Links to the Present: April 2, 2012

“Remember when everyone was in a fit about the Cavalier competing too much, pushing for a playoff spot, and ruining their chances at a high lottery pick? Do you remember what I kept saying to anyone that would listen? “Things would take care of themselves”. By that, I meant that the Cavaliers were undeniably playing over their heads when they were in the playoff picture. I also believed that trading Sessions and a key injury (like Varejao’s) would have this type of effect on a team that lacked depth.” [Kirk at WFNY]

“The Cavs are fading fast, with the losses mounting and the injuries piling up. They’ve struggled so much lately, in fact, it’s hard to remember they were still in the playoff race a few weeks back. Now, they‘re 17-35 — and only three teams (Washington, New Orleans and Charlotte) have fewer wins.” [Sam Amico]

We’ve reached the point in the season where games against bad teams are more important than games against good ones. John over at FTS previews games against the Wiz, Nets, and Pistons. The Cavs can’t catch those scrappy Bobcats in the lottery race, but they could conceivably finish with the second or third-worst record in the league. In the words of the poet Waka Flocka Flame: “O let’s do it.”

I don’t have any updates on Irving’s shoulder injury. He was held out of the Knicks game on Saturday, but I don’t know what the timetable is for his return. Officially, he has a sprained right shoulder, and I would imagine the Cavs will be very careful in bringing him back. There’s no use in playing him at less than 100%, and it would be a disaster if Irving further damaged his shoulder because he was playing hurt during a season that has become meaningless.

By the way, the Cavs have lost 10 of their last 11. This is an heroic plunge. (The scale of this plunge inspires use of the archaic “an.”)