.

There is a report out there that the Jazz are offering the #5 and #23 picks in the first round, plus Derrick Favors (13ppg and 9rpg, 19.0 PER), plus Alex Burks (14ppg), for the #1 and Jarrett Jack.  I would consider that offer if I were the Cavs.  Favors and Burks are still young guys, both former lottery picks, Favors in 2010 and Burks in 2011.  Each showed good improvement last year.  Favors certainly hasn't reached the potential he was supposed to have, but he is a big body and we sorely lack quality bigs.  If the Jazz throw in a future 1st rounder, that might really entice me.  The Cavs could still get a really good player at 5, perhaps even rolling the dice on Embiid.

 

I really hope Griffin doesn't get cute at this draft and out think himself unless he swing a truly killer deal...  Unlike last year, this is a high quality draft and I don't want the Cavs to piss it away.... No pick is perfect and the best man, Embiid, is damaged goods.  And Parker's defensive issues and lack of lateral speed, worry me.  Just take Wiggins and, then, look for a quality, reasonably-priced vet; preferably a big man, because we obviously can't count on Andy's health anymore. 

 

I think Parker's alleged "lack of lateral speed" is more than a little overblown.  He plays under control while in the game.  If you watch his workouts, he is very gifted athletically and explosive.  If Wiggins did not come out of high school without the hype, he wouldn't be in the conversation for #1.  Wiggins averaged 17 and 4 his freshman year and didn't shoot 50% from field.  His total lack of a left hand and overall poor ball-handling skills are bigger red flags to me than Parker's defense.  Wiggins for sure is no Durant, who averaged 25 and 11 his freshman year on plus 50%.  He reminds me of Harrison Barnes..... just another kid who was tagged as the "next Lebron" coming out of high school who turns out to be a solid, but hardly spectacular, NBA player.  Don't forget how many teams wasted picks in the 90's trying to find the "next Jordan"

Free agent LeBron James.

 

Watching how the Spurs just dismantled Miami tips LeBron back to Cleveland. There's just too much blood in the water down in Florida. Wade looks like a senior citizen. And I don't see Pat Reilly pulling off any kind of move that makes the Heat much better.

 

Dan Gilbert has been super quiet lately.

Free agent LeBron James.

 

Watching how the Spurs just dismantled Miami tips LeBron back to Cleveland. There's just too much blood in the water down in Florida. Wade looks like a senior citizen. And I don't see Pat Reilly pulling off any kind of move that makes the Heat much better.

 

Dan Gilbert has been super quiet lately.

 

The spin I expect (which from what I have heard has some truth to it) is that his boys (particularly Maverick Carter) persuaded him to go to Miami despite the objections of his girlfriend, and his now wife (and perhaps JFF) convinced him to return.  A little bit of dissing of the Heat fans (easy enough to do) and most Cleveland holdouts will be won over.  The  first time he takes over a game against a contender will do the rest. 

 

He may go to the Lakers, Knicks, or Nets, but I expect him back here.  After all, Sharon's in St. Louis and Delonte's in China.

 

Rich Paul supposedly urged him to stay.  He was the one member of his LRMR crew who did not relocate with him to Miami.  Other 'rumors' include a 5 year deal with his wife, promising his return home within 5 years, and that the 'return of the King' was scripted before he ever left for Miami.  We'll hear many more over the next week, I'm sure.

 

The easiest answer, however, is that he opted out to put pressure on Riley and the Heat ownership to spend the necessary $$ to improve the roster.  Mickey Arison is very hesitant to go too far over the cap, which would kick in the luxury tax which requires payment to the league of $1 for every $1 the team is over the cap.  So if they sign a player for a $5mill contract and they are already over the cap, they are in reality paying $10mill for that player.  That's how Mike Miller got waived and Joel Anthony got traded for nothing.

Very interested to see what Bosh does.  Wade will opt-in, for sure, I would think.  There is no way he is going to get anywhere close to $20mill from another team.  If Bosh opts out, I think that is a sure sign that Lebron has informed his pals that he will not be re-upping with the Heat.  Bosh has until next week to make his decision.

Listening to ESPN it seems like Bosh loves living on Miami and will choose the team again with or without LeBron.

 

I think Lebron wanted to stay in Cleveland, but he couldn't convince Bosh and Wade to come here. I think Bosh convinced Lebron to come with him to Miami.

The easiest answer, however, is that he opted out to put pressure on Riley and the Heat ownership to spend the necessary $$ to improve the roster.  Mickey Arison is very hesitant to go too far over the cap, which would kick in the luxury tax which requires payment to the league of $1 for every $1 the team is over the cap.  So if they sign a player for a $5mill contract and they are already over the cap, they are in reality paying $10mill for that player.  That's how Mike Miller got waived and Joel Anthony got traded for nothing.

 

Bingo. There's no reason to return to Cleveland now, unless he's feeling sentimental and really wants the narrative...in which case, nothing else matters, but, yeah, right. Yeah, Wade is beaten up, but unless he's privately confided to LeBron that he's on the downswing and knows it, the Big 3 is still a formidable force. I don't think they win the championship with one extra veteran on the bench, but it would have been closer.

 

We should just draft Wiggins and trade for a center. That's what we would do to woo LeBron anyway.

Bingo. There's no reason to return to Cleveland now

 

Kyrie + LeBron + __________ = Cavaliers championship!!!

 

We should just draft Wiggins and trade for a center. That's what we would do to woo LeBron anyway.

 

I actually think Parker is a better fit with LBJ, as interchangeable 3's and 4's.  But they aren't going to draft based on a fit with Lebron.  Not at #1 and not with such a small chance he returns.

 

I'm interested to know exactly why so many favor Wiggins so clearly over Parker.  I really want to like the kid, but I'm having so much trouble getting on board.  Watch this highlight video from his freshman year at Kansas.  If I watched closely enough, he goes left and finishes left exactly two times and both were the type of swoop shots that won't work in the NBA nearly as well.  He didn't beat the defender off the dribble on those occasions.  He sometimes finishes left off a spin after he got past the defender going right.  Yes, he is a super explosive athlete..... much like Gerald Green.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI-92Zxce6g

Edit: crap, I thought I was in NBA Discussion.carry on. I say Parker is the safe bet. You can teach defense, and a combination starting/ coming off the bench of Kyrie, Waiters and Parker would be worth about 50-60 PTs a game.

 

The Heat tried to rest Wade for the playoffs this year and he still fell apart by the finals. He may have one or two good runs left in him but I can't see depending on him as the nucleus of a team.

more:

 

http://nypost.com/2014/06/24/lebron-james-tells-heat-hes-opting-out-of-contract/

 

Apparently Dan Gilbert was photographed this morning standing outside some house in Bath, Ohio......

 

a good 'say anything' reference is always welcome

Very interested to see what Bosh does.  Wade will opt-in, for sure, I would think.  There is no way he is going to get anywhere close to $20mill from another team.  If Bosh opts out, I think that is a sure sign that Lebron has informed his pals that he will not be re-upping with the Heat.  Bosh has until next week to make his decision.

Listening to ESPN it seems like Bosh loves living on Miami and will choose the team again with or without LeBron.

 

I think Lebron wanted to stay in Cleveland, but he couldn't convince Bosh and Wade to come here. I think Bosh convinced Lebron to come with him to Miami.

 

For what it's worth, that was one of the last-minute rumors before the decision. Someone came out with a report that Bosh was coming to Cleveland with LeBron, but then the Decision happened and nobody ever really considered if that was a real effort by LBJ or a smokescreen.

Nevermond.  Off-topic

Apparently there's a rumor that LeBron likes the idea of a sign and trade to the Clippers, but the Heat won't do it.