Boston also has the Lakers' 2018 1st round (also unprotected).  The Lakers, like the Nets, are likely to be in next year's lottery even with precocious rookie Lonzo Ball, Brook Lopez and the boyz, so this pick, too, will likely net big talent in next year's projected talent-rich draft -- which, of course, is why the Celts, uncomfortably, were willing to part with the Nets' pick to help land the elite Kyrie ...  But if I'm Koby I'm going for it.  If Danny says no, then we weigh our options.  Maybe we back out... maybe not; we've already

Hard to see the Cavs coming out of this looking good. I don't see Ainge budging. Not psyched to start the season with Rose at the 1.

^ have to disagree. Cavs have all the leverage. Bothe crowder and IT shocked at that trade and feel punched in the gut. Ainge can't take them back, they've lost all their Celtic pride

^One would think the Cavs have the leverage, but Boston does have a couple legit comebacks: 1) While Boston may not have explicitly mentioned IT's injury, it was pretty obvious for any hoops follower, from GM to fan, that he was seriously hurt and missed the last 3 games of the EC finals because of it.  His recovery is dependent on his training, but really the Celtics have little jurisdiction over that until training camp opens which, of course, it hasn't; 2) Boston really did give us a boatload of stuff.  Many NBA watchers believe the Cavs got the best of Danny and newbie GM Altman is getting heaps of praise for it.  Remember, in that golden season of a year ago when the Cavs hoisted the trophy, Kyrie, who is significantly better than Thomas imho, didn't join the team until January and took a month beyond this to get his feet back under him.  I think Koby should continue wear his best poker face with Danny and pressure him to add more but, if Danny holds fast, fold and take the deal.  If it was just Crowder and the 2018 pick, alone, one could argue it was an even trade, but we also got 29 ppg Thomas, at least for the season although he probably won't join the team immediately and Zizic, who is the true big we lack -- Edy Tavares has knocked around the league for about 5 years or so and some say he still isn't ready -- so Zizic could also be a plus, too...

 

... and don't forget, we now have this pg named Derrick Rose who, yes, was/has been injury prone, but if healthy, who knows?

Welcome to the Derrick Rose era!

Welcome to the Derrick Rose era!

 

That's not how I spell Jose Calderon...

Welcome to the Derrick Rose era!

 

That's not how I spell Jose Calderon...

I think I spelled it right? K-A-Y F-E-L-D-E-R

^So both the Cavs and Celtics save face after the Celtics throw in a minor 2020 2nd round pick to seal the deal... Honestly, as much as I hate losing Kyrie, I think this will end deal will help us IF we can get Thomas in the lineup at least by the All Star game, which I think is likely.  With Thomas starting and Rose off the bench, we have 2 former All Stars manning the point, although both have a history of injury including last season.  We also have Calderon who can eat some PG minutes as well.

 

Crowder will essentially replace Shumpert, who was ineffective at both at the offensive end, while his D also slipped too.  Assuming we get back to the finals and face Golden State again, Crowder will be a much better defender of Durant on the wing which would take a ton of pressure off LeBron.  Plus Crowder can score the ball better than Shumpert, including the 3.  No one knows much about Zizic and he may be battling Tavares to make the roster.  But at least we finally do have a couple honest to goodness bigs -- post Mosgov -- who perhaps could throw wrinkle in Lue's lineup and who can spell Thompson...

 

And who knows who we may get during the season.  That Nets' draft pick could land us a major star -- think crazy like DeMarcus Cousins or a player of similar impact in perhaps another area... LeBron's camp feels confident the Bulls will buy out Wade and the Knicks may still buyout Anthony... so 1 or both could join the team during the season...

 

And for this year, at least, we still have the biggest puzzle piece any team would die for: LeBron James, and that will always put a team in line for a potential title.

Now that Kyrie bolted Carmelo has been reluctant about coming to the Cavs. He still really wants to play in Houston so I'm not sold.

 

If DRose can be 50% of MVP Rose, which he was last season, and IT can put up close to 2016 numbers, I can't see them winning fewer games than last year even if LeBron rides the bench for a dozen games. In fact LeBron may get more rest now because these guys can probably hold a lead better than when Kyrie was running the point.

 

The national outlets are talking about how brilliant Danny Ainge is yet I'm curious to see how this Celtics team will work. I don't believe Kyrie will change his iso game for Brad Stevens. Gordon Hayward can make his own shot but Al Horford is nothing amazing and the C's talent level falls off pretty fast after him. So defenses will be all over the Kyrie like never before. I'm sure he'll have some amazing games but I bet there will be plenty 7+ turnover games when he's getting triple teamed. I'm not completely sold the C's are the second best team in the East, the Wiz are extremely underrated and have a better PG in Wall who is locked up with the organization. Cavs also struggled with the Wiz in the regular season.

 

 

If IT is missing 2 months+, the Cavs really needed to get another player out of this.

 

I agree the Celtics seem a bit oddly constructed. They're going to have to have at least 2 of Smart, Rozier, Brown, and Tatum emerge as valuable contributors this season to compete for the second seed. I think they must really have their sites set on the post-Lebron era though. They're set up really well if their draft picks hit. Cavs were set up similarly when Chris Grant was GM. He was great at acquiring assets, awful at evaluating talent.

Now that Kyrie bolted Carmelo has been reluctant about coming to the Cavs. He still really wants to play in Houston so I'm not sold.

 

If DRose can be 50% of MVP Rose, which he was last season, and IT can put up close to 2016 numbers, I can't see them winning fewer games than last year even if LeBron rides the bench for a dozen games. In fact LeBron may get more rest now because these guys can probably hold a lead better than when Kyrie was running the point.

 

The national outlets are talking about how brilliant Danny Ainge is yet I'm curious to see how this Celtics team will work. I don't believe Kyrie will change his iso game for Brad Stevens. Gordon Hayward can make his own shot but Al Horford is nothing amazing and the C's talent level falls off pretty fast after him. So defenses will be all over the Kyrie like never before. I'm sure he'll have some amazing games but I bet there will be plenty 7+ turnover games when he's getting triple teamed. I'm not completely sold the C's are the second best team in the East, the Wiz are extremely underrated and have a better PG in Wall who is locked up with the organization. Cavs also struggled with the Wiz in the regular season.

 

 

 

Hayward and Kyrie are definitely big gets for Boston and, even when IT's healthy, Kyrie is an upgrade at the point.  But Boston has damaged themselves by dealing away Bradley and now Crowder.  The also moved Olynyk who gave them added muscle under the basket and who could score... ESPN's over/under win total for Boston is higher than Cleveland's -- around 55 to 53 IIRC.  But I still think the Cavs will likely have the better record and win the East once again.

 

... btw the New York papers have hinted that the trade may make Melo more likely to come to Cleveland than not.  Some of this is based on the thinking that the Cavs may deal the Nets' 2018 pick to them in exchange for Anthony... I find that highly unlikely: Anthony simply isn't worth that.... The the Knicks badly tank this season, I believe Melo could get bought out, and if the Cavs are strong and in the finals hunt, I would think Melo would be more motivated to come here; he's still big buds with LeBron... and if we could also snag Wade, look out.

Gordon Hayward is a great pick up and I agree that Kyrie is an improvement at PG for them but they don't have LeBron. Defenses aren't going to collapse on Horford and Hayward and Kyrie can't play all 48 minutes. They're betting a lot on their young talent. I have a feeling Kyrie is going to see a lot of hands in his face. Hard to bank off the glass when there are three guys in the key daring Tatum or Horford to shoot from the perimeter. Of course, maybe Kyrie will be energized and find his once almost consistent shot beyond the arc.

 

I'm just not sold the C's are becoming some mega team like the Warriors. I mean ESPN had the audacity to post a picture of Horford with Hayward and Kyrie as some big three combo. Horford can make Houdini look like an amateur at times.

^For them to state that the Celtics have anything approaching a Big 3 is a joke... Kyrie is obviously a bonafide, championship-tested superstar... Hayward is still up-and-coming -- he's very good, but not pressure tested as Kyrie... And Horford has been declining in recent years.

I hate the +/- stat in the NBA but this is interesting so I will throw it out there.

In this Real Plus Minus stat Lebron is 1/ Love is 12/ Crowder is 20/ Kyrie is 52/ Thomas is 59

 

http://www.espn.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/sort/RPM

Carmelo Anthony to Cavaliers not as farfetched after big trade

 

By Marc Berman August 23, 2017 | 8:42pm

 

When the Cavaliers talked to the Knicks about Kyrie Irving, Cleveland brass had no interest in discussing Carmelo Anthony. Kristaps Porzingis was their lone focus.

 

Whether that changes after the blockbuster trade that sent Irving to the Celtics, with the Cavaliers emerging with more assets than anyone imagined, remains to be seen. As does whether Anthony, who has a no-trade clause, will have renewed interest in playing with LeBron James — even if it is for one season.

 

http://nypost.com/2017/08/23/carmelo-anthony-to-cavaliers-not-as-farfetched-after-big-trade/

 

He went to the Thunder!  I guess he's not going to that soon-to-be dumpster fire which Irving got traded from for spare parts!

Carmelo Anthony to Cavaliers not as farfetched after big trade

 

By Marc Berman August 23, 2017 | 8:42pm

 

When the Cavaliers talked to the Knicks about Kyrie Irving, Cleveland brass had no interest in discussing Carmelo Anthony. Kristaps Porzingis was their lone focus.

 

Whether that changes after the blockbuster trade that sent Irving to the Celtics, with the Cavaliers emerging with more assets than anyone imagined, remains to be seen. As does whether Anthony, who has a no-trade clause, will have renewed interest in playing with LeBron James — even if it is for one season.

 

http://nypost.com/2017/08/23/carmelo-anthony-to-cavaliers-not-as-farfetched-after-big-trade/

 

He went to the Thunder!  I guess he's not going to that soon-to-be dumpster fire which Irving got traded from for spare parts!

 

Dumpster fire? Spare parts? Nope!

The cavs are about to get Wade and can pretty much get any stud they want from a bad team with that nets pick. Looks pretty good to me

Carmelo Anthony to Cavaliers not as farfetched after big trade

 

By Marc Berman August 23, 2017 | 8:42pm

 

When the Cavaliers talked to the Knicks about Kyrie Irving, Cleveland brass had no interest in discussing Carmelo Anthony. Kristaps Porzingis was their lone focus.

 

Whether that changes after the blockbuster trade that sent Irving to the Celtics, with the Cavaliers emerging with more assets than anyone imagined, remains to be seen. As does whether Anthony, who has a no-trade clause, will have renewed interest in playing with LeBron James — even if it is for one season.

 

http://nypost.com/2017/08/23/carmelo-anthony-to-cavaliers-not-as-farfetched-after-big-trade/

 

He went to the Thunder!  I guess he's not going to that soon-to-be dumpster fire which Irving got traded from for spare parts!

 

Even if IT doesn't come back until January, IT is not a "spare part". Actually neither is Crowder. There's a Browns thread here to talk about dumpster fires!  :lol: :lol:

Dumpster fire? Spare parts? Nope!

 

Well, the self-titled former King is eligible for free agency next year and has a house in southern California!  He has not one, but two, teams to choose from out there!

Dumpster fire? Spare parts? Nope!

 

Well, the self-titled former King is eligible for free agency next year and has a house in southern California!  He has not one, but two, teams to choose from out there!

I didn't know trolling a UO thread was a thing!

Dwyane Wade to sign with Cavaliers, reunite with LeBron James

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2017/09/dwyane_wade_to_sign_with_caval.html

Edited.  This spells the end of Shump. He's totally fine coming off the bench against regular NBA teams. It should be very interesting seeing Love, Wade, and Lebron on the floor at the same time.

Even if IT doesn't come back until January, IT is not a "spare part". Actually neither is Crowder. There's a Browns thread here to talk about dumpster fires!  :lol: :lol:

 

Unfortunately the Browns are not owned by someone who helped fund Issue 3 in 2009, which legalizes gambling in Ohio.  And the NBA didn't go after him like they did Donald Sterling.  >:(

109-93 guess who!

 

And what's that sound?  Cavs fans falling off the bandwagon!

109-93 guess who!

 

And what's that sound?  Cavs fans falling off the bandwagon!

Hahahahahahahahhaahhahaahahhaahahahahahaahhaahahahahahahahahahhahaahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahhaahhahahahahhahaahhahahahahah

Jefferson looks to be the odd man out.  Shumpert may survive, esp after his heart-to-heart with Lue... then again, maybe not.  Iman's biggest problem is that he often doesn't play within himself -- tries to do too much and hasn't improved his 3-point shooting.  Overall, he's very erratic offensively, and when he plays poorly offensively, his defense often slips, too.

this is great — the cleveland cavaliers, public transit users!

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/cavaliers-ride-subway-game-knicks-article-1.3629913

That was the kind of win that can put a season back on track....

That was the kind of win that can put a season back on track....

 

That was a really tough game to watch. Until the end!

 

I'm not sure anyone knows what this team is all about yet.

They're about not caring until Christmas....personally I don't know what to make of them, but if LBJ is spending this much time on IG and internet beefs,then he's not worried then, then I won't be worried. They have played 14 games, maybe 20 quarters of actual basketball with 13 different line ups and still are .500.

109-93 guess who!

 

And what's that sound?  Cavs fans falling off the bandwagon!

 

 

 

i still don't like the way lebron has had to take it upon himself to do it all, but 12 in a row now?

 

with thomas and perhaps derrick on the way back.

 

i think the old bangwagoners are circling back.

 

that christmas day clash in cali is looming just ahead as large, very large.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2017/12/cavaliers_take_stock_needing_o.html

 

 

109-93 guess who!

 

And what's that sound?  Cavs fans falling off the bandwagon!

 

 

 

i still don't like the way lebron has had to take it upon himself to do it all, but 12 in a row now?

 

with thomas and perhaps derrick on the way back.

 

i think the old bangwagoners are circling back.

 

that christmas day clash in cali is looming just ahead as large, very large.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2017/12/cavaliers_take_stock_needing_o.html

 

I actually think Lebron has been picking his spots (and reserving himself on defense). He's just been insanely efficient. He has a career high 66% TS right now which is unbelievable. Cavs have been getting tons of help from Love and the entire second unit. Even with IT out, I feel this team still has another gear they can reach.

109-93 guess who!

 

And what's that sound?  Cavs fans falling off the bandwagon!

 

 

 

i still don't like the way lebron has had to take it upon himself to do it all, but 12 in a row now?

 

with thomas and perhaps derrick on the way back.

 

i think the old bangwagoners are circling back.

 

that christmas day clash in cali is looming just ahead as large, very large.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2017/12/cavaliers_take_stock_needing_o.html

 

I actually think Lebron has been picking his spots (and reserving himself on defense). He's just been insanely efficient. He has a career high 66% TS right now which is unbelievable. Cavs have been getting tons of help from Love and the entire second unit. Even with IT out, I feel this team still has another gear they can reach.

 

Last night was fun game to watch. Saw a lot of good ball movement which we could never seem to get with Kyrie. Love and Wade got some quick chemistry going and that's saving LeBron so much.

If they keep this up, it will be great to rest Thomas and ease him in for the spring run.  Looking forward to seeing how this develops

109-93 guess who!

 

And what's that sound?  Cavs fans falling off the bandwagon!

 

 

 

i still don't like the way lebron has had to take it upon himself to do it all, but 12 in a row now?

 

with thomas and perhaps derrick on the way back.

 

i think the old bangwagoners are circling back.

 

that christmas day clash in cali is looming just ahead as large, very large.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2017/12/cavaliers_take_stock_needing_o.html

 

I actually think Lebron has been picking his spots (and reserving himself on defense). He's just been insanely efficient. He has a career high 66% TS right now which is unbelievable. Cavs have been getting tons of help from Love and the entire second unit. Even with IT out, I feel this team still has another gear they can reach.

 

 

i hope you are right re lebron, but even when i dont catch a game he is too much of the highlights. i'm only seeing some typical help from love and wade is here or there, at least with the o. the team as a whole definately has higher gears though, and you can just see it, so that is very promising.

again with this nonsense -- i saw it on the front page of cnn today -- maybe trump is actually right about them being fake news lol --

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2748570-lebron-james-rumors-execs-believe-rockets-have-real-chance-to-sign-cavs-star?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

Heh.  Apparently the win streak broke on Friday against Indiana when I wasn't watching.  And judging by the amount of commentary on that fact in the three days since then, no one else was, either.

 

Indiana, incidentally, is 10-3 since the middle of November after a pretty rocky start.

i'd say winning the next three has made well up for the streak ending.

 

four more to go until the big showdown with gs in cali on christmas day.

Cavaliers' new Nike uniforms pay tribute to The Land

Updated 11:48 AM; Posted 9:00 AM

By Joey Morona, cleveland.com, jmoronaCleveland[/member].com

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Nike unveiled the Cavaliers' latest jerseys and they're... different.

 

The uniforms, dubbed "City Edition," are primarily gray with black and gold trim, giving them a subtle Pittsburgh Steelers vibe. The words "The Land" replace the traditional city or team nickname across the front.

 

LeBron James started calling Cleveland "The Land" when he returned to the team in 2014, and as one of Nike's signature pitch men, played a role in the design of the uniform.

 

Nike says the side panels are inspired by the Guardians of Transportation sculptures that watch over the Lorain-Carnegie bridge. The shorts feature an Ohio emblem on the front and "Cleveland" down the sides.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/12/cavaliers_new_uniforms_pay_tri.html

 

glad he is sorta back, that's almost a miracle in and of itself given his injury, but lets hope i.t. gets well soon -- the cavs are having way too much trouble with consistency and with the big games. it's hard to watch.

Looks like Dan Gilbert has the team up for sale, or plans to in the near future.

Looks like Dan Gilbert has the team up for sale, or plans to in the near future.

 

Not saying that isn't true, heck I hope it is, but is Stephen A Smith the only one reporting that?  If so, I wouldn't put too much into it. 

^ this about that:

 

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2018/01/25/dan-gilbert-sell-cavaliers/109806410/

 

 

 

also, i dk what is up with thomas and the cavs, but its seems like its his turn to fit in and not fit out:

 

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/nba-cavaliers-players-frustrated-with-isaiah-thomas-kevin-love/1xy5j7e20gkw81oz2dws1xuvl2

^ Well, I don't like it at all, but the stupid drama has made the Cavs somewhat interesting at least.

 

Oh, did you see Kevin Love throw his warmups onto Jeff Green's head? Hilarious!

 

Jeff "It was an accident, we're joking about it." Love "It wasn't an accident Jeff, I don't like you."

 

https://www.fearthesword.com/2018/1/27/16939716/kevin-love-warmup-jersey-jeff-green

 

p.s. the last time I wrote the Cavs off as uninspired, dysfunctional and unwatchable, they won it all.

 

 

Total revamp of the roster in one day. Cavs just got younger and more athletic. And they got rid of the poisonous, unproductive Isiah Thomas....

 

More Cavs trades: Wade, Crowder, Rose and Shumpert gone, reports say https://t.co/PfyxeKxFdl

Wow....wtf is going on lol

Ok if you missed all of it...

 

#Cavs get:

• Jordan Clarkson

• Larry Nance Jr.

• Rodney Hood

• George Hill

• MIA 2

 

#Cavs have sent:

• Isaiah Thomas (LAL)

• Channing Frye (LAL)

• 2018 #Cavs first rounder

• Jae Crowder (UTAH)

• Derrick Rose (UTAH)

• Dwyane Wade (MIA)

So much for Wade adding that much needed spark and vet leadership off the bench.

 

Wow.

 

The Cavs intriguing experiment with Wade, Rose, IT and Crowder is officially a failure. Let's hope the new guys can teach some D.

^^Dont forget Shump to the Kings