February 22, 2012

On Kyrie Irving and the Comeback Kids

February 22, 2012 By 7 Comments

A three-ball from the top of the key. A cross-over move from the left elbow that found fellow rookie guard Brandon Knight wondering what the heck just happened as the ball fell through the nylon. And an Alonzo Gee steal turned into a 360-degree, over-the-shoulder, no-look pass back to the athletic wing for the unabated dunk.

The entire sequence took roughly one game minute, but it was just the momentum the Cleveland Cavaliers needed to extend a lead against the Detroit Pistons, a lead they would never relinquish thanks to consistent defensive efforts across the board coupled with timely conversions on the offensive end. A lead that would ultimately end in a one-point win at home — their second consecutive win by the narrowest of margins. [Read more...]

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Frank: Irving and Gee “Kicked Our Tail”

February 22, 2012 By 1 Comment

Did you not see the game? [Kyrie] Irving and [Alonzo] Gee, they kicked our tail. They willed it back for them. It’s two competitive teams. We’re not 34-0. I mean the other team wants to win too. I thought they took it from us. You have to give them credit. I don’t think we gifted them the win. I don’t think we didn’t compete and didn’t play hard. I don’t think we gave them the game. I think you have to give credit to Irving and those guys.

- Pistons head coach Lawrence Frank following the Cavaliers 101-100 win over Detroit. The Cavaliers fought back from 17 down with Irving and Gee combining for 30 fourth-quarter points.

[Related: Welcome Back, Tristan Thompson]

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Indians’ 2012 Win Total Over/Under Set at 75.5

February 21, 2012 By 13 Comments

The year 2012 is supposed to mark the beginning of the contention window for the upstart Cleveland Indians. Surprising many last season with their hot start, injuries derailed what would otherwise be a successful campaign, ultimately leading to a finish of 80-82.

Which makes the over/under (per Vegas Watch) of 75.5 somewhat disheartening. While this total is not necessarily reflective of where Vegas thinks the Indians will finish (as opposed to a line to stir equal-weighted wagering), the fact that the Wahoos currently slate fourth in the AL Central is not a vote of confidence in the court of public opinion.

Also worth pointing out is the 11.5-game gap between Prince Fielder’s Detroit Tigers and the rest of the AL Central, surprisingly represented by the Kansas City Royals.

[Related: Tribe Offseason Review and What Happens After 2013?]

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Cavs Sign G Manny Harris to 10-Day Contract

February 21, 2012 By 5 Comments

Needing depth at the shooting guard position, the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed Corperryale L’Adorable “Manny” Harris to a 10-day contract, a transation confirmed by the team.

Harris (6-5, 185, Michigan) had been named the NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played from February 13-19, becoming the first player in the NBDL to nab the honor twice this season. He had a season-high 46 points (17-of-30 shooting) with nine rebounds, six assists and four steals in 45 minutes in a 136-113 victory over Rio Grande Valley on February 16th. Harris continued his strong offensive play by amassing 36 points (14-of-24 shooting) with nine rebounds, six assists and three steals in 44 minutes to complete the two-game sweep of the Vipers on February 18th.

In 17 games (12 starts) with Canton this season, Harris is averaging 21.4 points on .470 shooting with 7.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 32.9 minutes per game. He is currently third in the D-League in scoring.

Harris will provide depth behind Anthony Parker and Daniel Gibson, both nursing injuries. In 54 games through the 2010-11 season, Harris averaged 5.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

[Related: Kyrie Irving to participate in All-Star Skills Challenge]

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Report: Former Buckeye Greg Oden Undergoes Additional Microfracture Surgery

February 21, 2012 By 10 Comments

Undergoing what was supposed to be a procedure to clear debris resulted in yet another microfracture surgery in the left knee of former Ohio State center Greg Oden.

Reported by the Associated Press, the procedure performed in Vail, Colorado established that there had been additional damage sustained by the 7-footer’s left knee. The first-overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft, Oden has now had three microfracture surgeries, this latest being the second on this specific knee. The selection, and subsequent misfortune, of Oden will likely go down along side the Blazers selecting Kentucky center Sam Bowie ahead of North Carolina’s Michael Jordan in 1984.

Agreeing to a one-year deal prior to the 2011-12 season, it was hoped that Oden could see the floor for the Portland Trailblazers, but two separate set-backs have derailed his return. Oden, who has not played in an NBA game since Dec. 5, 2009, has appeared in 82 career games for the Blazers, averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.

[Related: Varejao’s Injury Changes Cavs Outlook]

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Welcome Back, Tristan Thompson

February 20, 2012 By 68 Comments

It seems like just last week when we were rolling out the red carpeted box score for first-overall selection Kyrie Irving. Missing three games thanks to a wayward Dwyane Wade kneecap, Irving returned with the vengence and consistency we have come to appreciate over the first two months of his rookie campaign.

The juxtaposition between he and fellow freshman Tristan Thompson — aside from the obvious polar opposite approach to on-court difference-making — had multiple folds. Irving’s injury didn’t exactly occur within the flow of the game; his head collided with Wade’s knee after a foul on the point guard’s way to the basket.  Once medically cleared, he was able to pick right up where he left off. Thompson had to take things at a slightly slower pace. His game, rooted in the two springboards which you or I would call “legs,” relies on one of the body parts he injured through the course of a contest. “Bouncey,” as he says.

[Read more...]

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NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs Will Look to Move Sessions, Jamison

February 19, 2012 By 20 Comments

With the 2011-12 NBA trade deadline less than one month away, the 11-17 Cavaliers will be in the mix with regard to moving players and acquiring additional assets to aid the rebuilding process. The Plain Dealer’s  Tom Reed feels that two of the most likely steps include trading highly-coveted point guard Ramon Sessions as well as the $15 million expiring contract of veteran power forward Antawn Jamison.

If a trading partner cannot be found for Jamison, the Cavs may cut him free and allow him to compete for a championship once again.

“I believe the Cavaliers will trade Sessions and make an effort to move Jamison by one means or another,” writes Reed. “If they can’t trade him — remember they most likely would have to take salary back — they will buy him out.”

With shooting guards Anthony Parker and Daniel Gibson missing considerable time with a variety of injuries, Sessions has provided integral support off of the bench. In 25 minutes per game this season, the slashing guard is averaging 10.4 points and 5.6 assists. Jamison is presently second on the team in scoring, tallying 16.6 points per night.

[Related: NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Interested in Cavs’ Ramon Sessions]

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Report: LeBron Has Been Trying to Talk to Dan Gilbert for Months

February 17, 2012 By 31 Comments

Amidst all of the rapid-fire discussion surrounding LeBron James’ recent comments about returing to Cleveland and making good with Cavaliers’ owner Dan Gilbert comes a report from Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski stating that this was not the first time the NBA forward has reached out to his former boss throughout this season.

Per the report:

LeBron James came to Cleveland with an unmistakable mission this week, the beginning of a campaign to soften the fans and ownership on his desire to return to the Cavaliers in 2014. Free agency is forever on his mind, and James is determined to make his hometown want him as much he wants it again.

This was no accident, no misspeaking, nothing out of context. Before mentioning Thursday his openness to playing in Cleveland again, James months ago had an emissary or two carry that message to the Cavaliers’ front office, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. His camp wanted the message delivered to owner Dan Gilbert, sources said, but so far, the response has been silence.

Wojnarowski goes on to say that James using the public as a medium will only serve to make things more precococious for the Cavs owner. James is “laying groundwork” for the team to desire him again and the ball will rest firmly in the court of the man who felt the most betrayed on the night of The Decision.

NBA tampering rules forbid owners from discussing players rostered by other teams, presently making things difficult for Gilbert even if he desired to respond.

[Related: LeBron James’ Comments on Returning to Cleveland Well- and Curiously-Timed]

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LeBron: Cavs Haven’t Had a Good Point Guard in a Long Time

February 17, 2012 By 12 Comments

Though the history between LeBron James and Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving is well-documented with the former Cavalier mentoring the new one through his high school days, James’ fascination for Irving’s skill set and overall demeanor took a strange turn on Friday afternoon when the two-time MVP said that Cleveland has a great point guard, “which they haven’t had in a long time.”

James would go on to reference former point guards Andre Miller, Terrell Brandon and Mark Price. Notably missing was former Cavs guard Mo Williams, who was James’ teammate during the Cavaliers’ last two postseason runs. Williams was thought to have been a crucial upgrade at a position which was occupied by players like Eric Snow, Jeff McInnis and Damon Jones.

Williams was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that would ultimately net the Cavaliers the pick to select Irving, but the veteran guard was also one of the players to take James’ departure the worst. Despite having an above-average career within regular seasons, Williams’ career playoff totals left a lot to be desired, shooting 40.8 percent from the floor between the 2008-09 and 2009-10 postseasons.

[Related: LeBron James thinks he and Dan Gilbert could get along again]

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LeBron James’ Comments on Returning to Cleveland Well- and Curiously-Timed

February 17, 2012 By 40 Comments

Did LeBron just attempt to put out the fire?

There is a relative opportunity cost to having two days of rest amidst an otherwise condensed schedule of NBA fervor. At least this is what I thought when initial discussions surrounding a potential LeBron James return to Cleveland started swirling.

Since James’ departure, there had always been grumblings surrounding the relative lack of accouterments down in Biscayne Bay; no longer did James — or anyone close to him — have the ability to just come and go as desired, to use, or even abuse, team facilities and airborne amenities. Things just were not as cushy as they were during his seven seasons in Cleveland and Miami’s franhise curio cabinet still only held one Commissioner’s Trophy. Perhaps the honeymoon was over.

[Read more...]

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Roberto Hernandez Urging Young Dominicans to “Be Honest”

February 17, 2012 By 7 Comments

It didn’t take very long for Fausto Carmona to officially become Roberto Hernandez. But it took even less time for Hernandez to turn his arrest and subsequent name change into a story to be used for future generations.

Per The Plain Dealer’s Paul Hoynes:

Hernandez has been visiting independent baseball camps on the island since Feb. 7. After he speaks, he hands out T-shirts to the players. On the front is printed this message in Spanish: “In Truth, There is Triumph.” Hernandez’s name is on the back with his number (55).

Arrested just under two months ago, Hernandez is now using his place in baseball as well as Dominican lore to educate and speak out against individuals who may attempt to “take advantage” of the next generation of potential MLB talent.

While Hernandez will not join the Indians as pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Arizona in the coming days, but he is expected to be with the team once his legal issues have been cleared.

[Related: Is the Tribe Down On Jeanmar Gomez?]

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WFNY’s 2012 NBA Draft Not-so-Big Board 2.0

February 16, 2012 By 20 Comments

With the All-Star break approaching and the dust beginning to settle, we will start to change up our Not-so-Big board to cater to where the Cleveland Cavaliers can be anticipated to make their selection. No longer can we just anticipate top-three or top-five as the Wine and Gold find themselves 2.5 games behind the eight-seed New York Knicks.

We will be operating under the assumption that, as of now, the Cavs will not be drafting in the top-five this summer.  Sure, the lottery can work wonders — it did just that this past year.  That said, you’ve seen enough of these Boards to know which players we prefer in the event luck bounces Cleveland’s way once again.

If anything, this updated format will lend insight into any relative drop-off between the top-five and the top-10.

[Read more...]

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Welcome Back, Kyrie Irving

February 16, 2012 By 13 Comments

It’s like riding a bike.  You know, if feverishly peddling a Sonic 6 was akin to rolling left off of a ball screen only to dribble-drive full speed in to the elevated body of a 7-foot-2-inch, 280-pound center. As Kyrie Irving lunged toward the rim, his 190-pound frame bounced off of Roy Hibbert’s body as if the All-Star big man were made of cinder block; Irving responded with a left-handed lay-in over the former Hoya’s ready-and-waiting hands.

It was only two points and the play occurred with a mere four minutes having run off of the game clock, but the sequence rang loud. The first-overall pick, on the cusp of what many had considered to be an All-Star campaign of his own, coming back from the first injury sustained in his diaper and similac-young NBA career — a concussion, the injury du jour of all contemporary sports-related medical studies and a diagnosis which ultimately sealed the public relations fate of the 2011 Cleveland Browns. Missing three games following severe headache and sensitivity, Irving returned to the hardwood to not only take part in the team’s 11-point win over the Indiana Pacers, but he played his typically integral role, scoring and facilitating and spinning off of countless would-be defenders. [Read more...]

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Kiper: Browns to Draft Baylor’s Griffin, Wright

February 15, 2012 By 23 Comments

ESPN’s resident draftnik and hair product connoisseur Mel Kiper released the latest edition (2.0!) of his 2012 mock draft on Wednesday afternoon, and has the Cleveland Browns leaving with a pair of Baylor Bears after the first round.

With the fourth overall selection:

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Given the makeup of the roster, and the fact that they have two first-round picks and can really enhance the level of young talent, I think the Browns are far more likely to look at a young QB prospect than get into the bidding war for a veteran like Manning, or even Matt Flynn. One question I have is whether Cleveland stays at this spot and hopes Griffin is still around, or gets aggressive and moves up to No. 2 and guarantees they get their guy. Given his experience, leadership qualities and overall skill set, I don’t see it as much of a leap for Griffin to be a Week 1 starter in 2012.

And with the 22nd-overall pick, Griffin’s speedy teammate at Baylor.

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Cleveland needs help at wide receiver but may not be able to get it in free agency, and Wright is a player who can provide an element the Browns don’t have right now. The pick makes sense on both need and value. Wright quietly had a season that almost matched Blackmon’s in the Big 12. Greg Little was inconsistent but certainly showed a lot of promise as a rookie, and Wright is a good complement. He’s smaller at about 5-10, 190 pounds, but adds a speed threat this offense really needs. He’ll stretch the field with speed. The Browns need weapons, and Wright fits the profile.

Kiper does state that he’s not allowed to reflect or predict trades. Thus, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon goes second-overall to the St. Louis Rams. The Browns have been rumored to be in the mix for a potential trade-up scenario, but have also been linked to running back Trent Richardson with the forth pick.

Kiper’s colleague Todd McShay also has the Browns selecting Griffin fourth overall, pairing him with Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd.

[Related: SB Nation: Mock Draft Pegs Browns With Richardson, Tannehill]

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Cavaliers Guard Kyrie Irving Cleared to Play

February 15, 2012 By 2 Comments

The Cavaliers have announced that rookie point guard Kyrie Irving has been medially cleared to play after missing the team’s previous three games with a concussion.

Fully participating in practice on Tuesday, Irving, who suffered said concussion in the February 7 contest against the Miami Heat, had to await full medical clearance from team doctors and the NBA before he would be able to suit up in a game. Team Physician Dr. AJ Cianflocco of the Cleveland Clinic personally cleared Irving, who will be active, and presumably starting, in Wednesday night’s contest against the Indiana Pacers.

“It was a process I had to go through and it made me appreciate what I was doing at the beginning of the season and when I was out and not being able to be with my teammates,”  said Irving of his time missed. “It was a process I had to go through and  I’m glad it’s done.”

Point guard Ramon Sessions will resume his role as the first point guard off of the Cavaliers’ bench.

[Related: Varejao’s Injury Changes Cavs Outlook]

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