June 19, 2013

Trading Ramon Sessions was the right move

March 15, 2012 by 38 Comments

The Cavaliers today moved Ramon Sessions and Christian Eyenga to the Los Angeles Lakers for Luke Walton, Jason Kapono and LA’s first round draft pick.

We’ve discussed trading Sessions before, and while everyone agrees that Sessions is the ideal back-up point guard, the fact remains he likely would have opted out of his contract at the end of the year. He can start for a lot of teams, including the Lakers. It is hard to imagine Sessions sitting behind Kyrie for another season.

The Cavaliers will now have two first round picks, their own and wherever the Lakers finish. Currently, those two picks would be #8 and #25 just based on standings- obviously the lottery pick could end up being in the top 3. They also have two second round picks, their own and the Hornets’ second rounder. Those picks would be #33 and #38 right now.

That’s 4 picks in the top 38. And let’s be honest, the Cavs pick will likely improve by moving Sessions. The Cavaliers are a slightly weaker team on the court today than yesterday. [Read more...]

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Christian Eyenga Tweets During Game, Suffers “Toe Laceration”

March 1, 2012 by 19 Comments

Cavaliers forward Christian Eyenga sent the tweet above at 8:44pm while his team was playing a contest in Madison Square Garden. Though no injury update was given prior to Wednesday night’s loss to the New York Knicks, the Cavaliers swingman apparently did not travel with the team due to what is being called a “toe laceration” that received multiple stitches.

The Cavaliers state that the injury occurred prior to their three-point loss to the Boston Celtics, but made no mention of the injury until the latter portion of the back-to-back slate had been completed. Several injury-related inquiries were made throughout the week, but all replies surrounded the return of shooting guard Anthony Parker who returned after missing several games due to back tightness.

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… How to build a champion, LaPorta and the farm system and having ‘patience’ with Eyenga

February 15, 2012 by 3 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Part 2 of the ‘Building a Winner’ series- “The top 3 teams of the last ten years relied on two total draft selections inside the top 8 to build their cores: Tim Duncan and Michael Finley (We can debate about including David Robinson. He was the #1 pick fourteen years earlier and played only the first two seasons of these ten, while averaging 10 & 8). Compared to the less capable teams that drafted early in the lottery repeatedly, either immediately proceeding or early in these ten years (Memphis, Clippers, Toronto), that’s a pretty sharp contrast. The teams were built by signing free agents at a good value, making great talent evaluations later in the draft, and always getting the better end of a trade.” [Hetrick/Cavs the Blog] [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Chisenhall’s Spot, Ferrell for All-Star and Misfit Cavaliers

February 13, 2012 by 4 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

“If the Indians stick with their four man bench setup like in years past (12 pitchers, 13 position players), then barring injury the bench looks close to being set right now with catcher Lou Marson, infielder Jason Donald, outfielder/first baseman Shelley Duncan all but guaranteed spots. The fourth and final spot could be filled with Hannahan or Chisenhall so the Indians can carry both players, but the Indians will probably need that final spot on the bench for another right-handed bat like Aaron Cunningham, Ryan Spilborghs, or maybe even Jose Lopez.

So the true battle that involves Chisenhall this spring comes down to the Indians making the best decision on what to do with the 25th spot on the roster. Do they just do what they have in the past and stay with the 12-man pitching staff and just option Chisenhall to Columbus? This looks like the most ideal scenario. The only chance he may have to make the team is if they decide to have more flexibility with the lineup and only have 11 pitchers, thus creating another bench opening for someone like Hannahan since Chisenhall would be the regular third baseman if he is with the team.

You hate to send Chisenhall to the minors to open the season, but it may be what is best for the team in the short term. The pitching staff really trusts Hannahan over at third base, and Chisenhall is still adjusting to the big leagues. His defense and hitting both could use a little more polish in the minors, and he still does have all three of his options left.” [Tony/Indians Prospect Insider] [Read more...]

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Christian Eyenga Returns to Practice

January 24, 2012 by 3 Comments

The Cavaliers made the decision at the beginning of the year that swingman Christian Eyenga needed more work and opportunities to play than he would get in Cleveland. So they did what was expected and sent him to the D-League Canton Charge affiliate. Coach Scott said publicly that he wanted Eyenga to work on his defense, and I’m sure the whole organization would appreciate if he worked on his outside shot.

Fastforward to Monday, when it is announced that Eyenga would be returning to the Cavaliers roster.

Christian took part in the team’s practice in Miami, and from the sounds of it, you have to wonder exactly what he’s been doing for the last month:

The Cavs recalled guard/forward Christian Eyenga from the Canton Charge. Eyenga was assigned to Canton on Jan. 4 and played in nine games (eight starts), averaging 8.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 24.6 minutes.

Eyenga was sent down to work on his defense, but apparently didn’t work as hard as he did on Monday.

“I’m so tired,” he said. “This is my first practice in, like, a month. We practiced but not so hard. I’m just really, really tired.”

[Read more...]

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Cavaliers Recall Christian Eyenga From Canton Charge

January 23, 2012 by 2 Comments

The Cavaliers today recalled G/F Christian Eyenga from their D-League affiliate in Canton. Daniel Gibson missed Saturday’s game in Atlanta because of a death in his family, but returned to the team today. This could be an indication that Tristan Thompson’s ankle injury could keep him out of the line-up for at least a game.

In Canton, Eyenga was averaging 8.9 points and  3.8 rebounds while shooting 40%, hitting only one of the three pointers he has attempted this season.

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Re-Sign or Release: Christian Eyenga

May 12, 2011 by 10 Comments

Back in May, 2008, we featured a little series called “Re-Sign or Release” where we went through every player on the Cavaliers roster and turned to the readers to see what they would do if they were the general manager of the Wine and Gold and – hypothetically, of course – all of the players were up to have their respective contracts renewed.

Same hypothetical this time around: We’re looking to build for the future; all players are restricted free agents, likely requiring a bit of a pay raise from last season.  Do you re-sign them? Andrew has already laid out the roadblocks currently facing the Cavaliers in 2011; now it’s your turn. Vote below and leave your support in the comments.

Continuing on with our backcourt theme… Today, we take a look at a player who had his fair share of highlights to go with a few rookie-related head scratchers.  Everyone’s favorite Congloese swingman, Christian Eyenga.

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Previewing Cleveland’s Second Half Schedule

February 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The All-Star Weekend has been nothing special for Cleveland Cavaliers fans thus far, so let’s take a look at what’s left in the 2010-2011 season.

Currently owning the NBA’s worst record at 10-46 at the break, the Cavs will hope to utilize several upcoming home games to gain some optimism heading into the offseason. After winning two of three games this past week, the team plays at the Quicken Loans Arena for six of its next seven contests beginning Wednesday, Feb. 23.

Only six more wins are necessary this season to avoid tying both the 1970-1971 inaugural roster and 1981-1982 squad for the worst record in franchise history. It’d also be nice to crack the 17 victory mark set just seven years ago as well, so let’s see what’s left on the table for Cleveland:

Thursday, Feb. 24 – The NBA trading deadline is coming up shortly, and much could be changed around the league by next Thursday. [Read more...]

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Cavs Head Into Break With a Win, Hand Lakers Their Own Losing Streak

February 17, 2011 by 9 Comments

Double-digit wins never felt so good.

Long after the game was over and the bulk of the local media had cleared out of the locker room – they have deadlines, you know – Antawn Jamison sat in the ergonomic chair immediately outside of his locker, leaned back, stretched his legs out, put his hands behind his head and smiled.

After a tumultuous first “half” of the 2010-11 season, one that included an NBA record losing streak as well as a knee injury, Jamison will take his 34-year-old body into the All-Star break with his Bethesda, Maryland home now sold and his team of proteges now winners of two out of their last three contests, the latest of which is the shocking 104-99 win over the reigning NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers.

[Read more...]

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Christian Eyenga Throws Down Sick Dunk on Gasol and Bryant

February 16, 2011 by 8 Comments

Scott will have full coverage of the Cavaliers’ big win in the morning, for now sit back and enjoy!

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While We’re Waiting…The Hickson’s blocking Blake, streak ends, and Skyenga on the nickname

February 12, 2011 by 4 Comments

The block was incredible.  Just watch the video Craig tweeted out last night one more time.  It’s a great way to start the day.  [NBA.com]

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More on Hickson, and that block:  ”The good news for Cavs is that J.J. Hickson was a beast. The mitigating factor there is that Blake isn’t much of a help defender — he has all the physical tools to be a monster on the weak side, but he’s been allowed to coast defensively in Del Negro’s system. Still, J.J. has looked great for the last couple games, and he continued to look great tonight.

27 points and 14 rebounds is great news — what makes it even better is that only two of J.J.’s points came from outside of the paint. Hickson’s finally getting back to attacking. He still made some big mistakes (how big did that ridiculous travel with .5 left in the first half almost end up being?), but he’s showing why Cavs fans were so excited about him before the season.

And his defense on Blake in the post late was great. (Blake’s other major weakness — he has no moves over his right shoulder in the post. He should spend all summer working on that left hand.) And that block? WOW. WOW WOW WOW. Hickson’s 22, and he outplayed Blake on Friday. That’s good stuff.”   [Cavs The Blog / John Krolik]  [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Kosar Thoughts, Jeff Fisher, Holmgren’s Packers

January 30, 2011 by 3 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Continued perspectives on the Bernie Kosar rumors with several other NFL teams, and what the Browns should do next: “Now, merely hiring Kosar as a greeter, even a well-paid one, or as some other figurehead position haphazardly created for fan service purposes is not going to do it (See Brown, Jim).” [Doug/Cleveland Sports Torture]

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I know this was on my mind as soon as this news broke: “With Jeff Fisher parting ways with the Tennessee Titans earlier this week, there is no doubt that a number of Browns fans were playing the ‘what if’ game.” [Steve DiMatteo/Dawg Pound Daily] [Read more...]

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Cavs Cover Spread for Fourth Time in Five Games

January 26, 2011 by 7 Comments

Heading into Boston, the second night of a back-to-back stint, the Cleveland Cavaliers were 18-point underdogs against the reigning Eastern Conference Champions. 

Save for a rough second quarter in which Paul Pierce and company widened the gap between Cavaliers and Celtics, the Wine and Gold managed to stay relatively competitive, equaling their competitions output in the third quarter and allowing a five-point differential in the fourth.  The end result was a 112-95 loss with the Cavs covering the spread for the fourth time in their last five contests.

Once again, Byron Scott applauded his team’s effort, praised his young players and stressed the importance of not letting his team allow runs like they did over the second 12-minute stretch.  Overall, Scott said his team could have done things better, but did “okay.”

This one is all about silver linings, folks.

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Dirty Sanchez, Skyenga and Tribe of Yester-year

January 24, 2011 by 6 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Because it’s gross and the twitter world exploded when it happened last night- Sanchez wipes booger on Mark Brunell. [Hugging Harold Reynolds]

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Christian Skyenga steadily climbing the ladder of Cavalier all-time points leaders. Up to #231 already- “Despite all that the Cavaliers lost again and Skyenga will have to wait a few more days for his first career W. On the glass is half full side, he passed four more ex-Cavaliers and it now sitting pretty at 231st all-time.” [Wooley/Stepien Rules] [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…Buckeyes stay number one and Cavs lose again

January 23, 2011 by 6 Comments

Buckeyes beat the Illini, stay number one:  ”In a game of runs, Ohio State saved their best for last answering a 12-4 Illini run creating a 50-42 deficit with 12:53 to play with a 22-6 blitz of their own to take a 64-56 lead with 4:22 left before holding on for a 73-68 victory this afternoon against Illinois in Assembly Hall.

Freshman Jared Sullinger locked up another B1G Frosh of the Week award with a monster 27 point, 16 rebound effort including a clutch 13/15 from the stripe (10/11 2nd half). Fellow froshies Aaron Craft and Deshaun Thomas also shouldered much of the load as upperclassmen David Lighty (3/14 FG) and William Buford (2/8 FG) combined for just 16 points on 5/22 from the floor. Buford was nursing a bum ankle.

Jon Diebler picked up Lighty and Buford’s scoring slack with 15 gritty points including a big three giving OSU a 53-50 lead they would not relinquish and a smooth 15 foot floater on the baseline stretching the Buckeye lead to 62-56 with 4:53 to play.

Ohio State improved to 20-0 overall and 7-0 in the Big Ten, though it looked like that might not be the case through the first 28 minutes.

The Buckeyes can’t afford to celebrate too long as they put their undefeated mark on the line next at 9pm next Tuesday night in the Schott against #13 Purdue.”  [Chris / Eleven Warriors] [Read more...]

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Cavs News and Notes: Fanatic Jerseys, Bucks Preview, and Eyenga Returns

January 21, 2011 by 5 Comments

Byron Scott won’t say it, but it appears that this Cavaliers team is continually chasing their collective tail. 

Heading into Wednesday’s game, Scott and his staff were stressing the increased use of a “show” defense to help give the young and injured Cavs a chance to win games.  The defensive emphasis worked as the Wine and Gold found themselves within three points of the visiting Phoenix Suns, only to fall short in executing on the offensive end.

On Thursday’s practice, Scott discussed how select players were having trouble with specific plays on offense despite being with the team for a full season.  Hopefully working out those kinks at the Cleveland Clinic Courts, the attention turns back to defense as the team welcomes the Milwaukee Bucks to town on Friday night.

“You have to be ready for a physical battle [with Milwaukee],” said Scott following Friday’s shootaround. “They’re a physical team and we have to be ready to match that from the start. We cannot give up a 38-point quarter to start against this team.” [Read more...]

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Cavs Embarrassed in L.A.: When is Enough?

January 12, 2011 by 39 Comments

In Judaism, at Passover time, there is an old folk song called “Dayenu,” meaning “enough” in Hebrew.

The song goes on and on about all the miracles God performed for the Jewish people, continuously singing praise and stating that “it would have been enough” for each of the individual actions, but the list continued forward.

That’s what it was like in reverse Tuesday night for Cleveland Cavalier fans, with as negative feelings as you can get in just 10 months. Yes, it would have simply been enough murdering to a fan base to have the playoff meltdown against the Celtics. Certainly let alone The Decision or The Letter or the then ridiculous preseason predictions. But then the rough return and losses in 20 of 21 contests already? Hopefully, one would think that would have been enough as well.

But not in Cleveland. No, that’s clearly never enough in Cleveland. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Blast From the Past, Schafering Will Work for Food and Skyenga!

January 11, 2011 by 14 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Our latest at Still WFNY- “That said, WFNY thought it would be a masochistically entertaining exercise to see just who comprised the Cavaliers roster that was led by the duo of coaches John Lucas and Keith Smart to an overall record of 17-65, and see just what each of the 14 men are doing today.” [Scott/Still WFNY] [Read more...]

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Cleveland Cavaliers and Their Fans Still Have Positives To Lean On

January 10, 2011 by 18 Comments

With the passing of the winter solstice several weeks back, the nights were supposed to be growing shorter. For the Cleveland Cavaliers, it has to feel right now like the darkness will never end. It’s almost unbelievable when you think back on how wrong virtually everything has gone for the franchise dating back to the 2nd round playoff matchup with the Boston Celtics.

I’m not going to sit here and list all the misfortune, mistakes, and mishaps yet again. Things are bleak enough without wallowing in it. However, I’ll just point out that in the wake of LeBron James’ infamous defection to the Miami Heat, everybody was in agreement that the Cavaliers were going to be worse than they had been with him. The biggest point of contention between prognosticators, however, was the degree to which this franchise would revert.

Most national analysts tended to caution on the side of cataclysm while those who more closely followed this team and this group of players tended to find reasons for optimism. Not optimism in the championship prospects without LeBron, but an optimism in spirit wherein many of us saw a real shot at redemption for these much maligned players who were left behind. [Read more...]

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The Kids Are Alright: Harris, Hickson and Hops

January 10, 2011 by 7 Comments

For better or worse, Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott has been forced to turn things over to the younger players that encompass the Wine and Gold roster.

With injuries sustained to veterans Anderson Varejao (more on this later today), Leon Powe, Anthony Parker and Daniel Gibson, Scott started a pair of rookies in Sunday night’s 108-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns.  While the result wasn’t favorable from a win-loss standpoint, the level of play provided by the Cavalier rookies exceeded expectations, even leaving a glimmer of hope for what could exist ahead for the owner of the league’s worst record.

“I am extremely happy with the effort,” said Scott. ”I thought our guys played their butts off and played extremely hard. I’m really proud of our young guys, Manny [Harris], Christian [Eyenga] and Samardo [Samuels], I thought they really did an excellent job.”

[Read more...]

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