Thursday, February 24, 2011

Welcome to Cleveland, Random White Big Men

The Cavs finished the trade deadline by trading their 2nd round pick in 2012 (one that Minnesota previously owned) to the Celtics for C Semih Erden and PF Luke Harangody. I think this is a sideways move. I believe Erden provides the most value as he is 6'11, and can play down in the post. He doesn't have a lot of post moves and is very skinny (240 lbs.). He sounds like another Ryan Hollins to me. Harangody is another meat and potatoes player. He can shoot and score down low, but isn't athletic and is only 6'8. I didn't really like him when he played at Notre Dame either. I am just not a fan of big men who can't defend, aren't athletic and don't have post skills. With all that said, maybe one of these guys can develop into a guy we can put at the end of our bench. Again, it is a low risk move as we only gave up a 2nd round pick in 2012 for them. Here are some other thoughts about the Cavs and the trade deadline.

-Give Chris Grant and Dan Gilbert credit. The Cavs according to media reports had a deal in place to trade for Rip Hamilton for the trade player exception, along with a first round draft pick coming from the Pistons. The reason the deal did not occur was because the Cavs and Hamilton could not come to terms on a buyout agreement. Hamilton has 2 years and $25 million left on his deal. With that said, good for the Cavs for trying to turn the TPE into a draft pick, one that could be very high.

-The Cavs and the Warriors were in discussions to trade Antawn Jamison to the Warriors. It wasn't clear what the Cavs would have received in the trade, but I assume it would have been Troy Murphy's expiring contract. Again, good idea by Grant to try to clear more cap space to restore flexibility to the payroll. Brian Windhorst did mention that the Cavs and Warriors would probably entertain trade talks again when the season ends, as Jamison' contract becomes an expiring one.

-The Cavs stayed patient by not moving Anthony Parker. Although I would have liked to have seen him traded for a high 2nd round pick, the Cavs rebuffed offers from the Bulls and Celtics. Had the Cavs accepted a 2nd round pick from the Bulls or Celtics, it would have been a very low pick. I think its better to keep Parker around then give him away for basically nothing. He is a great veteran presence, can shoot and has an expiring deal.

-The Cavs have bought out Leon Powe. I think this will be a good move as he can try to sign on with a contender. He wasn't playing much and he could be a useful bigman off the bench for a playoff team. Again, another class act.

-We came away with Baron Davis, the Clippers 2011 first round pick, Semih Erden and Luke Harangody and all we gave up was Mo Williams, Jamario Moon and a 2012 second round pick. If i had to grade these moves together, I would give it a B+. I don't see why we needed Erden or Harangody, but maybe they can find their way to the end of a bench. I love the Baron Davis trade. As much as I love Mo, he seemed to be hurting (emotionally and physically) after LeBron left. Maybe a change of scenery will be good for him. I understand that the 2011 draft class isn't great, but this could be a top 5 pick if the Clippers continue to lose. I would love to see Kyrie Irving, Jared Sullinger, Derrick Williams or Terrance Jones on this team. Adding that 2011 Clippers pick will only speed up the rebuilding process. Also, I have to give Dan Gilbert a lot of credit, he took on extra salary for the Clippers pick. He seems to understand this won't be a rebuild on the fly, instead it will be through the draft. Now its time to execute in the draft.

Thats all for now. Thanks for reading and go Cleveland!

-Raz

Welcome to Cleveland, Baron

It's been months since I last wrote, and I have been thinking about this blog a lot lately. I have decided I am going to write more often now a days (don't make fun of me!). The reason being, there is going to be a lot of activity in the Cleveland sports scene, and I just have been a slacker and need to get my thoughts out there.

With that said, the Cavs made a big move tonight in trading Mo Williams and Jamario Moon for LA Clippers guard Baron Davis and an unprotected 2011 first round draft pick. I will say it again, an unprotected 2011 first round draft pick! Currently, if the season ended today, the Clippers would pick 8th. With that said, the order can change from now until June, but the Cavs are going to have 2 lottery picks. Also, the trade itself works out financially, so there is no need to use the $15 million trade exception. The move is suprising to me from the Clippers point of view. Blake Griffin seemed to energize Baron Davis, as he is averaging 12 points and 7 assists this year, but it is clear the Clippers are trying to clear cap room to bring a big free agent in 2012. Here are some quick thoughts:

-Kudos to Chris Grant and Dan Gilbert for staying patient, maintain flexibility and looking for the right deal. They didn't part with any young players, they didn't use the trade exception, didn't use any draft picks and they didn't take on any longer contracts. Both Baron and Mo's contracts end in 2013, although Mo's last two years are player options, he is likely to exercise them ($8.5 million each, he won't get that on the open market). The Cavs took on some more salary now, but it paid off as they received the Clippers 2011 first round pick, which is unprotected. Grant learned a thing or two from Danny Ferry, and that was to not make a deal to just make a deal, and where we would come out winners. It is pretty clear that the Cavs will come out a winner in this deal.

-Adding draft picks has been a part of the teams strategy since the team began its collapse in December. Having the Clippers 2011 first round pick is a great asset, as it will surely be a lottery pick (they currently have the 8th worst record in the NBA at 21-37). We now have 2 first and second rounders this year, along with 2 first rounders from the Heat from 2013-2017, and another second round pick from the Heat. Building through the draft has been key, as it is very difficult to get key free agents to come to Cleveland. We saw with LeBron how difficult it was. Look at Oklahoma City (Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka) built their young team via the draft, or even the Spurs (Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Tiago Splitter, Gary Neal and DaJuan Blair). I am glad the Cavs aren't trying to rebuild on the fly, they are collecting assets and tearing the team down. Let's just hope they can get the draft right!

-The Cavs may not be done yet, they still have the trade player exception, Antawn Jamison, Anthony Parker, Leon Powe and most of the Cavs roster to shop for additional draft picks/young players. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw another move coming tomorrow, as the trade deadline approaches. The Cavs have been in talks with the Celtics and Bulls regarding Parker, Powe approached the Cavs about a buyout, and the Mavs have been rumored to have an interest in Jamison.

-What does this mean for the team now? Byron Scott gets a PG he feuded with in New Orleans, but Baron later came out and said that he learned a lot from Scott. The Cavs will continue to be the worst team in the NBA as they slowly strip the roster down. This is probably the best plan, as it will only increase our chances for the #1 overall pick. I believe the only players worth keeping on this squad are Sessions, Eyenga, Harris and Hickson. These are the players that have the most upside and could continue to develop into solid players.

-It is sad to see Mo Williams go. He was one of my favorite players on this team because of his heart and love for the city of Cleveland. He came out and said he didn't want to be traded in the summer time. He is a great 3 point shooter and he now gets to play with one of the most electrifying players in the NBA, Blake Griffin. A true class act. I wish him the best of luck.

Alright, its almost 3AM, time for bed. Thanks for reading and I will update the blog as I hear more news. It's great to be back. Go Cleveland!