May 19, 2013

NBA Rumors: Cavaliers discussed deal with Kings that would have removed restrictions from first round pick

February 21, 2013 by 22 Comments

According to Jason Lloyd, the Cavaliers and Kings had discussions about a deal that would have removed the restrictions surrounding Sacramento’s first round pick owed to the Cavaliers in the Hickson/Casspi deal-

“#Cavs made offer to Sac to remove pick protections from Hickson/Casspi trade, league source said. Deal died with Sac/Hou trade last night” -Jason Lloyd

Those restrictions are as follows-

2013 first round draft pick from Sacramento: Sacramento’s own 2013 first round draft pick to Cleveland (top-13 protected in 2013, top-12 protected in 2014, top-10 protected in 2015, top-10 protected in 2016 and top-10 protected in the 2017 Draft) If Cleveland has not received a first round pick from Sacramento by 2017, then Sacramento shall convey their own 2017 2nd round draft pick to Cleveland provided it is within the top-55 picks. If it is not, then Sacramento’s obligation to Cleveland shall be extinguished. (Cleveland-Sacramento, 6/30/2011)

The deal Lloyd is referring to sent Thomas Robinson to the Rockets and saved the Kings over $3 million dollars in payroll this season.

No details regarding the proposed deal between Cleveland and Sacramento were given, but it is assumed that the Cavs would have taken on salary in exchange for the protections being removed. Sacramento owns the league’s 6th worst record. The Cavaliers currently have the 4th worst record.

[Related: Speights drawing interest, Cavaliers not enticed]

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WFNY’s 2012 NBA Draft Roundtable

June 28, 2012 by 18 Comments

NBA Draft day is here! In the Cavaliers’ franchise history, these have been some special days. The Cavaliers have drafted nearly all of their franchise cornerstones, and they’re hoping to add another for the second straight year. Here at WFNY, we’ve got a wide range of college and pro basketball opinions, and we drew on those experiences in this roundtable. We hope you enjoy.

Who is your guy and why (obviously excluding Anthony Davis)?

Kirk: “The answer to this question for me has been MKG, Beal, and Barnes all within the last three months. I remain firm in my opinion that the Cavs should not and will not be disappointed if they stay at four and select Barnes. In the end, I’m hoping for MKG. I’m counting on the fact that he’s only 18 and it will give him plenty of time to develop that jumper, and the other aspects of his game will be outstanding enough to warrant the selection even if he never becomes what you would call a good shooter.”

Andrew: “I remain on team MKGtoCLE. I totally get people’s concerns about his shooting ability, but I don’t want MKG as a shooter. I want MKG to run the floor with Kyrie, slash to the rim, draw fouls, grab rebounds, play tenacious defense, and be an on floor leader. Basically, I want MKG to be MKG and do all the things he does best. When watching Kentucky games, you couldn’t help but notice him doing all the little things to help his team win. It’s intagibles similar to what you get with Anderson Varejao. Fine, those guys are limited offensively. But they’re winners. They do whatever it takes to give you a chance to win. That’s what I want on the Cavaliers.”

Rick: “Admittedly, I watch probably less college basketball than any other writer at the site. That said, I have been tracking Beal since February, thinking the Cavs would have a shot at him. What I read about MKG makes me think he is the smart choice. Truthfully, I will be excited about either of these guys. ” [Read more...]

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NBA Draft 2012: Time To Go Get Brad Beal?

June 23, 2012 by 31 Comments

The NBA Draft is upon us, and the Cavaliers and their fans are sure to have an eventful week, climaxing on Thursday night. The Cavs hold the No. 4 overall pick in a Draft that has little locked in after Anthony Davis at No. 1 for New Orleans. After Davis, there’s another five prospects who have all consistently been rumored within the top four — the big man duo of Thomas Robinson and Andre Drummond, and Harrison Barnes, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Bradley Beal. At one time or another, the Cavaliers have been linked with all of these prospects, with a consensus coalescing around the latter three.

The Cavs, of course, will not have their pick of the litter at No. 4. It’s likely that Beal, for one, is off the board before Chris Grant is on the clock. In comes Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated, who reported yesterday that many league executives expect Grant to approach the Bobcats with a trade for the No. 2 pick: [Read more...]

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NBA Draft: Staying at #4 And Debating The Prospects

June 10, 2012 by 27 Comments

When the NBA Draft Lottery dust settled and the Cavalier contingent was a bit downtrodden to see their sword and basketball logo pop up in the #4 envelope, I was among those thinking of what could have been. If the Cavaliers had nabbed the second or third pick, they were guaranteed either Kentucky forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Florida guard Bradley Beal, the two realistic scenarios that kept Cavalier fans with their eye on the ultimate prize in the doldrums of late spring losses in #TankStrong season. However, the more I think about, watch film, and listen to news reports, the more I think the Cavaliers need to take a patient approach and see what falls to them at the four slot.

With the unibrowed one, Anthony Davis, already with his bags packed for New Orleans, it’s pointless to discuss him any further. Instead, if the Cavaliers stay at four, it’s likely that Kidd-Gilchrist, Beal, North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes, Kansas forward Thomas Robinson, or Connecticut center Andre Drummond will be a Cavalier. Yes, there’s always the possibility of Connecticut guard Jeremy Lamb, though he could potentially be had after a trade down. I’ve watched film on all of these guys recently to a varying degree as well as getting a look at each of them in several games throughout the college basketball season, and what I see is a lot of similar talent level. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Harrison Barnes, Nick Hamilton, and More NBA Draft Talk

June 9, 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.

Leading off, our own Scott Sargent chronicled the path of Harrison Barnes to the NBA and compares his path to the one carved out thus far by Kyrie Irving, “Descending upon the media portion of the NBA Draft combine one year after one his best friends in Irving did the same, Barnes, fresh off of his 20th birthday, stood out amongst the group of giants not due to size or stature but due to his demeanor, professionalism and understanding that, despite the inability to legally consume alcohol, he has to be as much of an adult as the veterans with whom he will soon be sharing a locker room.” [Scott/Still WFNY @ Cleveland.com]

Over at Did The Tribe Win Last Night, there’s a great story on Nick Hamilton, the recent Tribe draft pick and son of Tom Hamilton, “Unlike his dad, Nick Hamilton’s first read on the ball is not how it sounds coming off the bat, but what it looks like. “Your senses make up for each other,” Nick Hamilton said. “I have very good vision. I think that’s what I rely on more instead of sound. I can [hear] the difference between a really badly hit ball and a really well hit ball, but for the most part, I use my vision and try to judge the speed that way. It’s amazing how the body works.” [DTTWLN]

Brendan Bowers at Stepien Rules has been talking plenty of NBA Draft recently. Yesterday, he covered several topics, including the Bobcats shopping that second pick, “If the Bobcats would take pick number four to allow themselve to dump Diop and/or Thomas on the Cavaliers in order for Cleveland to move up two spots I’d give the tires a quality kick on that. The Cavs are way under the cap, and per the new CBA they may need to look for ways to actually spend money in order to get themselves to the minimum salary cap floor.” [Stepien Rules] [Read more...]

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Fran Fraschilla: Lamb a Great Fit for Cavs at No. 4

June 2, 2012 by 11 Comments

ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla is up on the WWL’s site today with a look at some of the best potential fits for teams in the NBA Draft in a few weeks. To lead off his article, he shares some insight on how UCONN’s Jeremy Lamb could look in a Cavaliers uniform:

Put Lamb in the backcourt with defending rookie of the year Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers have solved a major problem for the next decade. Lamb’s positional size, scoring ability and high ceiling make him a great fit for a rebuilding franchise.

While Lamb, who is younger than Irving, can certainly improve his strength, the notion that he is a soft player is foolish.

I talked earlier today with my brother Sam about how I’m warming up to the idea of Lamb, and Andrew wrote a lot about it yesterday as well. Fraschilla also theorizes Thomas Robinson being a great fit for Charlotte and MKG being good for Washington, which would also mean Bradley Beal would be available at No. 4. Fraschilla later said Jared Sullinger would be a good fit for Toronto at No. 8.

[Related: The WFNY email Conversation: What Should The Cavs Do At #4] 

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The WFNY email Conversation: What Should The Cavs Do At #4

May 31, 2012 by 52 Comments

Here at WFNY, some of our best post ideas come from our daily email conversations. In the spirit of openness, we wanted our readers to get a sample of what one of these banter sessions look like. A night after the NBA Draft lottery, we got into an interesting back and forth about what the Cavs should do, now that we know they will be picking fourth. The only consesus is that we don’t know what they will did. But then again, I don’t think GM Chris Grant knows either.

So without further ado, take a gander at some our our thoughts. 

Kirk: From our discussion back at the NFL draft, Andrew, I’ll be interested in what you think long form on Harrison Barnes being a UNC follower. I don’t think picking him is the worst outcome from where they’re sitting, but I do sprint up to the podium if Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Bradley Beal falls.

TD:  I just saw Draft Express has us with Beal at 4. Thomas Robinson going 2 to Charlotte and MKG going #3 to Washington.

Andrew: I’m leaning towards putting my support behind T-Rob at 4. I’m really torn on that, because Robinson makes no sense on the Cavaliers, but I think there’s a big talent gap between him and Barnes. I am so not a Barnes guy at all. [Read more...]

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Jayhawks End OSU’s Final Four Journey

April 1, 2012 by 13 Comments

In the first half, the Buckeyes were in complete control and the Kansas Jayhawks had no answer for their shot-making and defensive ferocity. The problem? The Buckeyes’ momentum and edge stayed in the halftime locker room as the Jayhawks came back from 13 down to pull out a 64-62 victory to advance to the Championship Game Monday night against the Kentucky Wildcats in New Orleans. The Bucks shot just 24% in the second half and their dynamic post duo of Sullinger and Thomas shot a combined 8-for-33 from the field. The Buckeyes were offensively ineffective for the last half of the game, and because of it, Kansas seized the momentum and were able to make more plays late. Ohio State had this game won, and yet they’re going home. That’s the hardest part to swallow out of all of this.

This game could not have started any better for the Buckeyes. The slumping shooting guard, William Buford, hit his first shot, and you a had a feeling that he would be much more engaged in the game. The Buckeyes forced the Jayhawks into 9 first half turnovers, and they were able to convert in transition. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks had 0 transition points in the first half and shot just 37%. Deshaun Thomas covered Robinson and held him to 8 points. Jared Sullinger finished a few shots over the top of the shotblocker Jeff Withey. The Buckeyes were setting up for charges (Craft took two) and blocking shots (Sam Thompson had three). Lenzelle Smith Jr. hit some big shots, and the starting five each had 5 points or more at the break. In short, the Buckeyes looked unstoppable. [Read more...]

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Final Four Thoughts: Buckeyes Must Remain True To Their Style Of Play

March 31, 2012 by 1 Comment

As fans get set for a fantastic pair of games tonight between Kentucky and Louisville and, of course, Ohio State and Kansas, I’d like to take a little time to talk about just how great it is that the Buckeyes are here and how truly unexpected it is given some of their shortcomings this season.

Many thought last season was the Bucks’ best shot at the Final Four and more. It didn’t happen, and the Buckeyes lost three big emotional leaders from that team in David Lighty, Jon Diebler, and Dallas Lauderdale. One player they didn’t lose was Jared Sullinger. With Sully, Buford, and Craft returning from that core group of the top six players, they needed more. The two players that have come the longest way are the other two starters, sophomores Deshaun Thomas and Lenzelle Smith Jr. Thomas gave last year’s team a dynamic boost in a few select games, and Smith Jr. was slowed by a wrist injury and was the ninth man in a 7 man rotation. Together, these two have helped the five-man unit gel much like last year’s group did. The chemistry, thought to be holding them back mid-season, has come on strong, and the Bucks play together as a team and complement each other as well as any team out there.

I touched on it earlier this week in my article with TD, but it is truly amazing how different the Buckeyes are since that matchup in Lawrence. Jordan Sibert played big minutes in that game, and he hasn’t hit the floor in meaningful action for weeks. Evan Ravenel had to play over 30 minutes in that game, and Amir Williams had to pick up the rest without Sullinger. Sam Thompson and Shannon Scott, two of the first bench options for Matta now, barely played in that showdown. That was also one of Craft’s first aggressive games on offense, and he has been much more consistent attacking on offense down the stretch. [Read more...]

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Two Sides Of The Final Four: Breaking Down The Key Points Of Kansas vs. Ohio State

March 29, 2012 by 8 Comments

You’ve got two great teams. Two great coaches. Two First Team All-Americans. Two #2 Seeds. Kansas and Ohio State. A pair that met earlier in the season but aren’t even close to being the same teams they were on that December day in Lawrence. While we are on the theme of two, at WFNY you’ve got a pair of trained eyes on each side. Kirk (responses in red), an Ohio State grad, and TD (responses in blue), a Kansas grad. We will be taking a look at the keys to Saturday’s Final Four tilt from both sides.

What did the Buckeyes/Jayhawks learn from their first meeting? [Read more...]

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The Sweet 16 and the NBA Draft: Florida, Kansas, Michigan State, Indiana

March 22, 2012 by 6 Comments

With the Sweet 16 upon us and the end of the NBA season rapidly approaching (didn’t it seem like this season last like a month?), this will be your (and NBA scouts for that matter) last few chances to see some of the top prospects play real competition. I have never been a “workout” guy. I go by what I see on the court.

With 16 teams left, I thought it would be a good time to take a look into who is left in terms of NBA prospects the Cavaliers could be interested in with four draft picks this June (two first rounders and two second rounders). If the season ended today, the Cavs would have the eighth worst record in the NBA. So unless they essentially end up losing out the rest of the way, they will be picking somewhere between sixth and ninth with their first selection.

The first part of this series, we looked at the #1 Kentucky Wildcats. We followed with the UNC Tar Heels and then Syracuse, Ohio State, Marquette, and Baylor This piece will focus on the rest of the field. 

Florida - A real target for the Cavs with their first pick is talented Freshman SG Bradley Beal (Draft Express #7). The former McDonald’s All-American from St. Louis was a member of the All-Freshman team in the SEC and would have won it if not for a guy named Anthony Davis. He can do it all. He shoots the three ball with precision, he has a nice mid-range J, and has no problem taking the ball strong to the hoop. He’s 6’4, 200 lbs, and plays with a confidence about him you can’t teach, yet he’s not cocky. By all accounts, Beal is a great kid and a solid teammate. He’s the type of two guard that could be a perfect pair with Kyrie Irving for years to come in Cleveland. [Read more...]

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