The Boots are my method of applauding or criticizing various newsworthy events in the world of sports. The word “Boot” refers to a torturous childhood nickname, and thus, now serves as my own personal sports writing payback. More of these features can be found with the University of Dayton’s Flyer News, and topics for future articles can be sent to tips@waitingfornextyear.com.
Boot Up: Building Blocks – There’s no question in my mind that last week’s trade with the Los Angeles Clippers assured the Cleveland Cavaliers of a more straight-forward rebuild process. Yes, you can go ahead and read Kelly Dwyer’s drivel all you want, but you really can’t afford to contradict yourself so many times.
Dwyer makes the point that Mo Williams should have been traded months ago, but then he’s overweight anyway. He says Baron Davis is a team cancer, but that he will actually be a major aspect of the Cavs’ future. That’s my criticism for Dwyer because it’s simply obvious that Davis is not a long-term solution to anything here in Cleveland. [Read more...]
The Cavaliers lost to the Portland Trail Blazers last night to set a new single season NBA consecutive loss record. It was the 24th consecutive loss for a team that has not won a game since December 18th. They have lost an absurd 34 out of 35 games. They did not blow a lead in the fourth quarter as they did in Memphis on Friday but the Cavs were once again competitive throughout this contest. The Cavaliers defense simply cannot get stops at the end of games when they need to (this happens at the beginning and middle of games as well). There 3 point defense has plagued them all season and it was the driving reason why they lost again last night and broke the record.
‘Dudes’?: “As if ‘The Decision’ weren’t brutal enough for Cavs fans, ESPN is throwing another gut punch…Scene two, labeled “Unamazing Cavaliers” and “King James no more!,” carries an image of LeBron James in a Miami Heat uniform walking away from his crumpled number 23 Cavs jersey in the garbage can. The Cavs are the only team in the preview issue not illustrated by an image of a current player or owner. Gary Belsky, ESPN the Magazine’s editor in chief, said his staff was sympathetic to Cavs fans, but when ESPN writers and editors presented story lines for the season to Marvel artists, they decided this was the way to tell it. ‘Honestly,’ he said, ‘we talked a lot about that and we didn’t see it as kicking the city and Cavs fans while they’re down.’ In fact, Belsky promised a special-edition image if the Cavs surpass ESPN’s expectations. ‘Nothing would make us happier if that would be the case,” he said. “If they get past 40 wins, I will go back to Marvel and say, ‘Dudes, we were wrong.’” [
