Cavaliers – Page 12 – CLEVELAND WINS !

Second Round Cavs Draft Options – CJ Leslie, Nate Wolters

C.J. Leslie:

It is hard to put into words how much CJ Leslie reminds me of JJ Hickson when he came into the NBA. Ruling out the obvious similarity of them both going to NC State, neither player at this stage in their lives was able to put their physical tools together the right way on the basketball court. The term “raw” is often used. Both players are unbelievably athletic, have a quick first step to get around defenders and can hang in the air and finish at the rim with emphasis. They both struggled defensively, partly due to a lack of strength. However, Leslie has a jump shot out to the college three point line which Hickson still doesn’t have.

Nate Wolters:

He is very composed and patient on offense and obviously understands the game very well. He is quicker and a better ball handler than I thought who makes clean, crisp passes. He isn’t elite in terms of dribbling side to side but quick enough to create space and can use his length to get shots up with a smooth crossover either traditional or between the legs. Should be able to run the offense at the next level for a second team assuming he is paired with some halfway decent scorers off the bench. He actually looks to be an acceptable choice to replace Livingston as the “captain” of the bench crew if we choose to go that route with one of our second round picks. Assuming he stays healthy, Livingston is a legit rotation player at the PG spot on a championship team. I think Wolters would be considered an upgrade overall at this position because he has the ability to stretch the defense a bit which Livingston absolutely cannot do. Don’t be surprised if Dion Waiters has a large role in running the offense moving forward, much like Harden did for OKC even though neither player is a true PG.

Bottom Line: If I only had one player to select in the second round for the Cavs, it would definitely be CJ Leslie. Has he underachieved to this point? Absolutely. Does he need to add strength? Sure. Does he need to develop 2-3 more post moves to be successful at the next level? Again, yes. The Cavs right now need to pick the player with the most talent and upside with their second round picks and Leslie fits the bill. He isn’t ready, especially from a consistency standpoint and would likely spend the majority of the season in the D-league. I still think the Cavs try and package some picks together to either move up or acquire more future assets, but picking Leslie would be a great option.

The Weird World of Cleveland Sports

From my many years of following Cleveland professional sports I could probably write a book about the strangeness of being a fan. Well this is a blog and not a publishing site so I have no intention of writing that book. But with the Browns owner Jimmy Haslam currently scrambling for cover, I found my mind wandering to some of the stranger things. Don’t worry. This is not going to be a replay of the “Drive” or “Fumble” or any other tale of woe for championships lost.

Let’s go back to the earliest days of free agency in baseball. The Indians made one of the biggest splashes, if not the biggest splash, as they signed the young 26 year old Ace pitcher of the Baltimore Orioles, Wayne Garland. In 1976 he was 20-7 with a brilliant 2.67 ERA. The Indians signed him and he pitched all year in 1977 ending up with a 13-19 record and a respectable 3.60 ERA. But he didn’t look right and he wasn’t. The Indians signed him to the richest contract in the history of baseball and he was injured from that point forward. Pitching until 1981 for the Tribe, he never won more than 6 games and never had an ERA under 4.61. Most ERAs were way over 5 and in the year he was diagnosed with the injury it was 7.89. He NEVER had a winning record for the Indians. That contract stifled the finances of the team for years and probably stopped the team from signing any other worthy top free agents from then on for fear of history repeating itself. I remember how excited I was when the team announced the signing. I remember how mad I was for the next 5 years. Question: Would that have ever happened to the Yankees?

The Cavaliers had the tremendous luck of winning the lottery when LeBron James came out. Sounds great right? Well it was in a way. We had winning teams and went once to the NBA finals. But we still never won a championship. That is not what I find odd. I do find it odd that we hired a coach, Byron Scott, to finally give LeBron the direction he needed. Make no mistake about it, the team never really planned for what happened. From the very start they were convinced James would be back. Scott, like a good soldier, said all the right things. He told all of us he wanted to be here and he did not take the job because of the prospect of coaching James. After the decision, it was clear that the team would have to cave to the bottom in order to have a chance to rise back to the top. And it was clear that they would have to lose for multiple seasons. Well, they accomplished that masterfully and then Scott is fired because of the pathetic team play and poor defense. So he is gone and now the team has to hire another coach. So who is the current top candidate to replace Scott? The very coach they fired to hire Scott and who was fired by another team in between. Wow. Who could have written that story? Now this is not to argue the merits of Mike Brown as a “return” coach. I will do that later. But it is just so strange to contemplate and I doubt there is any similar precedent in the history of the NBA. Question: Do you think the Celtics would follow a similar path?

No one can question the historic importance of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. They are one of the most iconic franchises and have one of the most widespread and largest fan bases in the league. And yet, they were wrenched from Cleveland with disregard by an owner who couldn’t handle his finances and a league that was happy to oblige in their quest to extort cities into building new stadiums. Cleveland became the example that any team can leave if the city does not comply with the NFL’s need to modernize their stadiums. So we get a new team and the league makes the franchise suffer through a poor franchise deal because some previous new teams had “too much success” early in their existence. They get a new owner who wanted, in some sense, to make amends for his part in the departure of the Browns. He had the means and the determination to bring the Browns back to prominence. Then he died. Then his son inherits the team and doesn’t really want the team and goes through multiple management “groups”, none of which work. He hires a respected football man who was known for his ability to find and develop quarterbacks. He never found a quarterback (not even close) and was fired because the owner decided to sell the team without him having a clue it was happening. The new owner had a squeaky clean history with a successful family business over 50 years old. He comes in. Says all the right things (except for candidly). He is enthusiastic, energetic, and promises to do things the right way. He hires a curmudgeon (check the dictionary) and rehires one of the most distasteful front office types from our past. He leaves the Browns. Goes back to the parent company because he “forgot how much he loved it”. We find out later that the real reason might have been the hint of the coming Armageddon from the FBI. We suspected all along that the reasons were kind of weird when he returned abruptly. And now, instead of focusing as we should on the upcoming draft, we are hearing a Jimmy Haslam press conference every other day. He discusses the trials and tribulations of Pilot Flying J, a company we all could have cared less about 10 months ago and never mentions the Browns. WOW WOW !! Who could have written that script? Oh, and I almost forgot, the team who he LEFT as a part owner was the Pittsburgh Steelers. Question: Would this story have even a ghost of a chance of happening in Pittsburgh?

So, maybe Cleveland isn’t jinxed. Maybe Cleveland isn’t unlucky. But it sure is STRANGE how things happen in Cleveland Sports. As all of you know, there are many more stories I could have covered tonight. At times like this I kind of feel like I am in the Twilight Zone and hope the show will eventually end. It never does. Maybe Cleveland Sports is a combination of Groundhog Day in the Twilight Zone? Can I change the channel?

Is this the worst time in Cleveland sports history?

After the past week of the Cavs firing Byron Scott as head coach (which was probably the right move…we won’t talk about that now though), Jimmy Haslam’s primary business being raided by the FBI, and the revamped Tribe reverting to 2012 habits a pressing question developed in my mind. Is this the worst time in Cleveland sports history? None of our teams have made the playoffs since the Cavs in 2010 and all of us remember that summer. So by the numbers it is time to take a look.

Cavs

Last year’s record: 24-58 .293

Franchise worst record: 15-67 .183 (Twice: 70-71 and 81-82)

Last three years: 64-166 .278

Franchise worst three years: 66-180 .268 (80-81 through 82-83)

Last playoff appearance: 2010 Loss in Eastern Conference semis 4-2 to Boston

Current State of the team: The team was decimated in 2010 by Lebron’s delayed departure. Not only did it not give the team time to replace him but he left the team that had done everything to build around him. GM Chris Grant hired Byron Scott before the announcement and they began to stockpile draft picks, cap room and other draft picks. They decided to rebuild from the bottom. I’m not sure the team realized how far down the bottom really was but they are down there now. The team was not fun to watch for the last 2 months. With that being said they have a young core of Irving, Thompson, Waiters and Zeller. They have 2 first round picks and two high second round picks this summer to either deal or continue to build.

Browns

Last year’s record: 5-11

Franchise worst record: 2-14 (1999)

Last three years: 14-34

Franchise worst three years: 12-36 (1999-2001)

Last playoff appearance: 2002 Wild Card loss to Steelers

Current state of the team: After two years of “battling” by coach Pat Shurmur the Browns have moved on and hired Rob Chudzinski to lead the team forward. The Browns have a 2^nd year quarterback that will turn 30 during the upcoming season. They are switching offensive and defensive schemes which no matter what the players say during mini-camps won’t be easy. With all of those changes and question marks on the field they have the added pressure of their owner’s issues with the FBI. I don’t think it will be a distraction but with a brand new regime running the show the pressure of doing everything right on and off the field is huge.

Indians

Last year’s record: 68-94 .420 (off to a 5-10 start this season)

Franchise worst: 51-102 .333 (1914)

Last three years: 217-269 .446

Franchise worst three years: 205-281 .421 (1985-1987)

Last playoff appearance: 2007 lost in ALCS to Boston 4-3

Current state of the club: The Indians are in the best shape in my opinion. They have a proven World Series winner at manager in Terry Francona. They have a group of young players that they control for the next several years and veterans. They locked up a lead-off and clean-up hitter for the next 4 years in the off-season As this fan base knows however you win with pitching and the Indians rotation is very suspect. They play Vegas with Ubaldo once every 5 days, Myers can’t keep the ball in Yellowstone right now and we are relying on Masterson, McAllister and Kazmir to win every start just to stay afloat.

Well numbers wise it may not be the worst time for each individual team but has there ever been a harder time to answer the question: Which team will win a championship first? I don’t think ever have all three teams been in such disarray. The Cavs might be closest with their talent and assets. The Indians might be closest with their on the field leadership and solid core of players. The Browns might be closest if their quarterback’s “experience” shines and Chud is the second coming of Vince Lombardi. I just can’t wait for this website’s name to be the truth!

Who do you think will be the first to get there. Tweet me your answers @cwins_chris.

Let the Otto Porter talk begin for Cavs

Otto Porter Image Fact: Otto Porter is a small forward, and by almost all standards, he is the best SF in the draft.

Fact: The Cavs biggest position of need is small forward.

So on paper this seems like a perfect fit and I like Porter’s offensive game a lot. He has phenomenal height and length for a SF at 6 foot 8 with shoes and a wingspan of over 7 foot. He makes good decisions, generally takes care of the basketball and is a pretty good ball rotation passer but not a great passer in general which is evident by his assist numbers. The term unselfish is perfect for him. He is a good athlete but not elite and may be the most well rounded offinsive player in the draft. He can shoot off the dribble, finish at the rim and has a great mid-range game. His dribble pull up jumpers can come moving to his left or right which is not common in players his age. Has an extremely quick release on his shot which seems like less than a second the majority of the time. Good fundamental rebounder that gets decent box out position and works hard for position on the offensive end. Chad Ford calls him an elite defender.

Last year he shot below 25% for 3 in limited attempts where this year he shot 42% in nearly double the attempts. So is this just the natural growth of a young player developing shooting consistency or a mirage? My guess is it will be somewhere in the middle of the two numbers at the next level. He may be destined to be an inconsistent shooter based on guide hand positioning and a flailing elbow which are both really negative traits. Chad Ford calls him an elite defender, but I consider him somewhat of a liability defensively. In the NCAA tournament his weaknesses were easily exposed defensively where he showed below average lateral quickness and was beat on multiple occasions. The good news is, with his length he is able to recover at times after getting beat. He sometimes will take shots early in the shot clock. I normally don’t worry about issues with strength for players this young and Porter is no exception. He can put on 20 pounds of muscle without a problem.

Bottom Line: If the Cavs decide that Porter is the right player for this team I won’t complain too much, but I wouldn’t expect us to pick Porter and have him jump right into the starting lineup to replace Alonzo Gee at SF. He is extremely well rounded and would likely be in the rotation immediately for the Cavs. He has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor including in the post. My biggest concerns are his shot form/consistency and his ability to guard the elite Small Forwards in the NBA.

Cavs Vibrations Are Not “Good”

Is losing in 2012-13 contagious ?

This will be a slightly shorter post but is the precursor to some substantial blogs about the Cavs. I suppose I shouldn’t be stunned at the way the Cavs’ losing season is unraveling the fabric of the team and Cleveland fans support of it. But I will admit that I am kind of shocked and dismayed at the latest developments. First of all, the team has performed pitifully over the past few weeks. The record has followed as expected by the poor performances. This will be explored further in a future blog, but it has been tough to watch. Second, the team’s best player was a “no show” at the fan appreciation ceremonies after the final home loss. And, finally, the sharks are in the water and circling Coach Byron Scott.

This entire Cavs circus has been sandwiched with comments leaked in the papers about Scott’s inability to reach the team or Irving’s developing disinterest in the Cavs or that a coach looking for work in the NBA said that he wouldn’t “touch” the Cavs situation because it is just so bad and the “organization is a mess”. These kind of developments do not bode well for the future of the Cavs and speaks to the ongoing joy so many national and local commentators have in dissing this organization (and city of course). The true Cleveland fans reading this stuff must always realize that the NBA and the media that is, in effect, controlled by them has a vested interest in the Cavs organization being dog dung and LeBron being elevated back to sainthood status. One only needs to look at how professional golf suffered when Tiger Woods moral stumbles affected his public perceptions and tour performances. This is big business folks. Millions and millions of dollars are involved. Do not discount the power of those dollars and believe when I tell ya that Cleveland improving is not helpful to the NBA unless Kyrie develops into a Mega Star. And, if he does, there will be tons of pressure to get him out of Cleveland.

With that rather depressing backdrop, I am here to tell you that I am not nearly as concerned about all of this consternation toward and teeth gnashing about the Cavs. Yes, our big star did make a terrible mistake by leaving the court in anger after being “shown up” by Norris Cole of the Heat. Not being involved in fan appreciation really sends a horrible message to the Cleveland fans. However, even faking being happy after that embarrassment would be even more disconcerting. No one can doubt the fire burning in Kyrie’s belly after that game and the sadly incompetent result. That game will drive Kyrie all off-season and he will never forget it. The fact that it caused him to make the most serious public relations mistake of his young and promising career will grind on him even more. I am betting that this will result in a Kyrie more determined than ever to learn how to exert defensive pressure as well as offensive excellence at crunch time. So, he made a mistake. If he comes back stronger next year, I think we will forget a 21 year old’s mistake very quickly.

I am more concerned that some respected media have indicated that Byron Scott is on his way out. I will be the first to admit that Scott has not performed at the top of his game the past three years. He has made questionable choices during games and even with his rotations. I am convinced sometimes that he is not “coaching to win” even though his words say differently. However, he took the job when it appeared that he who left might not leave. He inherited a mess and a GM that was determined to maintain “flexibility” and build through the draft. After his “grabs” for titles by trying to patch a team together around one player, Dan Gilbert was more than happy to follow the lead of his GM. Many moves made by Grant have been nothing short of brilliant but they have not been geared to improve the team rapidly. They have been designed to protect the future once we finally gather a real basketball team together. I can’t tell you how many fans and commentators and talk show hosts and bloggers all talked about how the team would have to “suck” for three years before they would have a chance to build a real championship core and, eventually, team. So, here we are. Three years of monumental crappy play and all under Coach Scott. Wow Coach, what an utterly fantastic job !!!!!! You were able to follow the ONLY plan we had to become a championship caliber team again. Three years of pathetic play and three top five draft picks. Oh, and by the way, you are fired and we will bring in another Head Coach to leach off of all of your work and succeed. What a country huh???

So, those of you calling for Scott’s head would be mortified and sick if you were placed in such a Kobayashi Maru scenario at your job. If you have never heard of ancient Star Trek lore, I mean he had no chance to succeed and keep is job while following the plan. Maybe we will never get to know the truth. If Scott is fired, in my opinion, we will never even know how he really coaches with a talented team. How he coached with these rag tag groups is no reflection on his ultimate coaching prowess. That being said, if he is given a chance to return, he must bring in an assistant to get this team on the same page on defense. As many have mentioned, we need a defensive specialist. The Cavs scored enough points to win. But they allowed a horrific opponent shooting percentage and way too many points. No matter what the excuse, that is unacceptable.

If I were Grant, I would retain Scott and privately make it clear to him that he must get the team winning in 2013-14 to retain his job. I would demand that he bring on a defensive coach to focus the team on that side of the floor. If Scott refused, I would let him go. I would also sadly accept the fact that I (Grant) needed to alter my plan just a bit and to recognize that I needed to get my coach some better players in 13-14 even if some flexibility is sacrificed. I wouldn’t try to get a max contract free agent or trade the core kids, but I would do anything I could to improve the team enough to almost assure a playoff run next year. Waiting for 2014-2015 will NOT cut it now. We need to make the playoffs next year. Or get darn close trying. Anything less will truly end the “Byron Scott” era and usher in the beginning of the end for Kyrie Irving in Cleveland. I have heard this song before and I don’t like it. The losing must end this year!