Glad to see they didn't seem to lose their composure last night, despite what was essentially a Knicks highlight reel for much of the game.

 

I was at Happy Dog last night and couldn't see the TV very well from the booths along the West 58th wall. Then I gave my friend from Toronto a driving tour of the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. So thankfully I missed most of the game. I did see most of the 4th period however -- so I didn't see what everyone on Twitter was complaining about! :)

Miller is out for 3 games with a concussion ? I was watching the game last night in pieces, when did he get hurt?

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2290119-mike-miller-injury-updates-on-cavaliers-guards-concussion-and-return

someone elbowed him in the face while he took a three.

Miller is out for 3 games with a concussion ? I was watching the game last night in pieces, when did he get hurt?

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2290119-mike-miller-injury-updates-on-cavaliers-guards-concussion-and-return

 

I was on my second 32 oz Dortmunder Gold at the time, but from my recollection Miller took a long three, and on his follow through the side of his head hit the defenders elbow. Then, I'm fairly certain they called Miller for a foul. But it could've been something called off the ball, I'm not sure.

Last night was the definition of an ugly win.  We struggled against one of the worst teams in the league whose superstar had his worst game, scoring-wise, in 2 season.  But Amare Stoudamire and Quincy Acy had their way inside (and thankfully we got an assist from Derek Fisher by yanking pain-in-the-ass Sam Dalembert late with 5 fouls) ... until the 4th quarter.  But the bottom line is, we won.  LeBron was really below his standards -- missing shots, missing FTs and sloppy TOs, but I guess it really says something when a guy can "stink" with a stat line of 19 pts, 12 assists and 5 rebounds -- eek, hide the children!  Even though I sometimes pout that LeBron isn't the LeBron of old, he still has the ability to "rescue" us, as he did last night and the 4th quarter -- yes, Kyrie was spectacular, but LeBron chose to run the point and feed Irving's hot hand.  I firmly believe we'd be at least 5 games below .500 if 23 wasn't on the roster.  Thompson was God-awful last night and Marion, not a lot better. ... ugly, but a win...

 

At 10-7 we're ahead of the 2010 Heat's schedule (9-8).  And we still haven't experienced the full Love Effect.

 

The bench is still a mess, only 10 points, but hopefully Delly's return will put some things in order.  Too bad about MM's concussion.  After his nice performance vs. Milwaukee the other night, I was so hoping that we'd be seeing a semblance of the old Miller.  Tonight I'm wary of the Raptors even without DeRozan.  Hopefully we'll have figured out how to slow Lou Williams, at least a little bit.

6 in a row!  Cavs are really rounding into shape and are ahead of schedule compared to Miami 4 years ago.

LeBron is clearly point-forward now, which has its pluses and minuses -- the big plus, of course, is that Kyrie can create more off the ball while defenses are keying on James and, if the results of the last couple games are an example (esp New York), it's working just fine.

 

Glad also to finally see Blatt get James Jones into the lineup (as in meaningful minutes) and hope he becomes a permanent fixture in the rotations.  IIRC Jones' second trey in the 2nd quarter put us up by 13 and forced Dwayne Casey to call a timeout.  Jones is a weapon that had been rusting away in Blatt's holster; now we really need him.  I know JJ has defensive issues, but you simply cannot ignore the reliable, long range firepower he brings, esp with a bench that has had difficulty scoring.

6 in a row!  Cavs are really rounding into shape and are ahead of schedule compared to Miami 4 years ago.

LeBron is clearly point-forward now, which has its pluses and minuses

 

Will LeBron ever have a true point guard? I sometimes wonder what a Mark Price (or virtually any other great Cavs PG) would look like dishing to LBJ.

Actually, I remember reading this past summer that despite the fact that CP3 is probably LBJ's best friend in the entire league, neither have much interest in playing with the other on the same team.  LeBron has always wanted to be as much Magic as he wanted to be Michael.  Don't you remember this commercial from when he first entered the league...... it might be my favorite LeBron commercial of all time (although the recent 'Together' and 'Take me to Church' ones certainly have more of an emotional appeal)....

 

^I forgot about that one.  It was classic and hilarious.  It's definitely an oldie as LeBron was a smooth-face kid back then... All those NBA legends got face time in that bit, even Jerry West... I miss Bernie Mack.  Funny man.

the nets man in the middle brook lopez is out with a sore back for tonights king vs king-to-be game in brooklyn.

^Joe Johnson is recovering from the flu as well, but has not been ruled out.

 

Speaking of Centers, there are some rumors today that the Cavs are targeting Kosta Koufos, who currently is the backup in Memphis.  Of course, as I've said before, when you hear an NBA rumor, 95% of the time it is a deal which has already been discussed and rejected.  I wouldn't be surprised at all if we made a run at him, but my guess is Memphis was demanding waaaaay too much.

yeah i heard jj was ill, but he played a half hour, longer than anyone else on the nets, in their last game, so he can't be that sick.

 

the memphis rumor is interesting because if true it looks like you were right, they are going for another big man rather than someone else to spell lebron.

There is no spelling LeBron

Looks like Delly is back for tonight.  Listed as 'probable'

There is no spelling LeBron

 

there is no finals either if they don't cut don't down the big man's minutes now and then, the big three for that matter.

 

anyway as expected tonight worked out well:

 

 

Cavs 110, Nets 88: King James' royal show

 

December, 8, 2014

DEC 8

9:53

PM ET

By Mike Mazzeo | ESPNNewYork.com

 

NEW YORK -- It turned out to be a royal butt whoopin' fit for a King.

 

Immediately after Prince William and Duchess Kate took their courtside seats, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers closed the third quarter on a 24-6 run and rolled to a 110-88 blowout victory over the Brooklyn Nets Monday night at Barclays Center. Brook Lopez (back) and Joe Johnson (flu) did not play.

 

Before the game, several players, including James, on both teams showed solidarity, wearing "I Can't Breathe" shirts. The Nets (8-11), who trailed by as many as 26, are now 1-9 against .500 or better opponents (at time of game played).

 

What a beat down... Since James Jones (finally) has been inserted into the rotation, the bench is suddenly no longer a problem.  With a 3 pointer that pure, you must have him in the lineup.  The floor spacing Jones demands is opening it up for the other bench guys, and they are responding.

regarding the royal visit, i read this morning that kate & william came in during the third quarter and took the ratner's courtside seats. the commotion caused kevin love to miss a free throw. after the game lebron met them and he gave them cavs jerseys and cupcakes from akron. that is all.

^ I think it was cool, when they arrived was when we blew it open.  Lebron representing our community well.  Standing next to royalty with his Cleveland Basketball shirt on.

 

I support Kyrie and Lebron 100% on their shirts.  Leading from the front and knowing they will take criticism, but the message was more important to them than then crticism.  If you dont like it, find another team.

regarding the royal visit, i read this morning that kate & william came in during the third quarter and took the ratner's courtside seats. the commotion caused kevin love to miss a free throw. after the game lebron met them and he gave them cavs jerseys and cupcakes from akron. that is all.

The way they played after they arrived, they should invite them back during the playoffs.

I don't know how many of you are old enough to have watched the 'Showtime' Lakers in the 80's, but last night (especially the 3rd quarter) reminded me of that team.  We ran the Nets right out of the gym and they were helpless to stop it.

 

Although he has had some great games to date, LeBron looked like he really had an extra bounce in his step last night.  Moreso than I have seen as of yet this year.  He seems to be really starting to enjoy playing with all of his new 'toys'..... the type of players who let him play the way he wants to play, which is fast and explosive.

 

What a beat down... Since James Jones (finally) has been inserted into the rotation, the bench is suddenly no longer a problem.  With a 3 pointer that pure, you must have him in the lineup.  The floor spacing Jones demands is opening it up for the other bench guys, and they are responding.

 

Just a second there, Professor.  I wouldn't say he has been 'inserted' into the lineup.  He is filling in for the time being, as the Cavs envisioned he would do well when his number was called.  I suspect they still go back to the Miller when he is cleared.  Although he started the season in a slump, Miller still spreads the defense out.  Nobody is going to leave him open for a 3, I don't care what his current percentage is.  The reason they stick with Miller is because of his high b-ball IQ and ability to impact the game with his passing and rebounding.  Jones is much more of a one-dimensional player and kinda always has been, even in his prime with Indy.  We are going to use him during the season, for sure, as the injury bug is bound to bite.  I doubt he ever becomes part of the regular rotation.  I could be wrong.  If he keeps playing like he did last night, he has one helluva argument.  I like the guy.  Great guy.  Our kids go to the same school.

So far, and with a limited sample size, I like James Jones' production more than Mike Miller's contributions. The bench seems to play better with Jones in there.

 

And yes, that third period was certainly showtime. It definitely felt like the Cavs were showing off for the Royal guests.

Veeeery limited sample size.  Compare the two players over the course of their careers and it really isn't even close.

I was at the game last night and they were definitely showing off yesterday.  They seem to be coming together nicely and I'm glad the Love squashed the rumors by saying he plans to stay with Cleveland long term.

Veeeery limited sample size.  Compare the two players over the course of their careers and it really isn't even close.

 

I care more about what they can do for us. Now. If Mike Miller doesn't have it anymore and James Jones still does, then you go with Jones.

I don't disagree.  I just don't buy into the Mike Miller does have it anymore hype.  He played very well for Memphis just last year.  And, putting aside his shooting percentage, he has been playing well for us this year.  He defends, he rebounds, he whips the ball around, he is in the right spot.  His shot just wasn't falling for whatever reason.  If LeBron was in a slump, would you be pining for Jones to take his spot?  I know that is extreme, but the body of work and PROVEN talent/ability can't be ignored.  It's just too early for me.  I'm hardly foreclosing on the possibility.

Yeah, that a just a *tad* extreme.

Just a second there, Professor.  I wouldn't say he has been 'inserted' into the lineup.  He is filling in for the time being, as the Cavs envisioned he would do well when his number was called.  I suspect they still go back to the Miller when he is cleared.  Although he started the season in a slump, Miller still spreads the defense out.  Nobody is going to leave him open for a 3, I don't care what his current percentage is.  The reason they stick with Miller is because of his high b-ball IQ and ability to impact the game with his passing and rebounding.  Jones is much more of a one-dimensional player and kinda always has been, even in his prime with Indy.  We are going to use him during the season, for sure, as the injury bug is bound to bite.  I doubt he ever becomes part of the regular rotation.  I could be wrong.  If he keeps playing like he did last night, he has one helluva argument.  I like the guy.  Great guy.  Our kids go to the same school.

 

We'll see.  I've liked Miller's career and his upbeat attitude.  He's a real team guy.  And yes he had a fine game against Milwaukee where his 3-point shot seemed to lift us out of the doldrums, then he got a bunch a rebounds and even amazingly blocked Giannis Antetokounmpo's shot.  Then he got concussed in NY.  The problem is that, in 15 games, aside from the 1 game I cited, Miller hasn't showed us anything. There's a lot of evidence he just may be out of gas.  Good guy, but ...

 

Honestly, I don't really care about Jones' "reputation" for being a poor defensive guy, or that he's one dimensional, or that he was losing minutes under Spolestra in successive seasons.  History is nice -- all the "impact" player Miller is, and his high basketball IQ is great to talk about, but to date, he hasn't shown any of that here, save the aforementioned Bucks' game... I'm interested in NOW not history or reputation.  How is Miller fitting into this rotation and what is he contributing... NOW?  ...  Others have noted that Dion Waiters was called upon to be a catch 'n shoot guy (which in my opinion really limits his talents) on this particular team, James Jones' 1 dimension is CRITICAL for a team whose bench has shown an inability to score.  Yes, we've only seen Jones for really 2 games when his minutes really meant something.  Sorry, but that's enough for me.  Enough for me after watching game-in-and-game-out a bench scoring 5 to 7 points and being the worst in the league point-wise.  When Jones came in and immediately and effortlessly pumped in those 3s against both Toronto and the Nets, you could instantly feel the opponents scrambling to cover him, and you also saw both Tristan and Dion start to get to the rim; both these guys had been struggling. 

 

BTW, I also saw Haywood immediately come in an swat a shot in junk time last night, just as he swatted away 3 in the 4th against Orlando.  I also saw Haywood fluidly get to the hole for a nice slam, too.  You and others make Haywood seem as creaky and useless as Andrew Bynum when, in reality, he appears to be far more useful.

 

Again, I keep stressing that neither Jones nor Haywood are All Stars or ready for the HOF.  But I maintain it's foolish to leave useful tools in the tool belt when your team has issues... I like a lot of things Blatt has done with this team, esp on D and esp with Kyrie.  But unlike you, I'm not going to put my full faith in him when there have been obvious needs on the bench to prop up the starters, and guys like Jones and Haywood have been Coach's DNP's for most of this young season and we've been struggling... Makes no sense. 

 

David Blatt is not the Gospel and, just because he's not playing certain guys doesn't mean they can't play.  I think that, after 17 games of sitting on the bench, James Jones has proven this.  I think Haywood could be another.

Btw Hts, I'm not hating on Miller just based on the season.  I was desperately trying to body-language his 3-pointers in during preseason too, but they were clanking left and right.  Even more damning for Miller was the fact that, when he did get in, he'd go for 24 minutes taking 1 or 2 shots.  Sorry, he's a big boy and I just can't always default to blaming the offense for not setting him up or getting him the ball...

 

Jones on the other hand, came in ice cold after 16 games of sitting and, well, you see what he's done.

When did I say to put all faith in Blatt?  Or that he is 'the gospel'?  I'm giving my own opinions.  There's a reason why Miller was offered the most out of our FA's other than James.  There is a reason other teams (Denver, for example) were willing to give him even more than we offered him.  There's a reason why Jones did not have many, if any, suitors other than us and that we were able to get him for the vet minimum.  If my faith is anywhere, it is in the NBA GMs, scouts, and other PROFESSIONAL talent evaluators.

 

It's not that I don't like Jones and his fit for this team.  I just don't see where you find consistent minutes for him..... especially now that Delly is back.  In fact, it is going to be hard to find Miller consistent minutes.  But that is why we signed both of those guys.  When their number is called, they are ready.  They are both professionals.

 

I'll also say that it is virtually impossible that Miller does not get back in rhythm.  It would be unheard of.  Players lose a step.  They lose their vertical.  They lose their strength.  But shooters can always shoot.  Ask the Cavs players about Byron Scott shooting during practices when he was coach.  It is a talent which doesn't really fade away. 

^You MUST find consistent minutes for Jones. Shooters don't grow on trees, which is why GMs are genuflecting to woo 39-year-old Ray Allen out of retirement.  With our bench's struggles to score, we would be nuts not to consistently get a shooter like Jones in the lineup...  I'm really glad Delly is back, but Delly is a 2 and Jones is a 3, who could spell LeBron.

^Those are some strong words which I don't think you will find one expert to agree with you on.  Go ahead and look to prove me wrong.  Nuts?  MUST?  Hardly.  We've rolled off 7 straight and Jones has not gotten consistent minutes during that stretch.  Don't go crazy.... errrr, sorry, nuts..... off of one game.  Comparing James Jones to Ray Allen is a bit nuts.

whats more likely is miller is washed up. looks that way to date and thats the general opinion of nba fans. i dk about jones in the long run. we'll see about both. i am just glad delly is back and getting healthy and getting more minutes. blatt is managing his return very carefully. the downside of the win over the raptors last night was lebron was back to 40+ ironman minutes.

Jones was 0-2 last night.  Washed up?  Not at all.  He is getting older.  But his value is still high, as shown this past summer during free agency.  He is not the player he was 10 years ago.  Not many players are at his age.  Him and Jones are roughly the same age.  I think Miller is a year older.

 

With Delly back and Dion really starting to come on, this might all be moot.  Blatt LOVES Delly.  He is going to get heavy minutes.  And if Dion keeps it up, there probably won't be any minutes to give to either Miller or Jones.  Andy, Love, LeBron, Marion, Kyrie, Dion, Delly, and TT are going to eat up 95% of the minutes if they all stay healthy.  If anything, we need another 'big' to play some spot duty.

^Those are some strong words which I don't think you will find one expert to agree with you on.  Go ahead and look to prove me wrong.  Nuts?  MUST?  Hardly.  We've rolled off 7 straight and Jones has not gotten consistent minutes during that stretch.  Don't go crazy.... errrr, sorry, nuts..... off of one game.  Comparing James Jones to Ray Allen is a bit nuts.

 

I wasn't comparing Jones and Allen.  Mr. Shuttlesworth will be inducted into the HOF.  Jones will need paid admission.  Allen was part of a Big 3 that won a championship and was/is one of the best pure shooters in the history of the game.  Jones is a career bench guy.  I get that... The issue is context.  Our bench needs scorers.  It's easy to say, well, we've won 8 in a row, what's the problem?  When many of those early wins were struggles where the starters (like No. 23) had to carry the team playing 42-3 minutes/night, while the bench was scoring 5-7 points.  So I'm not saying Jones is the 2nd coming of Allen, or even Kyle Korver, but if you are a team that struggling with rotations and bench scoring, why would you Coach's DNP a quality, 6'8" long-distance shooter who can stretch the floor, aid in spacing, etc., etc.? 

except we've only seen one game's worth of not washed up. the rest was eh. so we'll see. otherwise, yr right on with the rest. delly back is the big deal, long as he is healthy.

the downside of the win over the raptors last night was lebron was back to 40+ ironman minutes.

 

If that happens a lot, then I'd be worried -- especially on back-to-backs. But LeBron played only 34 minutes the night before vs the Nets, thanks to the blowout. And last night's game vs the Raptors will affect the playoffs so LeBron needed to play as much as possible to get that win. We have to have the tie-breakers with them and other top teams in the Eastern Conference.

 

Where my concern exists is that LeBron is consistently being asked to play the most minutes when compared to his teammates, especially younger ones. Blatt needs to reverse that.

 

EDIT: BTW, I absolutely loved last night's game. I was ready to write them off, but I need to realize this isn't the last four years. This team is proving it came come back against quality opponents. They couldn't play defense against Toronto in the first half and then shut them down in the Fourth. Tristan forcing Lowry into that over-the-backboard shot was epic.

Don't worry about Lebron's minutes yet.  It might feel like he's playing too many minutes but the statistics tell a different story.  Here are his average minutes for the last 5 years.

 

YEAR        TM GMS  MINS

2010-11 MIA 79 38:46

2011-12 MIA 62 37:31

2012-13 MIA 76 37:51

2013-14 MIA 77 37:41

2014-15 CLE 20 38:00

But those stats concern me. LeBron was a cramped-up mess by the time the Heat reached the finals. Those stats tell me he's on the same or worse path.

So I'm not saying Jones is the 2nd coming of Allen, or even Kyle Korver, but if you are a team that struggling with rotations and bench scoring, why would you Coach's DNP a quality, 6'8" long-distance shooter who can stretch the floor, aid in spacing, etc., etc.? 

 

Well..... I guess the question is - are you talking about Miller or Jones?  Both fit that mold, except Miller brings other qualities to the court which Jones never has in his career.  The bottom line to me is that if you are relying on Jones to provide that bench scoring, we are not going to be as good as we should be.  In certain lineups and certain situations (such as last night when he was inserted when it was time to get free throw shooters on the floor), I'm all for Jones playing.  If the injury bug hits, I'm all for playing Jones.  But, given our current makeup, it would be a shame if we had to resort to him as a regular rotation guy who is going to play more than 5 minutes a game.  The best thing about a guy like Jones is he could ride the bench all year and then explode for something like 6-8 from deep when we really need it during the playoffs.

^I like Miller a lot, from a historical perspective and also for the quality person/personality he is.  I'm just concerned that he may be shot.  It shouldn't take a guy this long (training camp, preseason + 16 season games) to find his sea legs.  A rookie perhaps, but not a grizzled vet like Miller.  Re Jones, my answer is: if a player can bring you something significant, you find minutes for him.  Jones shoots 3 pointers extremely reliably.  I also think, when you have a team that has a variety of talents like the Cavs, you have more of a luxury to bring in a 1-dimensional player like Jones.  That's why he stuck around in Miami (and was an important piece there) and why LeBron wanted him here.... Of course LeBron wanted Miller here, too... Once upon a time, the Cavs had a guy named Boobie who was valuable off the bench as a reliable 3 point shooter, too, and he was equally 1-dimensional like Jones (he wasn't 6'8" like Jones, though).

 

.... You're right, Jones' 'microwave' traits mean you can shelve him for periods, and bring him in and he'll connect on 3s... Obviously Blatt seems to think we need him, now.

 

... btw, Sam Amico (in today's live chat), like me, thinks we should be using Haywood more against certain "long" bigs... Yeah I know, with 8 wins in a row, what's there to complain about?  Still, we do go through uncomfortable periods when we get pushed around in the paint like last night by Jonas... The night before was rather inexcusable when we had trouble stopping the Brook Lopez-less Nets in the paint.  Put Haywood in and see what he can do... Also note: TT is beginning to eat into Andy's minutes, esp in 4th quarters.  Must be because Blatt likes Tristan's greater physical play than Andy's. ... This team is starting to look like the deep team we came into the season believing it to be.

I, too, would like to see what Haywood can do in limited minutes. He's ultimately our trade bait in the coming months.

Ideally, we wait to the summer to trade him due to his contract which will count for $10mill towards a trade in the summer but only $2.5mill now.  I'm personally still very interested in trying to woo Okafur once he is ready to play, which was supposed to be in January

What was I saying about LBJ's minutes??

 

"@twithersAP: LeBron James missed morning shootaround in OKC and is game-time decision with sore knee. He's been logging extra minutes lately. #Cavs"

The plan going into the season was always to give him (and some of the other vets) the type of routine days off the Spurs give their older players.  I think it is just that we are finally in a good enough place to allow him to do that.  FYI, there is some kind of NBA protocol on players being inactive in that you have to list some type of injury.  I remember Mike Brown, back in the glory days when we carried more than 12 players on our roster, used to joke around about how so-and-so was probably going to have some type of contusion or tendinitis that night.  I'm not worried about LeBron's knee.  It is still his back which concerns me.

No question, the Cavs went after Haywood for his contract.  But there's also a 7-foot man involved, too; a man with a championship ring at that.  We probably won't use this contract until next summer, at the earliest.  So in the meantime, why not use Haywood ... to protect the rim and score ... sometimes? 

 

Here's what Amico said yesterday on Haywood and that goofy Waiters for Koufos trade:

 

Comment From Hiram

any progress of adding a rim protector??

 

Sam Amico

No progress as far as I can tell, Hiram. . . . The Cavs don't want to push it. They've won 8 in a row. I'd like to see them try Brendan Haywood once in a while, though

 

-----------

 

Sam Amico

I think Dion Waiters looks like a guy who has played for three coaches in three NBA seasons. Figure out how to use him. Trade him for some average big man, and you'll regret it for a long time.

 

 

http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/story/talkin-cavs-live-chat-with-sam-amico-lebron-james-kevin-love-kyrie-irving-121014

 

 

Crap. Kyrie just hyperextended his knee off of westbrook's knee. At the best it's a mild sprain.

After watching the replays five times (courtesy of TNT), I was 100% sure his season was over. By the grace of the basketball gods, he was back on the court ten minutes later. Whomever makes those elastic braces should be showing that play on a loop on Times Square.

i saw this

 

 

Cavs' Mike Miller hasn't cleared concussion protocol

 

Sean d'Oliveira / CBSSports.com

December 11, 2014 01:34 PM

 

While Cavaliers forward Mike Miller continues to make progress from his concussion, he is not expected to clear concussion protocol until Monday at the earliest, reports Bleacher Report.

 

Miller has been able to workout, but he will not be available to play Thursday at Oklahoma City or Friday at New Orleans.

 

 

After watching the replays five times (courtesy of TNT), I was 100% sure his season was over. By the grace of the basketball gods, he was back on the court ten minutes later. Whomever makes those elastic braces should be showing that play on a loop on Times Square.

 

I went down in my basement to workout at halftime and was shocked to see Kyrie playing when I turned the game back on.

 

About the only thing I can think of besides the knee brace is that contact was entirely in the air and his foot wasn't planted.

I was so upset I had to turn the game off and cut my workout short when Kyrie limped off the floor.  Just the way he came down and was holding his knee, I was sure it was his ACL.  I've seen that happen too many times where the knee just slightly buckles and then the player looks more scared than in pain.  Sprains cause you to roll around on the ground.  A torn ACL is a pop and then just panic with little pain...... although the initial pop probably hurts like hell (never tore my ACL but I ripped up my patella ligament and MCL twice, both times causing my knee to dislocate...... that initial moment causing the worst physical pain I've ever felt).  Something made me flip back on the game when there was a few minutes left in the 3rd and I saw Kyrie out there.  Relief. 

 

Here's what Amico said yesterday on Haywood and that goofy Waiters for Koufos trade:

 

Sam is dedicated to his craft and stays on top of the rumors.  But original thought and basketball analysis are not something I read him for.  In fact, of all the local beat reporters, he might be the worst at that.