The Point-Fourward: Just a Break

Four things I’m thinking about…

1. In any good breakup, there is a period of freedom induced euphoria followed by a loud internal question of “are we really doing this?“. Sure, that euphoria is more specific to the party who initiated the separation, but even the most heartbroken breakup-ee can get a pleasant shot of single-hood liberation. Just think of all those restrictions that cease to exist without that other person to worry about. It’s finally about me!

Still, unless there were extreme circumstances, that feeling of liberation is mitigated by the realization that something is about to be over. The internal question is loudest in those last few days. Assuming it was a long relationship, it’s not just like one person grabs a T-shirt and says “Peace out!” More likely, there is a mini-buffer era, maybe the pair is still living together, or maybe they meet to clear the air over a long dinner during which both parties look at each other not with thoughts of what the other person couldn’t provide, but with instant nostalgia of what they could.

“Are we really doing this?”

Is the couple prepared to ditch all the good times they’ve shared(or more accurately, the potential of future good times)? Humans are remarkably forgetful when it comes to relationship transgressions. Perhaps “forgetful” isn’t the right word. Forgiving. Yeah, that’s it. Stubborn? Or is that loyal?

Depending on our mood, or with whom we are speaking, we celebrate our loyalty or lament our addiction. Our friends, most of whom would prefer that our lives are simply more entertaining for them to enjoy, are rarely a form of real support. Even the ones that truly have our best interests in mind often promote pride as a primary focus. “Don’t let him get away with that! You deserve so much better!” They may mean well, but frequently they are telling you what they wish they could do themselves. Or they are sub-consciously cheering you into a bad relationship/life so they may feel less inadequate. Nothing makes you adore your “friend” more than a feeling of content superiority!

Partner 1: Kyrie

I think I need to see other people. I can’t grow under these circumstances. I need to be free to be me. I’m tired of you being the focus of everything.

Partner 2: Cavaliers Organization

I value your desire for freedom. It has given us the best years of our lives, but it also can be difficult to handle on the bad days. If you really want to go, it will break my heart, but I’ll try to get through it. 

Friends: Media

You guys really should breakup. It’s just not going to work. You already have established roles in the relationship that will never change. Be free!!!  (mmm, I LOVE THIS CONVO!)

The other Pair:

Partner 1: Celtic’s Organization.

I think I need to see other people. I can’t grow under these circumstances. I need to be free to be me. I’m tired of you being the focus of everything.

Partner 2: Isaiah Thomas

I value your desire for freedom. It has given us the best years of our lives, but it also can be difficult to handle on the bad days. If you really want me to go, it will break my heart, but I’ll try to get through it. 

Friends: Media

You’ve been such a great partnership, I can’t believe you want to go. (But wow, do I love this conversation. Tell me more!!!!

2. With this somewhat sad, somewhat hilarious stalemate between the Cavs and Celtics, the humans on all sides are luxuriating in the drama. Purely from a leverage standpoint, the Cavs are in the better position. Kyrie Irving already asked for a trade. The fact the Cavs honored that does nothing but show Irving that they do wish to make him happy. You can’t further alienate him at this point.

The Celtics would be in a miserable position if the deal were to be void. Jay Crowder was already annoyed that the Celtics brought in Gordon Hayward. Crowder is on a cheap contract and is particularly prideful. I’m assuming he already feels undervalued. Getting traded certainly couldn’t have helped. And there’s this.

Isaiah Thomas was the most popular Celtic since heyday Paul Pierce. Danny Ainge, to his credit, realized that he wasn’t ever going to move past good with Thomas has his lead offensive force. Boston fans who were initially disappointed in the trade have already warmed up to the idea of having the best ball-handler in history on their squad.

If Thomas were to return now, not only would he be competing with his own career season of 2016-2017, he would be competing with a theoretical Kyrie Irving. Not to mention an actual Gordon Hayward. No matter what, things aren’t looking too great for Thomas, but the shot of creating something new with LeBron is far better than returning to Boston.

3. With that as the backdrop, I find it somewhat strange that the media think that the Celtics shouldn’t add an asset.

“Don’t let them do that to you!”

Whether Koby Altman and the Cavs knew the severity of Thomas’s injury or not is almost irrelevant. The Cavs could nix the deal and live to see another day. The Celtics potential deal got the league buzzing about what Kyrie’s trade value really is. It’s substantial. Almost every player and management guy around the league weighed in. Across the board, players consider Kyrie to be simply unguardable.

In Bill Simmons’ recent podcast with Kevin Durant, Durant predicted that if there were a one-on-one tournament of NBA players, that he would be playing Kyrie in the Finals. Durant didn’t even sound convinced that he would win.

If the Celtics were to lose this deal, Ainge would be in a tough position, regardless of his substantial draft capital. He’d have an injured Thomas, a disgruntled Crowder and a bunch of potential picks.

4. Which is why the Cavs should hold out for another first rounder. You make deals based on what is happening right now. The media’s knee jerk reaction was that the Cavs won the deal because they got an analogous player in Thomas, a dependable wing defender in Crowder, and a super valuable unprotected Nets pick. Since then, more people have realized that Thomas isn’t as effective in the playoffs, unlikely to even be available for much of the regular season, and that the Nets might not be so horrific this season.

Our initial reaction is documented on our Cavs: thePodcast. I was in no way a fan of the deal because I don’t value Thomas’s game. The injury doesn’t change my opinion of Thomas’s worth, but if it changes the perception around the league, Altman should capitalize on it. An extra first rounder and a second rounder should get the job done. It’s interesting that David Griffin thinks that it will go down as previously contructed. Of course, it looks better for his reputation if Altman doesn’t own Ainge right out of the gate. Still, is trading Kyrie ever really a win?

The worst case scenario might be the best case scenario. The deal dies and Partner 1 and Partner 2 are looking at each other over dinner.

“Are we really doing this?”

Maybe they didn’t need a breakup. Just a little time to think.