KR1245;1022558 wrote:Exactly. Let's hope the Kings make a playoff push as well

Isn't the kings pick protected?

I really hope Byron Scott does the right thing and starts Kyrie immediately. He's already the best player on this team, so give him the ball.

With Irving and then Varejao, Casspi, and Gibson, we have the makings of 1 legit starter and a pretty solid bench. So we're making progress.

Commander of Awesome;1022579 wrote:Isn't the kings pick protected?

Lottery protected. We would get it if they made the playoffs, and it would likely be in the 15-20 range.

In that case I want Doron Lamb. He's shooting over 50% from three and averaging 16 points on a team that already has 4 NBA players.

it's been two pre-season games and my hatred of jamison, sessions and hollins is already in mid-season form

Watched most of the 1st half and a little of the 2nd half. Not sure if Casspi looked good because he was playing harder than everyone else because it was a preseason game, or if he actually has a shot to be a productive player. I know I liked him while he was in Sacto, so hopefully it is the latter. As was expected, Thompson is going to struggle offensively this year, but he is a legitimate defensive/shot blocking presence. If he can develop a 15' J in the next year or 2 then he has a chance to be a good player. IF he doesn't become a starter, it won't be from a lack of effort (ie JJ Hickson). When Casspi and Thompson are on the floor together, the have some length, athleticism and shot blocking they didn't have last year. I'd expect this team to be better defensively.

Ultimately, this team should be more competitive than last year, but is going to lose a bunch of games because they are going to get no production from the 2, Irving is going to be solid but is still a rookie and will make mistakes, and Antawn Jamison can't be a go-to scorer on a winning basketball team. Really hoping Byron Scott waits until year 3 to make the huge turnaround, instead of year 2 like at his other stops because this team really needs 2 more starters. At least 1 of those need to come though the draft.

Pick6;1022517 wrote:I look for Mychael Thompson and Eyenga to get cut. Eyenga is an explosive player, but somebody has to go.

1 - Irving
2 - Parker
3 - Casspi
4 - Jamison
5 - Varejao
6 - Thompson
7 - Sessions
8 - Gibson
9 - Gee
10 - Samuels
11 - Hollins
12 - Harangody
13 - Erden
14 - Eyenga
15 - Harris

That's my predicted final 15. I think the Cavs already extended Eyenga for 2012-13 season. I can't imagine them cutting Kid Congo this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see him spend some time in the D-League. Plus with the condensed season w/ 3 games in 3 nights I'd expect teams to use their bench a little more than normal. So there should be minutes to hand out to these young guys.

Cavs come in at #29 in the NBA.com power rankings, ahead of only Charlotte. I think 29 is about right, but I'd probably have Toronto last personally.

I also didn't realize how easy the Cavs early schedule was until seeing those rankings.

If the Cavs aren't too terrible, they have a chance to pick up some wins early. They have Toronto twice, Detroit, New Jersey, Charlotte and Minnesota in their first seven games.

Can't see Cleveland being worse than Toronto. That team is garbage.

I think Bobcats, Det, and Toronto will all be worse. I can Atl faltering as well in the East.

I'm going to have fun watching them. I think they'll be competitive, win a couple of games they shouldn't and get blown out in some games that should be close...

Ultimately, I want another top 5 pick.

Commander of Awesome;1023537 wrote:I think Bobcats, Det, and Toronto will all be worse. I can Atl faltering as well in the East.

I think Detroit could make a playoff push this year. I expect Monroe and Daye both to show a lot of improvement, plus the bottom of the East is still horrible. I agree about Atlanta though. I actually think that a lot of teams could fall off this year.

I don't think Boston, Atlanta, the Lakers, Dallas, San Antonio, or Denver are as good as last season. Boston and SA just because they're getting old (and should benefit from the shortened season), but the other teams are legitimately worse in terms of talent in my opinion.

Miami, Chicago, and OKC are the only legit contenders I really think improved.

Greg Monroe sucks.

Detroit won't be bad. I see them having issues with brandon knight though. In 2 preseason games you can see he is a major ball hog. Ben gordon won't go for that very long.

Detroit will be bad.

Midstate01;1023667 wrote:Detroit won't be bad. I see them having issues with brandon knight though. In 2 preseason games you can see he is a major ball hog. Ben gordon won't go for that very long.

Huh? Based on what? He didn't hog the ball any more than Irving, who also didn't hog the ball.

GOONx19;1023840 wrote:Huh? Based on what? He didn't hog the ball any more than Irving, who also didn't hog the ball.

I dont think he hogged the ball. Didn't seem like he did much though, compared to Irving anyways.

I dont think the Pistons will be good. We (Cavs) could probably be better than the Wizards as well.

The East is going to be pretty bad this year. Toronto, Washington, Detroit, and Charlotte are going to be playing some awful basketball this year.

hoops23;1023662 wrote:Greg Monroe sucks.

lol but you like Tristan Thompson?

Mulva;1024184 wrote:lol but you like Tristan Thompson?

Yes, because Tristan Thompson is better than Greg Monroe. Simple.

IMO, Monroe is soft.

BTW, it's well known that Detroit really wanted Tristan Thompson...

That should tell you everything.

yea I think Monroe sucks too. He cant even shoot a lay up with his right hand.

Pick6;1024445 wrote:yea I think Monroe sucks too. He cant even shoot a lay up with his right hand.

Exactly. He had some horrible post possessions against the Cavs in the preseason.

I will agree with Mulva about Austin Daye. I really like him as an offensive player.

hoops23;1024451 wrote:Exactly. He had some horrible post possessions against the Cavs in the preseason.

I will agree with Mulva about Austin Daye. I really like him as an offensive player.

Same. He will create some match up problems, thats for sure. He could use some extra muscle on his frame though.

Pick6;1024457 wrote:Same. He will create some match up problems, thats for sure. He could use some extra muscle on his frame though.

Yea he could. It'd really help his postgame, which then would open up his jumpshot even more.

Cavs waived Manny Harris and Kenny Hayes today, bringing the roster to 15.

Mychel Thompson made the team.

hoops23;1024597 wrote:Cavs waived Manny Harris and Kenny Hayes today, bringing the roster to 15.

Mychel Thompson made the team.

Something tells me manny Harris will leave and do well elsewhere.