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

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