I look at the Cavs and - other than the Pacers and Bulls (pending Rose's health) - I'm not sure who I'd put above them in the East. The Raptors, Wizards, Nets and Heat are close, but I think LeBron gives the Cavs the edge over any of them.
With 82 games to figure things out, I think the Cavs will be very much in play to win the East next spring.
Personally, I think Chris Bosh from Toronto is dead and gone. I think part of what he was in Miami was Spo's scheme putting him to that for the sake of Wade and Bron, but I think it was the way Bosh wanted to play as well. He's added the three point shot to his game and I think he'll still try to rely on that as opposed to getting in the paint and doing work because I don't think he WANTS to play like that anymore. It'll be one of the intriguing stories to watch this year and I'll be happily watching through LP.
The top of the east is going to be really interesting. I think those top three spots are going to come down to some combination of Chicago (depending on Rose health), Cleveland, Indiana (depending on Lance decision), Washington or Toronto. I think I can honestly see Washington and Toronto building on last year and taking that next step to getting into the top 3.
If the Cavs do really well (win 55+ games) do you think David Blatt gets Coach of the Year, or since Lebron is on the team does that sort of put him out of contention?
If the Cavs do really well (win 55+ games) do you think David Blatt gets Coach of the Year, or since Lebron is on the team does that sort of put him out of contention?
I think it depends on the schemes and offense/defense they run. If they look well-coached, sure. But Lebron didn't have a problem winning 55+ with Mike Brown.
I think it depends on the schemes and offense/defense they run. If they look well-coached, sure. But Lebron didn't have a problem winning 55+ with Mike Brown.
LMAO!! So LeBron's track record of leaving a emo PG behind as he leaves a team continues. Just saw on PTI that Shabazz Napier has unfollowed LeBron and deleted all tweets LeBron sent him.
LMAO!! So LeBron's track record of leaving a emo PG behind as he leaves a team continues. Just saw on PTI that Shabazz Napier has unfollowed LeBron and deleted all tweets LeBron sent him.
Going from outside of the playoffs to a possible contender over the course of one season will be quite the experience for these guys..and that's not even taking into account the pressure of the playoffs....the majority of young guys in the league have to go through that growth...KD, Rondo etc. all took their lumps before being known for performing in the playoffs...
But again, I think they'll be ok eventually.
Just to piggyback on this don't underestimate the pressure of the regular season that the young Cavs have never dealt with. About a month ago I heard their new GM on the radio talking about how happy he was that the young guys got their first taste of playing in "meaningful games" when they tried to make a playoff push this year.
Well the Cavs are about to play 82 meaningful games. Every road game will be sold out and every team will be gunning for them. That 2nd night of a back to back in Milwaukee in January just became a "meaningful game" for the Bucks.
The Cavs have the talent, but they have never been tested like this. It will be fun to watch.
Never had a whiff of the NBA until now. Is it different? I don't know. But still he's a first time NBA coach.
You are correct in that statement.
Not taking about your post specifically, but in general, people seem to be acting like the dude won't have any idea what to do in an NBA game and use it to argue the "Cleveland is so inexperienced" stereotype. When in reality he has multiple international medals and over a dozen championships. Basketball is basketball and he's going to be a great coach in the NBA. His players love playing for him and he's extremely smart.
Top 4 seeds will be Cleveland, Miami, Chicago, Indiana.
Not in that order..but people are sleeping on Miami..still a good team
Completely agree. Only question mark is wades health and how many games he'll play.
A starting lineup of Napier/Cole/Chalmers, Wade, Deng, Mcbob, and bosh is good enough to at least compete for home court in the first round. Not a lock though, Toronto, Washington, and Brooklyn can be in the top 4 too.
The East already looks great. Of course we thought it would look great last season too so anything can happen but so far I think it's more interesting than last year. Obviously have got the Cavs, you wonder how well the Heat will do without Lebron, Knicks under almost completely new management, Pau on the Bulls is an interesting dynamic, and definitely looking forward to the new look Hornets
Lebron single handedly shook up the entire Eastern conference with his move.
The Cavaliers will be young, no doubt, but they are going to pick up some old Heat buddies. I'd put a fair wager on Mike Miller and Ray Allen coming to the Cavaliers. I'm sure they will pick up a vet big guy *other than Haywood*.
The Cavaliers may not win a title this year, more than likely not. They are going to struggle *LeBron teams always seem to struggle in the beginning of the season* but they will catch fire and go on a streak. I don't think they will be the 60 win team some have already started to say they are, but they should have no problem getting to 50.
Next year? All bets are off. Especially if they can sign and trade for Love *Haywood's 10 million dollar unguaranteed contract next year is going to be an amazing asset*.
Also, no way I trade for Love this offseason, at least not for Wiggins. Keep Wiggins, learn the tricks and leadership and whatever else from LeBron and then watch the kid explode into the next great NBA player.
Almost seems unfair. Cavaliers probably lucked into a Spurs like situation and it all happened because LeBron wanted to come home. I'm good with this.
This is basically the Spurs situation without Duncan leaving lol. They are loaded with top picks.
If the Cavs could just pick up a vet or 2.
Just watching AB and Wiggins in summer league has to get LeBron excited. I know it's got me excited lol. Just check out Wiggins spin dunk... You can't trade this kid for Love just yet.