In Defense of the Cavaliers
2011-05-10
WFNY’s Andrew Schnitkey wonders whether or not the Cavs completely botched the LeBron departure:
The Hornets and/or Magic are probably more likely to consider a 50 cent trade on the dollar to give the Lakers either Chris Paul or Dwight Howard because, hey, who wants to be the Cleveland Cavaliers?
I’m abstaining from comment, more from exhaustion than anything.
Not a big fan of retread trades. The team that gets someone like Howard or Paul gets what they want, a superstar. The old team is probably not going to get much if they get current players and then they are probably going to be stuck with someone that was overpaid. The Cavs got picks and salary cap relief and an exemption so they only have to take on salary if they want to. Let’s go #1 overall draft pick and wouldn’t it be sweet if both picks were top 3?
Orlando messed up when they traded half their team away, instead of trying to add one or two pieces to the roster. I think G. Wallace would have pushed that team to the 2/3 spot on the east and we all know the Bobs wanted to desperately get rid of his contract. Same thing with Igoudala and the 76’s, even though I think Wallace is a better overall player.
The only thing the Cavs should have done differently: not sent that fan letter (keep it in a vault for later viewing), and then file an injunction for collusion and breach of contract before LeBron signs with Miami.
Anyway, the Cavs will change the NBA because the franchise rule is coming. Players can’t be allowed to hold their teams hostage any more. The difference between the Cavs and the Magic and Hornets: a lockout right before their franchise players’ contract years.
Brian, that was great.
Nice article, and pretty spot on I think. It’s common knowledge that the best way to rebuild in the NBA is to really, really suck for a few years. It’s how we got the last run, and it’s how most of the teams currently in the playoffs got the key pieces of their roster (only exceptions would be Miami, Boston, LA, and maybe NY but they’re big market teams). So the teams that are trading off their superstars for 50 cents on the dollar are simply those who are delaying the inevitable. These next couple seasons will hurt, but the… Read more »
The Magic ARE the Cavaliers – locking into an implausible roster in an effort to win now, then failing. Even a 50 cent return on Howard won’t balance the “talent” they have accumulated. Spot up shooters who can’t create; no defenders; no bulk; playmakers who don’t make plays…sound familiar?