I think it is hard for Shump to replace Love's offensive production.  It would be great if he did, but the fact is KLove's PPG average is a great single game state line for Shump.  It has to be more of a team effort to replace Love's production, as LeBron said.  We got it in the wins against Chicago, IMO, with more production out of Shump, plus JR, plus Delly, plus JJ on the offensive end.  Each one got more looks and was asked to score more than they were during the time when Love was healthy.  Each one (except JJ) was certainly asked to create more of their own offense.  That said, it seems to me that while I assume LeBron and Kyrie would suffer the most from KLove's absence, it has actually been Timo who has had trouble adjusting.  He just doesn't have the space inside anymore to operate with TT's defender able to set up camp in the paint. 

 

On TT, he will certainly get more offensive boards than Love but he will get less defensive boards.  KLove excels at defensive rebounding, partially making up for his shortcomings on that end.  TT excels at offensive rebounding, very much so making up for his shortcomings on that end.

Shump won't replace Love's offensive production. But he will make up for it by reducing the opponent's scoring. That's what I meant by balance sheet. If a player can't do one thing, can he make up for it in another way.

I get what you are saying, I just don't agree that Shump, on balance or by any other measure, can replace KLove.  He can be one component of making up for the loss, perhaps a big part, but can't do it by himself.  Again, while people knock KLove for his defense, they often overlook the fact that he limits the other team to one shot.  There are plenty of shot-blockers who are heralded for their defense but a closer look at it shows that them trying to block every shot leaves the offensive glass wide open because you can't block a shot and box out at the same time...... DeAndre Jordan comes to mind.

We may not get those rebounds if Atlanta shoots like Atlanta can. They're certainly better shooters than Chicago. That's the only thing I'm worried about with Atlanta -- and whether Kyrie can play and be productive per usual. Thankfully, Kyrie practiced today and Blatt says he was feeling good.

This is also good for the NBA as Cleveland - the city and franchise - are the underdog

 

https://vine.co/v/eKpz2iEL7Ym

Of course he has to say he is NOT an underdog.  But the team as whole IS!

Vegas has the Cavs as the heavy favorites and the only pundits I have read who picked the Hawks are the ones thinking this will go to a game 7

^ I would be REALLY surprised if the cavs don't win this in 5 or 6.  I think the hawks wont know what hit them.  They are feeling good, had a great season, Danny Ferry built a 60+ win team, but 7 game series are just completely different.  I don't feel they are that battle tested.  That being said, I also wont be surprised if the Hawks win game number 1 tomorrow night.  As Lebron would say, the first game is a "feel out" game.  I would say the cavs would then win the next 4 or next 4 of 5.

^ I would be REALLY surprised if the cavs don't win this in 5 or 6.  I think the hawks wont know what hit them.  They are feeling good, had a great season, Danny Ferry built a 60+ win team, but 7 game series are just completely different.  I don't feel they are that battle tested.  That being said, I also wont be surprised if the Hawks win game number 1 tomorrow night.  As Lebron would say, the first game is a "feel out" game.  I would say the cavs would then win the next 4 or next 4 of 5.

 

I'm a bit concerned in that we've seen the Bulls get streaky and get out to some big leads. Now with Atlanta's even better outside shooting it could be a real challenge.

 

I want to see Atlanta on their heels and struggling to counter the Cavs offense right from the start. Is a 26 point lead at halftime too much to ask?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/lebron-james-decided-to-come-back-for-cleveland-fans-thats-good-enough/2015/05/19/07de05d0-fe50-11e4-805c-c3f407e5a9e9_story.html

so the cavs pick 24th, which probably isnt on many fans mind today lol, but harrell from l'ville or anderson from virgina are a couple forwards i see as mock draft choices. ive seen harrell in action, hes a big tough guy with lots of hustle. if hes around would be a good choice. i dk the virginia player.

Do we stay at 24 even if we win the Finals?

 

I'd like to see us take a swing on a guy like RJ Hunter out of Georgia State.  Deadly sharp-shooter.

 

I know the Cavs have already expressed some interest in Cameron Payne, a PG out of Murray State.  They met with him at the combine.

It will be very interesting to see what the future looks like.  Part of me thinks Gilbert will just pay whoever to stay.  But I think if you want to build a spurs model, get hard workers in here who can learn from the current players and when the current players move on, you have winners waiting to play.  Marion will be gone, we have to figure out how to get rid of that Haywood Contract, Cant be paying him $10 Million.  I bet Perkins is gone.  I think he pays Shumpert, Thompson and Delly.  I like having Harris as part of the future...this is a deep draft,  I think they can get a solid player.  I like Hunter a lot, but also Tyus Jones could get in here and learn from Kyrie.  Both Hunter and Jones showed their clutch ability this past tournament.

Winner...

They almost gave it away. I have no fingernails left. ?

With an 18 point lead I was almost foolish enough to think we'd coast to a win!!!

 

LeBron, why are you holding the ball and standing motionless for 20 seconds? What kind of offense is that?

 

 

 

 

They almost gave it away. I have no fingernails left. ?

 

Huh?  I didn't think it was ever very close at all at the end.  Not like those Chicago games close...

With an 18 point lead I was almost foolish enough to think we'd coast to a win!!!

 

LeBron, why are you holding the ball and standing motionless for 20 seconds? What kind of offense is that?

 

 

 

Honestly do you watch much basketball?

They almost gave it away. I have no fingernails left. ?

 

Huh?  I didn't think it was ever very close at all at the end.  Not like those Chicago games close...

 

Bazemore hit a lay-up to cut it to 4 with 2 minutes left, could've been three but they didn't call an AND 1 on smith thank goodness.  When you are up 17, step on their throat and finish.  THey did the same thing game 5 against Chicago.  Not complaining, I love the wins any way you can get them...im very happy. But it will be something they talk about.  You don't want to give other teams opportunities.

They almost gave it away. I have no fingernails left. ?

 

Huh?  I didn't think it was ever very close at all at the end.  Not like those Chicago games close...

 

Bazemore hit a lay-up to cut it to 4 with 2 minutes left, could've been three but they didn't call an AND 1 on smith thank goodness.  When you are up 17, step on their throat and finish.  THey did the same thing game 5 against Chicago.  Not complaining, I love the wins any way you can get them...im very happy. But it will be something they talk about.  You don't want to give other teams opportunities.

 

Maybe it's because I was watching via internet on my computer this time.  But I never had the sense of urgency like those Chicago games. 

With an 18 point lead I was almost foolish enough to think we'd coast to a win!!!

 

LeBron, why are you holding the ball and standing motionless for 20 seconds? What kind of offense is that?

 

It seemed like every other run out the clock situation I've watched.  That's 20 seconds off the clock each time, and 20 seconds not passing the ball around and dribbling through traffic, which can lead to turnovers, fast breaks, and a lead disappearing much more quickly.

With an 18 point lead I was almost foolish enough to think we'd coast to a win!!!

 

LeBron, why are you holding the ball and standing motionless for 20 seconds? What kind of offense is that?

 

 

 

Honestly do you watch much basketball?

 

No coach, please educate me.

 

p.s. nice font size choice!!

 

Go Cavs! JR Smith was fun to watch last night, but I agree that the offense stalled in the middle of the 4th quarter when it looked like the game plan turned much more passive.  It reminded me of the game where Lebron had to hit the amazing shot to beat the Bulls after the Cavs had blown a huge lead late.  That said, a win is a win no matter how you get it. 

 

BTW I've been hearing a lot of "Go Cavs" and "Go Cleveland" on the radio down here in Cincy a lot lately.  Yesterday the DJ was signing off and said something like "Go Cavs, get the dub for Ohio tonight.  Notice I said Cavs not Browns so don't send me any hate mail." I think it's great that the Cavs are getting some love here. I'm thinking Cavs in 5 or 6 this series, Warriors 5 or 6 out West.

This team would be toast without Griffin's midseason additions. He's looking like a genius now. There's no playoff run without Shumpert and Smith.

 

I don't know exactly how the salary situation might look for next year, and of course it's doubtful that everyone will remain healthy all season, but on paper the following rotation would look like the best in the league hands down:

 

LeBron James

Kyrie Irving

Kevin Love

Timofey Mozgov

Anderson Varejao

J.R. Smith

Iman Shumpert

Tristan Thompson

Matthew Dellevedova

The terrifying part is the only players they have under contract for next year are Kyrie, Andy, Timo, and Joe Harris.

There's nothing terrifying about the cavs. As long as LeBron is here, players will want to be here and gilbert will pay them

There's nothing terrifying about the cavs. As long as LeBron is here, players will want to be here and gilbert will pay them

 

Ok. But TT, Delly, and Shump are all unrestricted free agents, and JR may have played his way out of picking up his player option. That's before we take into account the nervous nightmare of a summer we're about to endure with KLove. Those first for players made @14 mil this year. TT will eat that up on his own next year. That's not to say the Cavs won't be even better next year, but I wouldn't count on all of those fellows being around.

^No.  TT, Delly, and Shump are all restricted free agents.  KLove could leave, but it would be stupid of him to do so.  If he wants to max out his earning potential he will wait until the following summer to hit the market.  Ideally, KLove opts in and we give TT the max as it stands this summer.  A max contract this summer is going to be the equivalent of 'good starter' pay next summer.

 

I do agree that JR is going to be tempted to get a new contract given his age.  Funny how that works since just a few months ago he was considered excess baggage because of his contract and everyone was certain he was going to exercise his player option for next year.  That said, he genuinely seems to enjoy being part of this team.  I wouldn't be surprised one bit if we return fully intact next year.

Agree- and if anyone leaves, the spots will be filled and they will contend again next year.  Thompson is probably the one lock in my mind to be here. He was a gilbert pick, he is absolutely playing out of his MIND, he is durable and he is ripped by lebrons guys. Tristan is the lock to stay.

 

When I say a gilbert pick...I think the consensus was valencuianas or jan vesley were the best options at 4 in that draft. I don't think Gilbert wanted to wait and have them develop in Europe. It was a surprise pick but it paid off- cavs got the two best guys in that draft

^repped ;)

^ Can I use the autocorrect excuse?

^^^ actually just looked back on that draft.  That was a pretty strong draft in terms of depth.  A ton of "sleepers". Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Shump, Tobias Harris, The Morris brothers, Faried, Mirotic.

^ + Vucevic, Montiehujas, Reggie Jackson, Parsons.

 

It was supposed to be a weak draft, but turned out as one of the better drafts in recent memory. 

^No.  TT, Delly, and Shump are all restricted free agents.  KLove could leave, but it would be stupid of him to do so.  If he wants to max out his earning potential he will wait until the following summer to hit the market.  Ideally, KLove opts in and we give TT the max as it stands this summer.  A max contract this summer is going to be the equivalent of 'good starter' pay next summer.

 

I do agree that JR is going to be tempted to get a new contract given his age.  Funny how that works since just a few months ago he was considered excess baggage because of his contract and everyone was certain he was going to exercise his player option for next year.  That said, he genuinely seems to enjoy being part of this team.  I wouldn't be surprised one bit if we return fully intact next year.

My bust. Yes restricted. I was thinking since Kyrie signed this year it meant TT was going unrestricted, forgetting kyrie's contract doesn't start until next year. I know Gilbert is willing to go over to sign players, but we're over the cap now, let alone when he has to shell out an additional 20 mil for Ky and TT next year, then big bumps for Bron and KLove the following year. Even with the crazy cap increase we'll still be way over.

Doesn't sound like Kyrie is going to play tonight and could be out for a few games or more.  Additional imaging is being done on the knee.  I'll be curious to see how Blatt fills the rotation.  He can't only play 7, so if Kyrie is out then Marion, Miller, Perk, somebody is going to have to play.

 

To even it out (somewhat), it also doesn't sound like Carroll is going to be able to play.  His knee was heavily wrapped at shoot-around and he was walking 'gingerly'

Doesn't sound like Kyrie is going to play tonight and could be out for a few games or more.  Additional imaging is being done on the knee.  I'll be curious to see how Blatt fills the rotation.  He can't only play 7, so if Kyrie is out then Marion, Miller, Perk, somebody is going to have to play.

 

To even it out (somewhat), it also doesn't sound like Carroll is going to be able to play.  His knee was heavily wrapped at shoot-around and he was walking 'gingerly'

 

Honestly, I'd rather him get healthy. He hasn't been making a huge impact with the injury, and with Carroll sitting, it gives us a pretty good shot of returning to Cleveland 2-0. I'd rather him be healthy for the NBA Finals.

Jones was off last game, which would suggest the law of averages he could be on tonight.  I look for him to be a wildcard for tonight. Also, when we seem to be down, shumpert offensively steps up big time.  Would be nice to see Mozgov have his shining star game as well.

  Would be nice to see Mozgov have his shining star game as well.

 

I've basically given up hope in seeing Mozgov come up really big offensively in these playoffs. But just having him out there is a big deal. His defensive presence is really something. I never bought into the whole "we need a rim protector" argument, but seeing his effect out there, I'll gladly stand corrected.

 

So MOZ, if you're reading this forum, just score around 10 pts, keep up the intensity and please stay out of foul trouble.

Jones was off last game, which would suggest the law of averages he could be on tonight.

 

Not to pick on you personally, but I cringe every time someone says something like this.

So I think a strong argument can almost be made that Kyrie should be shut down until the Finals. No matter how the two Conference Finals series play out, the NBA Finals will start on June 4th. That would give Kyrie a full two weeks of rest.

This was shocking tonight.  As Kenny Smith quipped: LeBron James is taking the New York Knicks to the Finals.  Yep, JR, Shump and Moz... Cavs have totally stomped the life out of this 60-win team... on their own floor, where they haven't lost back-to-back all season; without Love or Kyrie.  Amazing.

 

Time to rest up Kyrie and get ready for Steph ... or, perhaps, Dwight and the Beard.  Who knows, but we do know the Cavs will be playing on June 4th!!

Jones was off last game, which would suggest the law of averages he could be on tonight.

 

Not to pick on you personally, but I cringe every time someone says something like this.

 

How come? Ppl who are paid strictly to shoot and do nothing else...their percentage will even out over time. It's not that asinine.

Jones was off last game, which would suggest the law of averages he could be on tonight.

 

Not to pick on you personally, but I cringe every time someone says something like this.

 

How come? Ppl who are paid strictly to shoot and do nothing else...their percentage will even out over time. It's not that asinine.

Percentages don't necessarily even out over time, just as a coin flip is still 50/50 even if the last 20 flips all came up heads.

Also sometimes referred to as the Gambler's Fallacy.

Gambling is luck though. This person is skilled. And his history would suggest if he goes 0/5 in one game, he would go 4/5 the next

Kyle Korver is out for the Hawks for the rest of the series -- just announced. 

 

We need to rest Kyrie for the NBA Finals.

Gambling is luck though. This person is skilled. And his history would suggest if he goes 0/5 in one game, he would go 4/5 the next

 

If someone is a 40% shooter, they're a 40% shooter. Whether it's skill or not, percentages don't change based on what has already happened. They're not all of a sudden going to become an 80% shooter in the next game because they shot 0% in a previous game. This is a very common probabilistic misconception. It doesn't matter if some event is fundamentally a "skill" or if it's a game of a chance. In both cases there is a probability of an event happening that is completely independent of previous events.

Kyle Korver is out for the Hawks for the rest of the series -- just announced. 

 

Delly's hustle pays off yet again

Gambling is luck though. This person is skilled. And his history would suggest if he goes 0/5 in one game, he would go 4/5 the next

 

If someone is a 40% shooter, they're a 40% shooter. Whether it's skill or not, percentages don't change based on what has already happened. They're not all of a sudden going to become an 80% shooter in the next game because they shot 0% in a previous game. This is a very common probabilistic misconception. It doesn't matter if some event is fundamentally a "skill" or if it's a game of a chance. In both cases there is a probability of an event happening that is completely independent of previous events.

 

That's fine, I appreciate the tutorial on probabilities. But with this specific player, u can look at his history and make a wishful assumption, which I did...naturally he did what I had hoped in game 2, going 3/5...two nights after going 0/3.  He's a guy that, based on his career history, suggests that if he goes 0/__, the next game he will shoot at a high percentage