Tuesday, June 14, 2011
2012/13, Year in review...
Its has now been 3 full seasons since the Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans were drug through the mud in the fiasco that was "The Decision". Since that time, the Cavs have done a fantastic job rebuilding their organization basically from the ground up.
Cas key moves since "The Decision"
- New Coach Byron Scott
- #1 and #2 picks in the 2011 NBA Draft
-- PG Kyrie Irving, and SF Harrison Barnes were selected with those picks. Also, acquired Sharpshooter, SF Jon "Threebler" Diebler in the 2nd round.
- Some key FA signings
-- Re-signing young PF JJ Hickson to a 6yr deal.
-- Bringing in great shooters like SG Brandon Rush
-- and signing solid big men C Hasheem Thabeet and PF Brandon Wright
-- The 2012/13 trade deadline saw the Cavaliers bring in veteran PG Chauncey Billups, SF/SG Trevor Ariza and C Greg Oden.
All this has led them to where they are now, The 2012/13 Central Division Champions and the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs...
2012/13 Season Recap
Here is a rundown of the playoff seedings, award winners and league leaders from the 2012/13 NBA Season
Final Division Standings for 2012/13 NBA Season
Playoff Seeding
**EASTERN CONFERENCE**
1) Miami Heat - (63-19)
2) Cleveland Cavaliers - (50-32)
3) New York Knicks (2011/12 NBA Champs) - (49-33)
4) Chicago Bulls - (47-35)
5) New Jersey Nets - (44-38)
6) Indiana Pacers - (43-39)
7) Boston Celtics - (41-41)
8) Toronto Raptors - (41-41)
**WESTERN CONFERENCE**
1) Memphis Grizzlies - (60-22)
2) Oklahoma City Thunder - (54-28)
3) Los Angeles Lakers - (51-31)
4) Golden State Warriors - (45-37)
5) Denver Nuggets - (43-39)
6) Houston Rockets - (42-40)
7) Los Angeles Clippers - (40-42)
8) Portland Trailblazers - (40-42)
2012/13 League Leaders
-Keving Durant has won back-to-back scoring titles and already his 3rd in his short 6 year career...
2012/13 NBA Awards
LeBron has won his 4th consecutive NBA MVP Award. Something that has never been done in NBA History...
Cavs 2012/13 Team Stats
Well, this is all I have for now. Stay tuned as I will be writing a "Playoff Preview" very soon. I will be breaking down each 1st round matchup, and looking ahead to potential 2nd, and 3rd round matchups as well. Also, I will make my prediction for who I think will bring home the NBA Title this year...
Thanks for reading
Its has now been 3 full seasons since the Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans were drug through the mud in the fiasco that was "The Decision". Since that time, the Cavs have done a fantastic job rebuilding their organization basically from the ground up.
Cas key moves since "The Decision"
- New Coach Byron Scott
- #1 and #2 picks in the 2011 NBA Draft
-- PG Kyrie Irving, and SF Harrison Barnes were selected with those picks. Also, acquired Sharpshooter, SF Jon "Threebler" Diebler in the 2nd round.
- Some key FA signings
-- Re-signing young PF JJ Hickson to a 6yr deal.
-- Bringing in great shooters like SG Brandon Rush
-- and signing solid big men C Hasheem Thabeet and PF Brandon Wright
-- The 2012/13 trade deadline saw the Cavaliers bring in veteran PG Chauncey Billups, SF/SG Trevor Ariza and C Greg Oden.
All this has led them to where they are now, The 2012/13 Central Division Champions and the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs...
2012/13 Season Recap
Here is a rundown of the playoff seedings, award winners and league leaders from the 2012/13 NBA Season
Final Division Standings for 2012/13 NBA Season
| NBA Standings - Updated: Apr 14, 2013 | |||||
| ATLANTIC | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| New York Knicks | 49 | 33 | -- | 10-6 | 31-21 |
| New Jersey Nets | 44 | 38 | 5.0 | 10-6 | 32-20 |
| Boston Celtics | 41 | 41 | 8.0 | 9-7 | 28-24 |
| Toranto Raptors | 41 | 41 | 8.0 | 7-9 | 26-26 |
| Philadelphia 76'ers | 33 | 49 | 16.0 | 4-12 | 18-34 |
| CENTRAL | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 50 | 32 | -- | 9-7 | 35-17 |
| Chicago Bulls | 47 | 35 | 3.0 | 11-5 | 30-22 |
| Indiana Pacers | 43 | 39 | 7.0 | 9-7 | 25-27 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 34 | 48 | 16.0 | 5-11 | 23-29 |
| Detroit Pistons | 19 | 63 | 31.0 | 6-10 | 14-38 |
| SOUTHEAST | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Miami Heat | 63 | 19 | -- | 14 | 2 |
| Washington Wizards | 40 | 42 | 23.0 | 6-10 | 22-30 |
| Orlando Magic | 39 | 43 | 24.0 | 7-9 | 24-28 |
| Atlanta Hawks | 39 | 43 | 24.0 | 8-8 | 23-29 |
| Charlotte Bobcats | 30 | 52 | 33.0 | 5-11 | 18-34 |
| NORTHWEST | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Oklhoma City Thunder | 54 | 28 | -- | 10-6 | 36-16 |
| Dnever Nuggets | 43 | 39 | 11.0 | 10-6 | 30-22 |
| Portland Trailblazers | 40 | 42 | 14.0 | 7-9 | 25-27 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 34 | 48 | 20.0 | 5-11 | 22-30 |
| Utah Jazz | 32 | 50 | 22.0 | 8-8 | 21-31 |
| PACIFIC | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 51 | 31 | -- | 8-8 | 32-20 |
| Golden State Warriors | 45 | 37 | 6.0 | 12-4 | 31-21 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 40 | 42 | 11.0 | 8-8 | 27-25 |
| Sacramento Kings | 35 | 47 | 16.0 | 7-9 | 23-29 |
| Phoenix Suns | 30 | 52 | 21.0 | 5-11 | 16-36 |
| SOUTHWEST | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 60 | 22 | -- | 14-2 | 37-15 |
| Houston Rockets | 42 | 40 | 18.0 | 3-13 | 25-27 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 40 | 42 | 20.0 | 8-8 | 23-29 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 38 | 44 | 22.0 | 7-9 | 21-31 |
| New Orleans Hornets | 34 | 48 | 26.0 | 8-8 | 21-31 |
Playoff Seeding
**EASTERN CONFERENCE**
1) Miami Heat - (63-19)
2) Cleveland Cavaliers - (50-32)
3) New York Knicks (2011/12 NBA Champs) - (49-33)
4) Chicago Bulls - (47-35)
5) New Jersey Nets - (44-38)
6) Indiana Pacers - (43-39)
7) Boston Celtics - (41-41)
8) Toronto Raptors - (41-41)
**WESTERN CONFERENCE**
1) Memphis Grizzlies - (60-22)
2) Oklahoma City Thunder - (54-28)
3) Los Angeles Lakers - (51-31)
4) Golden State Warriors - (45-37)
5) Denver Nuggets - (43-39)
6) Houston Rockets - (42-40)
7) Los Angeles Clippers - (40-42)
8) Portland Trailblazers - (40-42)
2012/13 League Leaders
-Keving Durant has won back-to-back scoring titles and already his 3rd in his short 6 year career...
| NBA League Leaders - Updated: Apr 14, 2013 | |||||
| Point Per Game | PPG | Rebounds Per Game | REB | ||
 | 1. Kevin Durant | 29.1 |  | 1. Andrew Bynum | 11.9 |
| 2. Kobe Bryant | 27.6 | 2. Dwight Howard | 11.1 | ||
| 3. LeBron James | 27.3 | 3. Emeka Okafor | 10.8 | ||
| 4. Carmelo Anthony | 26.2 | 4. Andre Drummond (R) | 10.8 | ||
| 5. Dirk Nowitzki | 26.0 | 5. Enes Kanter | 10.8 | ||
| Assists Per Game | APG | Steals Per Game | SPG | ||
 | 1. Chris Paul | 11.0 |  | 1. Rajon Rondo | 2.4 |
| 2. Rajon Rondo | 10.0 | 2. Chris Paul | 2.4 | ||
| 3. Derrick Rose | 8.9 | 3. Gilbert Arenas | 2.4 | ||
| 4. Kyrie Irving | 8.8 | 4. Kobe Bryant | 2.3 | ||
| 5. Mike Conley | 8.0 | 5. John Wall | 2.2 | ||
| Blocks Per Game | BPG | Field Goal Percentage | FG% | ||
 | 1. Josh Smith | 2.3 |  | 1. Dwight Howard | .555 |
| 2. Pau Gasol | 2.2 | 2. Pau Gasol | .544 | ||
| 3. Andrew Bogut | 2.0 | 3. Amare Stoudemire | .543 | ||
| 4. Joakim Noah | 1.9 | 4. Andre Drummond (R) | .537 | ||
| 5. Emeka Okafor | 1.9 | 5. Josh Smtih | .533 | ||
| Three Point Percentage | 3PT% | ||||
| 1. Jimmer Fredette | .509 |  | 1. | |
| 2. Baron Davis | .487 | 2. | |||
| 3. Ben Gordon | .477 | 3. | |||
| 4. D.J. Augustin | .463 | 4. | |||
| 5. Brandon Jennings | .462 | 5. | |||
2012/13 NBA Awards
LeBron has won his 4th consecutive NBA MVP Award. Something that has never been done in NBA History...
| 2012/13 NBA Award Winners | |||
| Award | Player | Pos | Team |
| Most Valuable Player | LeBron James | SF | Miami Heat |
| Rookie of the Year | Austin Rivers | PG | Toronto Raptors |
| Sixth Man of the Year | Ed Davis | PF | Toronto Raptors |
| Defensive Player of the Year | Josh Smith | PF | Atlanta Hawks |
| Most Improved Player | Kalin Lucas | PG | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Coach of the Year | Lionel Hollins | Coach | Memphic Grizzlies |
| All-NBA 1st Team | |||
| All-NBA 1st Team | Chris Paul | G | New York Knicks |
| Kobe Bryant | G | Los Angeles Lakers | |
| LeBron James | F | Miami Heat | |
| Kevin Durant | F | Oklahoma City Thunder | |
| Dwight Howard | C | Los Angeles Lakers | |
| All-NBA 2nd Team | |||
| All-NBA 2nd Team | Derrick Rose | G | Chicago Bulls |
| Dwayne Wade | G | Miami Heat | |
| Dirk Nowitzki | F | Dallas Mavericks | |
| Carmelo Anthony | F | New York Knicks | |
| Andre Drummond (R) | C | Washington Wizards | |
| All-NBA 3rd Team | |||
| All-NBA 3rd Team | Rajon Rondo | G | Boston Celtics |
| Monta Ellis | G | Golden State Warriors | |
| Enes Kanter | F | Denver Nuggets | |
| Harrison Barnes | F | Cleveland Cavaliers | |
| Brook Lopez | C | New Jersey Nets | |
| All-Defensive 1st Team | |||
| All-Defensive 1st Team | Dwayne Wade | G | Miami Heat |
| Rajon Rondo | G | Boston Celtics | |
| Josh Smith | F | Atlanta Hawks | |
| Gerald Wallace | F | Portland Trailblazers | |
| Dwight Howard | C | Los Angeles Lakers | |
| All-Defensive 2nd Team | |||
| All-Defensive 2nd Team | Gilbert Arenas | G | Orlando Magic |
| Evan Turner | G | Philadelphia 76'ers | |
| Kevin Durant | F | Oklahoma City Thunder | |
| LeBron James | F | Miami Heat | |
| Andrew Bynum | C | Orlando Magic | |
| All-Rookie 1st Team | |||
| All-Rookie 1st Team | Austin Rivers | G | Toronto Raptors |
| Cory Joseph | G | Portland Trail Blazers | |
| Wally Judge | F | Orlando Magic | |
| Tobias Harris | F | Detroit Pistons | |
| Andre Drummond | C | Washington Wizards | |
| All-Rookie 2nd Team | |||
| All-Rookie 2nd Team | Michael Gilchrist | G | Utah Jazz |
| Seth Curry | G | Orlando Magic | |
| Marquis Teague | G | Houston Rockets | |
| Tristian Thompson | F | Minnesota Timberwolves | |
| Quincy Miller | F | Sacramento Kings | |
Cavs 2012/13 Team Stats
| 2012/13 Cleveland Cavaliers Stats - 2012/13 | |||||||||
| Player | GP | MIN | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TPG | FPG |
| Harrison Barnes | 82 | 35.0 | 21.4 | 7.1 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Kyrie Irving | 82 | 35.4 | 18.2 | 3.0 | 8.8 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 3.1 | 1.9 |
| J.J. Hickson | 82 | 32.1 | 15.1 | 8.7 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 3.0 |
| Trevor Ariza | 84 | 31.4 | 11.5 | 4.8 | 1.7 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 1.6 | 2.1 |
| Reggie Bullock (R) | 81 | 25.6 | 10.3 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 2.8 |
| Chauncey Billups | 84 | 22.9 | 10.1 | 1.9 | 4.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 1.7 |
| Greg Oden | 84 | 25.7 | 8.5 | 7.8 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 4.5 |
| Brandon Rush | 82 | 18.9 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.2 |
| Jeff Teague | 82 | 9.1 | 3.6 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 1.2 |
| Jon Diebler | 76 | 6.2 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Hasheem Thabeet | 82 | 12.5 | 1.3 | 4.3 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 1.6 |
| Brandon Wright | 79 | 3.3 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
Well, this is all I have for now. Stay tuned as I will be writing a "Playoff Preview" very soon. I will be breaking down each 1st round matchup, and looking ahead to potential 2nd, and 3rd round matchups as well. Also, I will make my prediction for who I think will bring home the NBA Title this year...
Thanks for reading
Sunday, June 12, 2011
They are still a very solid 13-7 since the trade, and have been playing much better overall team defense. When proven defensive players like Billups, Ariza and Oden are added to your roster, this improvement on the defensive side of the ball is not really a big surprise.
As we get into the month of April, With a eight games in left in the Season, the Cavs are sitting at 43-31 which is 2.5 games better in the Central Division than the 2nd place Chicago Bulls. With only eight games left for both teams, the Cavs have a pretty comfortable lead.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Some thought that it might take a few weeks for the new players to gel with the current players, however, that could not be further from the truth. Billups and Ariza have taken to their bench roles perfectly and Greg Oden has been a monster at the Center position. The Cavaliers have gone 8-2 since the trade, and have beaten the 45-11 Miami Heat twice in the last two weeks.
The trade seems to have given this team that "swag" and veteran leadership that they were lacking.
Here is a quick rundown of the first 10 games since the trade...
| Cleveland Cavaliers 10 Games Since Trade | ||||
| DATE | OPPONENT | RESULT | ||
| Feb 23 | at Philadelphia 76ers | Won, 99-85 | ||
| Feb 24 | vs Orlando Magic | Won, 99-85 | ||
| Feb 26 | at Chicago Bulls | Lost, 105-89 | ||
| Feb 28 | at Charlotte Bobcats | Won, 105-90 | ||
| Mar 2 | at Miami Heat | Won, 117-107 | ||
| Mar 4 | at Atlanta Hawks | Won, 101-87 | ||
| Mar 6 | at Orlando Magic | Won, 97-85 | ||
| Mar 7 | vs Memphis Grizzlies | Won, 105-77 | ||
| Mar 9 | at Washington Wizards | Lost, 97-96 | ||
| Mar 11 | vs Miami Heat | Won, 90-87 | ||
Here are the stats for Billups, Ariza and Oden over the last 10 games...
Chauncey Billups
8.4pts, 1.7reb, 3.3ast, 1.1stl
Trevor Ariza
10.5pts, 3.9reb, 1.1ast, 1.7stl
Greg Oden
9.1pts, 8.3reb, 0.8ast, 2.0blk
Stay tuned for further updates as we follow the Cavaliers all the way to the playoffs.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
It didn't take long at all for the new players to gel with the current players as the Cavs jumped out to a 32-24 lead after the 1st quarter. In the 2nd quarter the combination of Billups and Ariza on the floor together really put the clamps on the Sixers perimeter players and held them to just 10 point in the quarter.
With a 55-34 lead going into halftime the new look Cavs were feeling pretty good about how they were playing... Great defense, and great offense was the key in the 1st half...
The 2nd half was more of the same, very good defense combined with very good offense led the team to a 99-85 win over the Sixers...
Here is the box score for the game...
| Feb 23, 2013 - CLE at PHI | |||||
| TEAM | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | SCORE |
| Cleveland Cavailers () | 32 | 23 | 17 | 27 | 99 |
| Philadelphia 76'ers () | 24 | 10 | 20 | 31 | 85 |
| Cleveland Cavailers | ||||||||||
| STARTERS | MIN | FGM-A | 3PM-A | FTM-A | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |
| Kyrie Irving | 36 | 10-16 | 2-4 | 0-1 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 22 |
| Reggie Bullock | 28 | 3-12 | 0-3 | 1-2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| Harrison Barnes | 36 | 6-13 | 0-1 | 3-3 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 15 |
| JJ Hickson | 16 | 4-7 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Greg Oden | 31 | 3-5 | 0-0 | 10-13 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 16 |
| BENCH | MIN | FGM-A | 3PM-A | FTM-A | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |
| Trevor Ariza | 25 | 3-8 | 1-4 | 0-0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 |
| Chauncey Billups | 24 | 3-7 | 0-2 | 6-6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| Brandon Rush | 20 | 1-4 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Brandon Wright | 5 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jon Diebler | 1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hasheem Thabeet | 11 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Jeff Teague | 7 | 3-5 | 0-1 | 2-2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 36-78 | 3-16 | 24-29 | 52 | 19 | 5 | 12 | 12 | 99 | |
| Philadelphia 76'ers | ||||||||||
| STARTERS | MIN | FGM-A | 3PM-A | FTM-A | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |
| Jrue Holliday | 36 | 2-7 | 1-2 | 5-5 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| Evan Turner | 35 | 5-18 | 2-4 | 5-6 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 17 |
| Andre Iguodala | 38 | 3-14 | 0-1 | 8-9 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 14 |
| Elton Brand | 33 | 2-5 | 0-0 | 0-2 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Marreese Speights | 22 | 3-10 | 0-0 | 3-4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| BENCH | MIN | FGM-A | 3PM-A | FTM-A | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |
| Jared Sullinger | 21 | 6-13 | 0-0 | 3-4 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 15 |
| Spencer Hawes | 10 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 3-4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Richard Hamilton | 9 | 2-4 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Shane Battier | 21 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 4-4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Tony Douglas | 13 | 1-3 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Jeff Robinsson | 1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jordan Hamilton | 1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TEAM TOTALS | 25-78 | 4-11 | 31-40 | 48 | 18 | 8 | 5 | 10 | 85 | |
NEW FACES
Greg Oden had a huge 1st game in a Cavs uniform scoring 16pts, grabbing 12reb and blocking 3 shots... With Oden in the middle, the Cavs defense finally has a legit scoring threat on the offensive end, and a top notch post defender and shot blocker on the defensive end.
Another new face, Trevor Ariza had a solid game vs the Sixers. Ariza had 7pts, 3reb and 2ast and really did a number on Andre Iguodala holding him to just 14pts on 3-14 shooting. With Ariza, the Cavs gain great flexibility on the defensive end of the floor. He has the ability to cover pretty much any SG or SF in the league and thats something that should help this team going forward.
The 3rd new face for the Cavs, PG Chauncey Billups, had a solid game as well. 12pts, 2reb, 3ast and 1stl in 24min of action. Billups was brought in to do two things, give this team some much needed veteran leadership, and tutor young PG Kyrie Irving. With Billups around, this team has a reliable veteran presence off the bench who can play great defense, and make the big shot when needed.
After a solid win vs the Sixers, the Cavs will be right back at it tomorrow night as the come home to take on Andrew Bynum and the Orlando Magic.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Even with the 1st half success, it was still apparent that the team was still a few pieces away from being a legit NBA Championship Contender. With that in mind, the Cavs sought out a trade partner in hopes of improving their team for the present and future.
The Cavs front office felt like they had a few glaring weaknesses that would eventually hurt them in the playoffs. On Trade Deadline Day, the Cavs were hoping to fill 1 or 2 of the following needs:
1) They needed a legit Defensive Stopper at the SG/SF position
2) They needed an upgrade at the Center position, as Anderson Varejao and Hasheem Thabeet are not what you would call "skilled" offensive players.
3) They needed veteran leadership. With a combined age of 24.7yrs old, the Cavs have one of the youngest teams in the league. Its no secret that young teams are very inconsistent and usually don't fair too well in the playoffs.
Knowing exactly what their priorities were, the Cavs started calling teams around the league. The Cavs had their types of players in mind, so, it wasn't long before they were able to find a couple trading partners. The Cavs were able to work out a 3 Team Trade with Portland and New Orleans. The deal would give the Cavs that would bring them all Three of their targets.
Here is a breakdown of the trade:
Teams Involved - Portland, New Orleans, Cleveland
Cavs Trade
C - Anderson Varejao - (Portland)
PF - Antwan Jamison - (Portland)
PG - Jarred Byless - (New Orleans)
2013 1st round draft pick - (New Orleans)
Blazers Trade
C - Greg Oden - (Cleveland) - (unhappy with his lack of minutes)
SF - Gordon Hayward - (New Orleans)
2013 2nd round pick - (New Orleans)
Hornets Trade
PG - Chauncey Billups - (Cleveland) - Retiring after this season
SF - Trevor Ariza - (Cleveland) - Final year of his contract
PF - Craig Brackens - (Portland)
The thought process behind the move for the teams involved is as follows...
Blazers
Greg Oden never seemed to "fit in" in Portland. It was just impossible for them to keep him. He was always griping about minutes, and not having a bigger role in the offense, as, mostly everything was run through SG Brandon Roy and PF LaMarcus Aldrige. This deal gives them a very good defensive Center, with less injury concerns than Oden, in Anderson Varejao and a solid backup PF in Antwan Jamison. Portland also gets a young PF/C in Craig Brackens that they could develope into a solid player in the future.
Hornets
The New Orleans Hornets have hit a rough time in their franchise. After basically being forced to trade their Franchise Player Chris Paul last season, in fear of losing him to Free Agency, I think everyone knew this rough patch was coming. Now, the Hornets are sitting at 22-34, the 2nd worst record in the Western Conference, and, its clear that its time to rebuild. The Hornets are losing some good veteran players in PG Chauncey Billups, who is retiring anyway after this season, and SF/SG Trevor Ariza, who is in the final year of his contract. The Hornets front office did not expect Ariza to resign with them, because of their recent lack of success, so, acquiring anything at all for him is a plus...
New Orleans recieves young SF Gordon Hayward, PG Jarred Bayless the Cavs 1st round pick and the Blazers 2nd round pick. The Cavs 1st round pick actually gives the Hornets 3, 1st round picks in this summers NBA Draft, and really positions them nicely and gives them some great flexibility when draft time rolls around.
Cavs
For the Cavaliers, this deal was all about winning now. They know that Chauncey has already said this will be his Final NBA Season, but his leadership and clutch shooting is something that this team desperately lacked.
SF/SG Trevor Ariza is exactly the type of player the Cavs were looking for. He is a legit lockdown perimeter defender that can gaurd the other teams best offensive player. He can play the SG or the SF and he has NBA Championship experience from his days with the LA Lakers.
Possibly the biggest risk/reward in the deal is the acquisition of Center Greg Oden. The Cavs fans know Oden very well from his college days down the road at The Ohio State University. While at OSU, Oden and now Memphis Grizzly PG Mike Conley lead the Buckeyes to a NCAA Championship Game. The Cavs organization and fans are all hoping that Greg can return to that form and help give their team a legit post presence on both ends of the floor.
With the addition of Billups, Ariza, and Oden the Cavs rotation should look something like this...
| Cleveland Cavaliers - Post Trade Dealine Rotation Depth Chart - 2012-13 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| PG | Kyrie Irving (34) | Chauncey Billups (21) | Jeff Teague (5) | |
| SG | Reggie Bullock (R)(24) | Brandon Rush (18) | ||
| SF | Harrison Barnes (35) | Trevor Ariza (24) | Jon Diebler (3) | |
| PF | JJ Hickson (33) | Hasheem Thabeet (8) | Brandon Wright (2) | |
| C | Greg Oden (33) | Hasheem Thabeet (8) | ||
With the newly acquired players, the Cavs have everything they need to make a legit run through the NBA Playoffs. Only time will tell if they will be able to gel fast enough to make the Championship Dream a reality...
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
| Season 3 - 2012-13 NBA All-Star Game Rosters | |||
| Eastern Conference | Western Conference | ||
| Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra - Miami Heat | Head Coach: Lionel Hollins - Memphis Grizzlies | ||
| Pos | Starters | Pos | Starters |
| PG | Chris Paul - Knicks - (6th Appearance) | PG | Russell Westbrook - Thunder - (3rd Appearance) |
| SG | Dwayne Wade - Heat - (9th Appearance) | SG | Kobe Bryant - Lakers - (15th Appearance) |
| SF | LeBron James - Heat - (9th Appearance) | SF | Kevin Durant - Thunder - (4th Appearance) |
| PF | Josh Smith - Hawks - (3rd Appearance) | PF | Dirk Nowitzki - Mavericks - (11th Appearance) |
| C | Andre Drummond (R) - Wizards - (1st Appearance) | C | Dwight Howard - Lakers - (7th Appearance) |
| Pos | Reserves | Pos | Reserves |
| SF | Carmelo Anthony - Knicks - (6th Appearance) | SG | Monte Ellie - Warriors - (3rd Appearance) |
| PG | Derrick Rose - Bulls - (4th Appearance) | SG | Tyreke Evans - Kings - (1st Appearance) |
| SG | Joe Johnson - Hawks - (5th Appearance) | SF | Rudy Gay - Grizzlies - (3rd Appearance) |
| SF | Harrison Barnes - Cavs - (1st Appearance) | C | Enes Kanter - Nuggets - (1st Appearance) |
| C | Brook Lopez - Nets - (2nd Appearance) | C | Kris Kaman - Clippers - (4th Appearance) |
| PG | Rajon Rondo - Celtics - (4th Appearance) | SG | Manu Ginobli - Spurts - (4th Appearance) |
| SG | Gilbert Arenas - Magic - (4th Appearance) | PG | Tony Parker - Spurs - (5th Appearance) |
There were several notable All Star "snubs" this season... Past NBA All Stars such as New Jersey Nets PG Deron Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers PG Kyrie Irving, New York Knicks PF Amare Stoudemire, Miami Heat PF Chris Bosh, Los Angeles Lakers PF Pau Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies PG Mike Conley, Los Angeles Clipper PF Blake Griffin, and Washington Wizards PF John Wall will not be involved in the All Star festivities this season.
Through the first half of the season, many are saying the Cavaliers are the surprise team of the year so far. With a 30-24 record the Cavs are surpasing most people's expectations.
The Miami Heat appear to be clicking on all cylinders and have the best record in the league at 45-11... Heres a quick rundown of the rest of the league standings to this point...
| NBA Standings - Updated: Feb 20, 2013 | |||||
| ATLANTIC | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| New York Knicks | 33 | 21 | -- | 7-4 | 23-13 |
| Toranto Raptors | 30 | 26 | 4.0 | 6-5 | 19-17 |
| Boston Celtics | 28 | 27 | 5.5 | 7-3 | 17-13 |
| New Jersey Nets | 26 | 31 | 8.5 | 18-16 | 5-4 |
| Philadelphia 76'ers | 22 | 34 | 12.0 | 12-23 | 1-10 |
| CENTRAL | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 30 | 24 | -- | 7-4 | 18-12 |
| Indiana Pacers | 30 | 26 | 1.0 | 6-5 | 18-16 |
| Chicago Bulls | 28 | 28 | 3.0 | 5-4 | 15-15 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 24 | 33 | 7.5 | 4-4 | 14-19 |
| Detroit Pistons | 12 | 42 | 18.0 | 3-8 | 9-25 |
| SOUTHEAST | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Miami Heat | 45 | 11 | -- | 9-2 | 31-6 |
| Atlanta Hawks | 29 | 29 | 17.0 | 6-5 | 18-18 |
| Orlando Magic | 27 | 29 | 18.0 | 4-6 | 17-19 |
| Washington Wizards | 25 | 31 | 20.0 | 4-6 | 12-23 |
| Charlotte Bobcats | 22 | 32 | 22.0 | 4-8 | 14-20 |
| EAST PLAYOFF RACE | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Miami Heat | 45 | 11 | -- | ||
| New York Knicks | 33 | 21 | 11 | ||
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 30 | 24 | 14 | ||
| Indiana Pacers | 30 | 26 | 15 | ||
| Toranto Raptors | 30 | 26 | 15 | ||
| Boston Celtics | 28 | 27 | 16.5 | ||
| Chicago Bulls | 28 | 28 | 17 | ||
| Atlanta Hawks | 29 | 29 | 17 | ||
| Orlando Magic | 27 | 29 | 18 | ||
| New Jersey Nets | 26 | 31 | 19.5 | ||
| Washington Wizards | 25 | 31 | 20 | ||
| Milwaukee Bucks | 24 | 33 | 21.5 | ||
| Charlotte Bobcats | 22 | 32 | 22 | ||
| Philadelphia 76'ers | 22 | 34 | 23 | ||
| Detroit Pistons | 12 | 42 | 32 | ||
| NORTHWEST | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 38 | 19 | -- | 7-3 | 25-11 |
| Denver Nuggets | 28 | 26 | 8.5 | 4-6 | 18-17 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 28 | 29 | 10.0 | 5-5 | 19-16 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 27 | 29 | 10.5 | 5-7 | 16-19 |
| Utah Jazz | 19 | 37 | 18.5 | 6-6 | 13-22 |
| PACIFIC | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 34 | 20 | -- | 4-7 | 21-12 |
| Golden State Warriors | 32 | 25 | 3.5 | 9-2 | 19-13 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 29 | 27 | 6.0 | 6-5 | 20-15 |
| Sacramento Kings | 26 | 29 | 8.5 | 5-7 | 16-20 |
| Phoenix Suns | 22 | 31 | 11.5 | 4-7 | 12-21 |
| SOUTHWEST | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 41 | 17 | -- | 7-2 | 22-12 |
| Houston Rockets | 29 | 28 | 11.5 | 2-7 | 17-16 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 26 | 31 | 14.5 | 5-6 | 14-23 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 25 | 31 | 15.0 | 5-5 | 13-21 |
| New Orlenas Hornets | 22 | 34 | 18.0 | 6-5 | 12-19 |
| WEST PLAYOFF RACE | W | L | GB | DIV | CONF |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 41 | 17 | -- | ||
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 38 | 19 | 2.5 | ||
| Los Angeles Lakers | 34 | 20 | 5 | ||
| Golden State Warriors | 32 | 25 | 8.5 | ||
| Los Angeles Clippers | 29 | 27 | 11 | ||
| Denver Nuggets | 28 | 26 | 11 | ||
| Houston Rockets | 29 | 28 | 11.5 | ||
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 28 | 29 | 12.5 | ||
| Portland Trail Blazers | 27 | 29 | 13 | ||
| Sacramento Kings | 26 | 29 | 13.5 | ||
| Dallas Mavericks | 26 | 31 | 14.5 | ||
| San Antonio Spurs | 25 | 31 | 15 | ||
| Phoenix Suns | 22 | 31 | 16.5 | ||
| New Orleans Hornets | 22 | 34 | 18 | ||
| Utah Jazz | 19 | 37 | 21 | ||
Up to this point, the Cavs have been playing great team basketball. Led by 2nd years players Harrison Barnes and Kyrie Irving the Cavs appear to be on their way to at least a playoff birth in the Eastern Conferance.
Here is a breakdown of the Cleveland Cavaliers Team Stats up to this point in the season.
| Cleveland Cavaliers Stats - 2012-13 | |||||||||
| Player | GP | MIN | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TPG | FPG |
| Harrison Barnes | 54 | 35.5 | 22.7 | 7.1 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 1.9 |
| Kyrie Irving | 54 | 36.1 | 18.3 | 3.2 | 9.4 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 3.5 | 1.8 |
| J.J. Hickson | 54 | 33.4 | 16.0 | 8.9 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 2.6 |
| Reggie Bullock | 53 | 26.2 | 10.6 | 3.0 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 2.5 |
| Antwan Jamison | 54 | 18.4 | 7.1 | 3.8 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 1.7 |
| Jarryd Bayless | 54 | 10.9 | 5.5 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 1.1 |
| Brandon Rush | 54 | 19.1 | 5.1 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 1.2 |
| Jeff Teague | 54 | 10.5 | 3.9 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 1.2 |
| Jon Diebler | 48 | 7.8 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Anderson Varejao | 54 | 26.9 | 2.4 | 6.8 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 2.7 |
| Hasheem Thabeet | 54 | 13.9 | 1.6 | 4.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.6 |
| Brandon Wright | 51 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 |
As you can see SF Harrison Barnes has been carrying the offensive load all season long, averaging close to 23ppg along with 7rpg. 2nd year PG Kyrie Irving is coming into his own and is near the top of the league leaders in assists per game at 9.4apg to go along with his 18.3ppg and 1.4 steals per game. It really is a mystery to my how Irving is not an NBA All Star this year.
Below you will see the league leaders for Points Per Game, Rebounds, Assists, Steals, Blocks, FG% and 3pt%.
| NBA League Leaders - Updated: Feb 20, 2013 | |||||
| Points Per Game | PPG | Rebounds Per Game | RPG | ||
| 1. Kevin Durant | 29.8 | | 1. Andrew Bynum | 12.2 |
| 2. Kobe Bryant | 28.0 | 2. Dwight Howard | 11.4 | ||
| 3. LeBron James | 27.5 | 3. Andre Drummond (R) | 11.2 | ||
| 4. Dirk Nowitzki | 26.8 | 4. Enes Kanter | 11.0 | ||
| 5. Carmelo Anthony | 25.4 | 5. Kevin Love | 10.6 | ||
| Assists Per Game | APG | Steals Per Game | SPG | ||
| 1. Chris Paul | 10.9 | | 1. Chris Paul | 2.5 |
| 2. Rajon Rando | 10.0 | 2. Gilbert Arenas | 2.4 | ||
| 3. Kyrie Irving | 9.4 | 3. Kobe Bryant | 2.3 | ||
| 4. Derrick Rose | 8.9 | 4. Rajon Rondo | 2.3 | ||
| 5. Steph Curry | 3.7 | 5. Tyreke Evans | 2.2 | ||
| Blocks Per Game | BPG | Field Goal % | FG% | ||
| 1. Josh Smith | 2.2 | | 1. Dwight Howard | .569 |
| 2. Pau Gasol | 2.2 | 2. Amare Stoudemire | .556 | ||
| 3. Andrew Bogut | 1.9 | 3. Pau Gasol | .550 | ||
| 4. Joakim Noah | 1.9 | 4. Andre Drummond (R) | .548 | ||
| 5. Dwight Howard | 1.8 | 5. Chris Kaman | .544 | ||
| Three Point % | 3PT% | ||||
| 1. Jimmer Fredette | .551 | | 1. | |
| 2. Perry Jones | .526 | 2. | |||
| 3. Ben Gordon | .481 | 3. | |||
| 4. Martell Webster | .480 | 4. | |||
| 5. William Buford | .463 | 5. | |||
Well, thats about it for now...
I hope you all enjoyed the read, sorry for the length, but I wanted to try and give you as much information as possible so you really get a good feal for how my season is progressing...
Stay tuned for further updates. The Trade Deadline is Approaching and I'm sure there will be some noteable moves being made around the league, as teams try to position themseleves for the 2nd half playoff push...
Monday, June 6, 2011
2010-11' - Season 1 - Quick recap...
Season 1 - Simmed the entire season, so I could get to the draft and start my rebuilding process... I had my 1st round pick, plus the Clippers, and they turned into the #1 and #2 picks in the draft...
As you've already read, I drafted PG Kyrie Irving, and SF Harrison Barnes, along with SF Jon Diebler in the 2nd round...
Season 1 - NBA Champions
- LA Lakers 4-3 over the Miami Heat
-- Finals MVP -- Kobe Bryant
Season 1 - League MVP
- Lebron James (MIA) - 3rd consecutive MVP Award
Season 1 - Rookie of the Year
- Jon Wall (WAS)
Sixth Man
- Gilbert Arenas - (ORL)
Defensive Player of the Year
- Josh Smith (ATL)
Most Improved Player
- JJ Hickson (CLE)
2011-12' - Season 2 - Recap
With the addition of PG Kyrie Irving and SF Harrison Barnes, the Cavs future was looking bright. It has become clear that you need to have at least 2 legit All Stars on your team to compete in the current "post decision" NBA these days, and Irving and Barnes are just that...
In his 1st full NBA Season, Kyrie Irving averaged 17.2ppg, 2.3rpg, 6.3apg, 1.4spg and shot 44% from the field. Irving's number were good enough to win him the 2011-12 Rookie Of The Year Award.
Irving's teammate SF Harrison Barnes finished in a close 2nd place in the ROY Voting. For the season Barnes averaged 19.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg and shot 49% from the field
Even with the two future All Stars playing well the Cavaliers could only muster a 36-46 record in the 2011-12 Season. The future was definitely looking bright though as the 36 wins were 20 more wins than the previous year.
Season 2 - Around the League
As the trade deadline was approaching in Season 2, teams were trying to make moves to compete with the Miami Heat's "big 3". Teams around the league were fully aware that if the Heat ever "got it together" they would be nearly unbeatable unless you could match up with them talent wise. With that in mind, the New York Knicks and the LA Lakers were able to pull a few monster deals that are sure to shake the foundation of the league for many years to come...
The New York Knicks completed their big 3 quest by adding All NBA Point Guard Chris Paul in a trade with New Orleans. It has been widely expected that Chris was going to leave New Orleans in the Summer of 2012 anyway, so, the Hornets were forced to do the "smart" thing and at least get something for their departing superstar.
The LA Lakers had been rumored to be in talks with the Orlando Magic about the services of Superstar big man Dwight Howard. Magic fans have read this book before, and they already know how it ends. This time however, the Magic would at least get some young talent in return for their superstar Center, rather than being left high and dry like they were 15 years ago when Shaq bolted for LA LA Land. The Magic would acquire Andrew Bynum, Luke Walton and 2 1st round draft picks from the Lakers for Dwight Howard.
Season 2 - Playoffs
With so many big deals being made prior to the trade deadline, the teams like the Knicks and Lakers would have to gel quickly if they were planning on making a deep run into the playoffs. The Lakers would be going for their 4th NBA Championship in a row while the Knicks would be looking for their 1st NBA Championship since 1973.
Both teams had the talent, it was just a matter of putting it all together... There were some extremely tough matchups along the way, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Portland for the Lakers, and Boston, Orlando and Miami for the Knicks but both teams would prevail and represent their respective conferences in the 2011-12 NBA Finals.
The 2011-12' NBA Finals matchup was one for the ages. Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthoy, Amare Stoudemire, vs Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard... New York vs Los Angeles, could you ask for any bigger markets? Of course this series had to go 7 games right? Of course... A classic 7 game thriller that saw the Knicks knock off the Lakers and FINALLY win the NBA Title for the 1st time in 39years.
Season 2 - League MVP
- LeBron James (MIA) - 4th straight MVP Award
Season 2 - Rookie of the year
- Kyrie Irving (CLE)
Sixth Man
- Jared Sullenger (PHI)
Defensive Player of the Year
- Josh Smtih (ATL) - 2nd straight DPOY Award
Most Improved Player
- Chris Douglas Roberts (PHX)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Well, thats all for now, I am in Season 3 right now, I will post again tomorrow detailing all the moves I made after Season 2, and recap my draft along with how my current season is going...
Thanks for reading
When the Cleveland Cavaliers won the draft lottery, it wasn't 100% clear who they would be selecting. With so many quality player, and so many needs, it would be hard to make the "wrong" selection.
As draft day approached the Cavs were presented with multiple trade opportunities. Rudy Gay, Andre Igualdala, Danny Granger were some of the big names being offered up by other teams around the league. The Cavs however, had their eyes on two players in particular...
With the 1st pick in the draft, the Cavaliers selected SF Harrison Barnes from North Carolina. Barnes has a skillset simliar to the recently departed LeBron James in that he can shoot, pass, rebound and play solid defense.
Cavs select SF Harrison Barnes 1st overall in the NBA Draft.
With the 2nd pick in the draft, the Cavs decided on another ACC College player, and selected PG Kyrie Irving. After losing Ramon Sessions to the Suns in free agency, along with the aging Baron Davis, Irving should step right in as the starter from Day 1.
Kyrie Irving, selcted #2 overall gives the Cavs their PG of the future.
With Harrison Barnes and Kyrie Irving, the Cavs look to have a solid foundation to build upon for years to come.
With the 2nd pick (Heat) in the 2nd round of the draft the Cavs picked up a sharpshooter from The Ohio State Universtiy in Jon Diebler. Nicknamed "Threebler" by his teammates and fans of OSU, Diebler is a legit knock down shooter with unlimited range. He will help stretch the floor and create some space for Irving and Barnes to opperate.
Diebler gives the Cavs a legit 3pt threat any time he's on the floor.
With these three players, it looks like the Cavs have set themselves up nicely for this year and beyond. Its going to take a few years to replace "that guy" but the Cavs got off to a good start with this draft.
Stay tuned for future updates, as we will follow the Cavaliers rebuilding process all season long.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Posted on April 1, 2011 at 08:39 AM.
CAVS WIN LOTTO
Cleveland PD:
After "The Decision" it was widely expected by many for the Cleveland Cavaliers to struggle greatly in the "post Decision" era. Struggle doesn't even describe how bad this team was last season. The Cavs only won 18 games in their first year after LeBron. Head coach Byron Scott really didn't have any answers this season as it was clear that the Cavs were outmatched nearly every night.
"We didn't get it done this year. This is not acceptable, we will be making some changes in the offseason for sure"
-Cavs Head Coach Byron Scott
On May 17th 2011, a moment that Cavs fans, players, and coaches had dreamed about became a reality. The Cleveland Cavaliers WON The 2011 NBA Draft Lottery!!! Not only did the Cavs win the 1st overall pick in the draft, but the Cavs also won the 2nd overall pick in the Draft via a Trade Deadline Trade with the LA Clippers. The trade sent PG Mo Williams and SF Jamrio Moon to the Clipers for a 2011 1st round pick and PG Baron Davis.
"We are extrememly excited to have a the opportunity to draft 1 and 2 in the upcoming draft. At this time, we're not 100% certain on who exaclty we will be drafting, however, we have our eyes on a few players"
-Cavs GM Chris Galligan
Some noteable prospects in this upcoming NBA Draft include...
PG - Duke - Kyrie Irving
SF - UNC - Harrison Barnes
SF/PF - Baylor - Perry Jones
PF - OSU - Jared Sullenger
PG - UCONN - Kemba Walker
PG - UK - Brandon Knight
SG - OSU - William Buford
C - EURO - Enes Kanter
SF - EURO - Jan Vesely
With the 1st and 2nd pick in the draft, the possibilities are endless for the Cavaliers. They could use the 1st pick and deal the 2nd, they could deal both picks and acquire a Superstar and future draft picks or they could use both picks and build their team through the draft. Its a great position to be in.
We will find out shortly exactly what the Cavs plans are, as they are expected to have several players in town over the next few weeks for workouts and interviews.
We will be keeping you updated all season long as we follow the Cavs and their rebuilding process...
cgalligan
23
1,679 Forum Posts
69 Blog Entries
248 News/Blog Comments
0 Reader Score Votes
20 Friends
0 Chalkboard Messages
0 Screenshots
0 Videos
122,927 Arena Visits
cgalligan's PSN Gamercard
' +
cgalligan's Screenshots (0)
cgalligan does not have any albums to display.
More
cgalligan's Friends
Recent Visitors
The last 10 visitor(s) to this Arena were:
cgalligan's Arena has had 122,927 visits
cgalligan's Arena has had 122,927 visits
Working...