Live Thread: Cavs @ Bulls (The Losing Edge)
2019-01-27
Tank Battle Mark IV, Cavs fans. While the Cavs are 0-3 against the Bulls this season, they are only two games ahead of (behind?) the Bulls in the loss column at 9-41 versus 11-38. Amazingly, the Cavs make up a whopping 27% of the Bulls’ win total this year. There’s a lot on the line here. While the odds for the top four picks are essentially even for the bottom four teams when it comes to lottery balls, the NBA’s worst team can pick no worse than fifth while its second worst team can pick no worse than sixth.
With both teams desperate for a loss, this is much like my favorite South Park Episode, the Losing edge, where every team in the state baseball tournament is trying to lose, and somehow, the boys from South Park keep winning.
When they win their final game, they are at first overjoyed, believing the season is over and they have the rest of the summer to enjoy – only until they discover, to their horror, that since they finished first in their division, they will have to continue playing in the post-season playoffs. During a ‘celebration’ meal, the team discusses plans to lose on purpose while making it look like they are trying.
However, South Park realize that the other teams also want out, and have actually trained to lose games. The South Park Cows end up winning again and again against opponents whose efforts at throwing games are more successful, and they eventually get to the state championship game. To their horror, they realize that if they win, their season will start again on the national circuit, meaning they will have to play baseball for the whole summer.
While the Cavs went out and drafted a guy who’s absolutely amazing at losing, in Collin Sexton, the Bulls went out and signed two free agents that are no slouches when it comes to bleeding points in Zach Lavine and Jabari Parker. These two have led the bulls to losing 12 of their last 13 and seven in a row at home. Who will be worse, Cavs fans, and keep a lock on that coveted no. 30 spot?
The Cavs have cannily dumped the surprisingly competent seeming Cameron Payne and have signed Kobi Simmons, one of the worst, most frenetic, and skinniest NBA players I’ve ever watched. Expect him to play heavy minutes in this attempt to keep ahead of Chicago in the column.
In injury news, Kevin Love has returned to practice activities, but not games, while Tristan Thompson is out for another couple weeks. Jordan Clarkson is a game time call with an illness (I’m thinking we’re going to see lots of Kobi). For the Bulls they look to start Lopez, Seldon, Markennan, LaVine, and Dunn. Wendell Carter is out for an extended period with thumb surgery, but otherwise the Bulls seem at full health.
Can they do it? Can the Cavs go 0-4 against the Association’s second crappiest team? I’m hoping this one ends like my favorite South Park episode, but instead of Stan’s Dad drunkenly coming out of the stands to get the team disqualified and preserve the boys’ summer, it’s Dan Gilbert stumbling into a fight with Jerry Reinsdorf that disqualifies the Cavs and forces both to give up control of their teams. Hey. I can dream, Can’t I?
Came here and didn’t see this morning’s Woj Bomb. Well, AD to the Lakers soon?
Ugh. Lakers magically get their super team. Ffing gross.
It’d be really great for some middle of the road team swoop in and win the AD trade sweepstakes. With LA being the “favorite” and Boston having enough assets to go after him I’d just find it funny if neither get him. I can’t stand the Warriors like the rest of the blog but for some reason I can’t bring myself to rooting for Lebron to form a super team in LA and get another title(s). I still like Lebron and hope he continues to do great things but I’m torn on if I want to see him with an… Read more »
I don’t want Kyrie to win anything. Ever.
My thoughts exactly.
Hope the Nuggets somehow get him.
If it’s the Lakers, I hope the Pelicans gut them of their young talent and any future picks.
I’d have to imagine Lonzo is one player who will be included. Lakers will probably offer Ingram but I’d start with asking for Kuzma if I’m the Pels. I could see the Pels agreeing to Lonzo, Ingram, KCP, and picks. I personally don’t think that’s enough for AD but who knows how this is going to go down. I’m with MikeO. I’d love to see the Nuggets get him.
When Love comes back, we are going to win some games.
With Cedi playing well, we have at least rotational level NBA players 8-9 deep or so when healthy (Delly, Burks, Cedi, Love, LNJ, TT, Hood, Nwaba, Clarkson), almost all of whom at least try hard. More than NY, Chicago, & Phoenix.
Now, if Burks & Hood go bye bye for nothing in terms of present value…..
There are some very good prospects in the top 5, but Zion is potentially a generational star. We should position ourselves to get the best pick we can. Yes the odds for the first pick are the same, but dropping beyond the fifth spot the prospects drop as well . It’s more important for the Cavs to continue developing Sexton, Cedi and LNJ and even Clarkson than to win games. Purposely tanking degenerates the culture, but giving young players their reps, expanding the roles of someone like LNJ as a ball handler and TT as an offense option… and letting… Read more »
I appreciate the talk about the “coveted” worst slot, but can we come up with a more appropriate term/phrase for the bottom three, as they all have the same shot at the top pick? I actually want them NOT to be the worst team in the league and still land Zion. Wins like tonight’s are always possible with Matty D playing in the clutch. If Clarkson gives an 18/7/6 line every night? THAT would be an anti-tanking concern…
Does it feel like Sexton gets ignored a lot on court on offense now? I feel like guys are really trying to not have to give him the ball
If the Cavs traded Burks/Hood, what would you consider a win in terms of returns?
First rounder or quality prospect
That would be a huge return for either of those two.
I was thinking in total.
Ah. Yeah. Could probably pull a non-lottery first plus filler for them.
The teams most likely to throw a desperation first at us are no longer desperate.
The Pelicans are almost finished and the Rockets have stabilized.
On the other hand, pickings are slim are we do not have to deal either of them. I would expect most of the activity to be right at the deadline.
THINK HOOD / BURKS HAVE PLAYED (IMPROVED ) THEIR WAY OUTOF HERE AT TRADE DEADLINE