ISH's FIVE QUESTIONS: Cleveland Cavaliers Edition

No draft, signings done, no Summer League. Two months of nothingness......so it's time to do some ANALYSIS!!! One team at a time!!!

A brand new series which is not similar to any other sports websites idea....called....... ISH's FIVE QUESTIONS.

So let's go through the league alphabetically, shall we? :applause:

Previous teams:

Atlanta Hawks: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309213[/url]
Boston Celtics: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309651[/url]
Brooklyn Nets: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310158[/url]
Charlotte Bobcats: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310309[/url]
Chicago Bulls: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310413[/url]


Today's team?

[COLOR="DarkRed"]THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

PG - Irving/Jack
SG - Waiters/Miles/Karasev/Felix
SF - Clark/Gee
PF - Thompson/Bennett
C - Bynum/Verajao/Zeller

Head Coach - Mike Brown
General Manager - Chris Grant
[/COLOR]



[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.
[/B]
+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.

[/B]

You can elaborate on your answers. :D

Next up: [COLOR="MediumTurquoise"]Dallas Mavericks[/COLOR]. Have a Five Question suggestion for the Mavericks? Send me a PM with ideas.

:banana:

[QUOTE=bagelred]

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.
[/B]
+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.

[/B][/QUOTE]

Man, about time! Yes, I wait for these.

1) Kyrie and Varejao are the only two I"m comfortable saying "yes" too. However, they're both on the team... There are a lot of question marks with players like Bennett, Dion, and particularly Bynum, but I say True.

2) As with ANY trade, it depends on what they get for him, and it also depends on Bynum. If Bynum is back to being a force (20/10 stuff) then there's no need to trade Varejao; he complements Bynum well and is a very quality backup big on a contending team (which Cavs are if Bynum is a force).

3) Never considered that as a possibility, so False.

4) Time will tell.

5) True.

6) False, because I am not about to consider two rookies in a "deepest" discussion, plus Clark.. really? When I think "frontcourt" I don't think SF, and when I think Clark, I don't think PF.

7) Early returns were.... great energizer bunny off the bench. Then he started to stabilize a bit. Definitely has it in him, but I'd rather have him as my third option. For some reason I just feel like he's so inconsistent... boom or bust kind of scoring.

1. True if Bennett can successfully turn himself into a 3 and if Kyrie learns how to run an offense and set up teammates and if Bynum can return to all-star form, then maybe this team could contend in a few years.

2. True if I were the Cavs I would try to trade him for a defense first young SG and move Waiters to sixth man.

3. False

4. True he's an undersized 4 that's too slow to play the 3. If I were the Cavs I would've either drafted Oladipo/ McLemore and move Waiters to 6th man, or draft Otto Porter. IMO this is one of the worst #1 overall draft picks since Kwame Brown.

5. True if Bynum is healthy, False if he isn't.

6. False, Zeller and Clark are scrubs, Bennett is unproven and Thompson is only decent. Nets/ Knicks/ Bulls all have deeper front courts.

7. False I think he's a poor fit next to Irving and should be the 6th man or traded for a quality SF, plus if Bynums healthy then Kyrie will be the second option.

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/B]

False, I as they are now, they can be a very good squad in the future that will make the playoffs for many years to come. Championship contender? Probably not with what they have now.

[B]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/B]

True, if he can't stay healthy and they can get back a good return, why not?

[B]3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.[/B]

False.

[B]4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.[/B]

False, I don't think he will lever live up to the number 1 pick, but I don't think anyone else they could of took could live up to that in the draft class. The Cavs were in a tough spot and they still managed to get a good player.

[B]5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.[/B]

True, I see them making a low playoff seed.

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.[/B]

It could be debated. I'd say a team like the Pacers are better though.

[B]BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.[/B]

False, would be better as a 6th man, but he is a good player.

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/b]

Way FALSE. Irving is overrated, Bennett was a bad pick, Bynum was a bad signing. Verajao will be too old, once every one else is ready, etc...

[b]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/b]

Maybe, but I wouldn't do it yet, he is still their best player.

[b]3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.[/b]

False. I think they just realized it was a mistake let him go.

[b]4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.[/b]

True, all you have to do is listen to reaction of the announcers when they made the pick.

[b]5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.[/B]

Maybe, but I think they will probably come up short or make the 8th seed at best.

[QUOTE=embersyc][B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/b]

Way FALSE. Irving is overrated, Bennett was a bad pick, Bynum was a bad signing. Verajao will be too old, once every one else is ready, etc...

[b]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/b]

Maybe, but I wouldn't do it yet, he is still their best player.
[/QUOTE]
:roll: :roll: :roll:

1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.

IT REALLY DEPENDS ON INJURIES AND IF LEBRON COMES. CAN KYRIE REACH A LEVEL OF AI? I THINK ITS POSSIBLE BUT T IS GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN THAT.

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.

IT REALLY DEPENDS WHAT WE WOULD BE GETTING. ANDY IS VERY MUCH LOVED BY THE CITY AND THE ORGANIZATION. NOT TO MENTION, WHEN HEALTHY, HE IS A TOP 5 CENTER IN THE LEAGUE WITHOUT QUESTION. IT WOULD TAKE A LOT TO PART WITH HIM.

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.

I REALLY DON'T THINK SO.

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.

NO WAY OF TELLING YET.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.

I THINK THEY HAVE A VERY GOOD SHOT OF DOING IT UNLESS INJURIES GET IN THE WAY.

+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.

I THINK SO.

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.

I CERTAINLY HOPE SO. HE HAS BEEN COMPARED TO D. WADE. I HEAR HE IS A GYM RAT NOW. TIME WILL TELL.

[QUOTE=embersyc][B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/b]

Way FALSE. Irving is overrated, Bennett was a bad pick, Bynum was a bad signing. Verajao will be too old, once every one else is ready, etc...

[b]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/b]

Maybe, but I wouldn't do it yet, he is still their best player.
.[/QUOTE]

honestly one of the worst posts i've read on this site if serious. :lol

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/B]
--False-ish. With a somewhat healthy Bynum, I think they can grow into a contender, assuming Bennett isn't a complete bust. If Bynum is, well... Andrew Bynum, then they are still a bit behind other young contenders like OKC.

[B]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/B]
--True. I think Andy is one of, if not the most, underrated player in the NBA. However, if Bynum isn't healthy, it's going to take the Cavs a good 3-4 years to start competing (if they ever do), and by then Varejao will pushing 34. Can't forget that he relies heavily on his athleticism and energy, and he hasn't exactly had the best injury past. I thought he should have been dealt before the deadline last year.

[B]3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.[/B]
--Predominantly? I don't think so. Mike Brown is a good coach and I think the Cavs FO felt he could do good for this young Cavs core. Was it considered in his hiring? Bet your ass it was.

[B]4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.[/B]
--True. It's not that I don't think Bennett will become a solid, even good, NBA player. It's that I think Noel will eventually gain Noah-like value and you absolutely do not pass it up in this era of big men. At the very least, Noel as he is now got the Pelican's, Jrue Holiday. So, yeah... You're taking a risk on Andrew Bynum or building with an aging Varejao. Noel could have been [I]the[/I] missing piece, granted the Cavs would still need a second option on offense. I firmly believe the Cavs (and particularly the Bobcats) will look back at this draft in 5 years and wonder why the **** did they do what they did.

[B]5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.[/B]
--True. It's more to do with the lack of competition in the East than the Cavs. They have enough talent, even without Bynum to grab a late seed. That's how bad the Eastern Conference is right now.

+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.[/B]
--False. I still like the Grizzlies because I feel they have 3 legitimate starters, including two all-stars. Plus, Koufos isn't a bad player by any means. I don't trust Bynum, you have no idea what you will get with Bennett right now, and I really don't know what to expect from Clark, considering he's been bad on every team not named the Lakers. Davis > Zeller. Gasol and Z-Bo > Andy V and Thompson.

[B]BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.[/B]
False. He has the mindset and game of a sixth man. I don't know how anyone can see otherwise. A very good sixth man, but nevertheless a sixth man. I think it's clear as day, to be honest.

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/B]
True. Kyrie is a future Top 10 player, imo. If Bynum stays healthy and motivated, we all know what he can do. Tristan Thompson appears to be developing nicely. If Tristan or Bennett can develop into any kind of solid 18/8 type, Cavs will have their Big 3 good enough to contend for titles.

[B]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/B]
False! Very False. They have enough young talent and V[B]a[/B]r[B]e[/B]jao is an important piece of this team for his hustle, leadership, inside presence, compliments big rotation very well, etc.

[B]3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.[/B]
False. I think he was re-hired b/c owner Dan Gilbert had success w/ him before.

[B]4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.[/B]
False. For now. Obviously this can't be really answered until 4, 7, 10 years from now. Yeah even now the pick seemed like a big reach and also unnecessary as the Cavs probably could've traded down and still got Bennett. But GM Grant has done a respectable job drafting based on highest ceiling alone. Bennett, or Ben McLemore, fit that bill the most for the Cavs.

[B]5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.
[/B]
True. They've improved way too much to miss the playoffs in the East. Of course, this is assuming Bynum is healthy and motivated. But even if he isn't, Cavs can probably sneak in at #8 seed.

And why the hell does Cleveland get bonus Q's? I'm not answering them out of protest!

[QUOTE=bagelred]

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.

[I]True. Kyrie is close to superstar status. TT and Dion Waiters are both undeniably legit starters. Anthony Bennett should turn out to be a decent starting 4, maybe even better.
[/I]
2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.

[I]False. They will never get good value for him. Only teams that would like to have them would be contending teams, and they do not usually have lottery picks that they wanna throw around. He has a few good seasons left in him, he hasn't started to decline yet. He isn't injury prone in the sense that he doesn't suffer from chronic knee issues like Bynum. He is worth more to the cavs as a veteran leader/player. [/I]


3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.

[I]Absolutely False. Mike Brown was fired to appease Lebron, and Danny Ferry quit over the firing. Gilbert admited he made a mistake when he fired Mike Brown. Mike Brown was hired and hired quickly because the cavs want to build a defense oriented team, and they knew he would go fast in this seasons head coach market. [/I]

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.
[I]
Unanswerable really, but there was no definite clear cut #1 in the draft.[/I]

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.
[/B]
True. Even without Bynum they should get there. Anything he produces is gravy.
+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.

[I]False. [/I]

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.

[/B]

[I]Absolutely true. [/I]

You can elaborate on your answers. :D

Next up: [COLOR="MediumTurquoise"]Dallas Mavericks[/COLOR]. Have a Five Question suggestion for the Mavericks? Send me a PM with ideas.

:banana:[/QUOTE]

my answers in italics.

[QUOTE=Dr. Cheesesteak]the Cavs probably could've traded down and still got Bennett.[/QUOTE]
I just wanted to address this because I believed the same thing for awhile and it seems to be a misnomer. As information has leaked out since the draft, it appears Bennett was much higher on GM draft boards than he was on mock boards.

It has long been rumored that Charlotte was one of the teams who approached the Cavs with a trade offer that included their No. 4 pick for No. 1. Their target? Anthony Bennett.

Now, there have been rumors swirling that other teams who had high picks were extremely hopeful that the Cavs would pass on Bennett so he'd be there for them. [URL="http://www.libertyballers.com/2013/7/9/4508732/sixers-anthony-bennett-victor-oladipo-nerlens-noel-draft-trade"]News recently broke[/URL] that the Sixers had a deal in place with the Pelicans for Jrue Holiday prior to the draft, but it was dependent upon one of Anthony Bennett, Victor Oladipo or Nerlens Noel still being on the board.

So, that was the top three guys on their big board.

This is not the first time the so called "experts" were way off on a guy prior to a draft. I was as surprised with the pick as anybody, but Grant's past success in the draft along with these latest reports of other GMs going hard after Bennett makes me feel much more comfortable with the pick.

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.
[/B]
yeah i think so. kyrie could definitely be a first option on a contender. hes not perfect. he needs to improve as a passer and defensively, but hes clearly one of the most valuable assets in the league right now.

[B]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Varejao for younger talents/draft picks.[/B]

like some other posters have mentioned, it depends what can we get back for him. he is likely to be too old, by the time the younger players mature, and we become a contender. if bennett doesnt develop into a SF, maybe we could move andy for a SF? his stock is pretty low at the moment though, so i wouldnt trade him this year.

[B]3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.[/B]

didnt gilbert fire brown to appease lebron? i dont see how this helps us recruit lebron

[B]4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.[/B]

its bery possible, since there was no consensus first pick. there were about 6 guys who could have all gone first, who were all neck and neck, so id say in all likelihood, bennett wont be the best player from this draft. but im not too worried.

[B]5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.[/B]
TRUE!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.[/B]

Great question! the bulls, pistons, and spurs are probably more proven, but presuming thompson improves a little, and bennett adjusts well to the nba, then yes i think so.

[B]BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.[/B]

i think he could. im not that confident. hes definitely talented though

1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.

True, I think. We need to see how the guys develop but they're on their way.

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.

True. They're a couple of years away, and Andy's value is at a high. Trade him midseason to the suitor offering the most.

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.

True. A lot of people don't buy the conspiracy theory, but I think LeBron is going back to Cleveland either after this season or next (probably the latter, given what Stephen A. said about LeBron wanting to play with Wade for 2 more years until he retires).

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.

True-ish. I would've gone with Noel, but if they planned to get Bynum it was fine. Could've traded down and gotten assets though. If Drew is healthy though they'll be fine.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.

True. I think Bynum and Kyrie will be healthy enough.

+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.

True, but I think some guys might be moved.

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.

False-ish. He has the talent, but if Bynum and Kyrie are healthy there won't be enough touches to go around.

From a pure talent standpoint, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league. I believe that.

[B]Andrew Bynum [/B]has an argument as best center in the NBA when he's healthy. I think it was a strong argument in the last season he played (2011-12). Can he get back there? Only time will tell, but there's no question the talent/skill is there for him to be a dominant force offensively and a very good defensive big.
[B]
Anderson Varejao [/B]has been playing at an All-Star level the last two seasons prior to his injuries. Last year, the guy was averaging 14/14+ and seemed to be getting stronger just before he went down. He was averaging more offensive rebounds per game than anyone has in over 15 years. The last guy to average more was a prime Dennis Rodman.

How many teams have two potential All-Star centers on their roster? Injuries are a question for both, but assuming good health, this is the best 1-2 center punch in the league and the great thing is their skillsets should compliment each other quite well if/when Brown wants to pair them up on the floor.

[B]Tristan Thompson [/B]was one of the most improved players in the league last year. He very quietly basically averaged a double-double and played in all 82 games. In the 50 games he played without Anderson Varejao (thus giving him more minutes/responsibility), his play improved dramatically. He averaged 13+/10 in those 50 games. Very young guys can go one of two ways when having more responsibility dumped on them... respond or shrink. Thompson's response is a great sign for the future of this franchise. And, he's still only 22. He can also play either PF or center.

[B]Tyler Zeller [/B]had a rough rookie season, but it wasn't until Varejao went down that his weaknesses began to get really exposed. Prior to that, he had been a nice rotational big off of the bench. Like I said about Thompson, when a young player is given the opportunity for more minutes/responsibility, he can respond or shrink. Zeller shrank, but I'm cutting him a lot of slack. He was forced into a situation as a rookie where he was playing 30+ minutes a night and anyone could see he just wasn't ready for that. On the bright side, I thought he looked much improved during Summer League and the Blue/White Olympic scrimmage. I'm still confident he's going to be a good player in this league that will have a long career. Not an All-Star, but a solid big man ideally off the bench on a good team.

[B]Anthony Bennett[/B] was as surprising a pick for me as it was for everyone else... maybe even moreso, because I watched Tristan Thompson grow into a potential rock solid option as the PF going forward last season. That's really the main reason I never considered Bennett, but it has become clear that the NBA is going away from conventional 1-5 spots and more toward complimentary skillsets regardless of size/position. In that respect, Bennett fits in quite well. He has a very nice perimeter game and was arguably the best pure scorer in the draft. The Cavs needed a scorer in the frontcourt who can stretch the floor and get out and run. We'll see how AB turns out, but the pick was a very interesting and intriguing one. Obviously, Chris Grant and Mike Brown believed he was the best player in the draft. That tells me really all I need to know. He also looks like another versatile player who can play either the 3 or the 4.

[B]Earl Clark [/B]was maybe the lone bright spot in a dismal season for the Lakers last year. I don't expect him to be a star, but on this team with this kind of depth? Yeah, I think he can provide production at both the 3 and 4 spots. He seems like a very nice utility tool. His shooting has improved over his career, he's athletic around the basket and he defends/rebounds well.


I'm sorry, that's a damn nice frontcourt *if* healthy. Basically all of the Cavs' scoring production last season had to come from the backcourt with Kyrie/Dion. That is no longer the case and making Jarrett Jack arguably the best backup guard in the league? I'd say this has been a successful offseason and I think this is a playoff team regardless of Bynum's status. Even just Varejao/Thompson/Bennett/Zeller/Clark is a good frontcourt rotation. Bynum would make it the best rotation in the league.

There's 48(?) or so threads on each page of the forum. Should I expect to see 30 Stickies once you're done?

[COLOR="DarkRed"]THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

PG - Irving/Jack
SG - Waiters/Miles/Karasev/Felix
SF - Clark/Gee
PF - Thompson/Bennett
C - Bynum/Verajao/Zeller

Head Coach - Mike Brown
General Manager - Chris Grant
[/COLOR]



[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.
Future? Maybe. Kyrie is clearly a dynamite lead guard (such a lackluster defender though) and Bynum still has a ton of promise. I am not as sold on the rest of the roster, though they have a lot of young talent. But young talent doesnt always pan out, and we shouldnt assume they all reach their potential. Definitely shaping up to be a challenger to indy and the bulls in a couple of years.

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.
Probably, assuming they can get decent value for him. His market seems to be a veteran team that is looking for an extra bump by adding a versatile and smart defender who plays hard on both ends. What kind of assets is a team like the clips willing to give up for him though?

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.
False. While there is some possibility of this happening, it would be nuts to base your coaching hire on such a tenuous future. It would make more sense to allow lebron to pick the coach if he came

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.
hard to really say. Im pretty high on him, but I understand some of the reasons experts were not as high. There was really no one in the draft (other than probably oladipo and noel) who I though was clearly better and oladipo is a small guard, their position of greatest strength.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.
True. If they dont, its a massively disappointing season for them. I think the final two spots come down to the wiz, pistons and cavs. While I hope the pistons make it, I wouldnt be surprised if they were the 9th team.
[/B]
+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.
False. Not a fan of zeller or clark really. Thompson is solid, bennett is a great unknown at this point. The griz are definitely deeper frontcourt and there are several others that I also think are both deeper and better.

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.
ah, I say false if we are talking about second option on a finals appearing team
[/B]

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/B]
True. It depends on how the young talent on the team will pan out, as well as Bynum's health, but I think this team is definitely shaping up to be a great team in a few years.

[B]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/B]
False. If Bynum plays great then they should think about it, but it'll probably take a pretty good offer considering the fact that the organization loves him and that he's a great locker room presence, particularly with such a young team.

[B]3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.[/B]
False. It may have been one of the reasons, but not the predominant one.

[B]4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.[/B]
Too early to tell. I'm not a huge fan of the pick, because I'm not sure how he'll fit in the team, but we should allow him some time to show what he can do, particularly because the Cavs' draft picks the last 2 years were mostly good.

[B]5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.[/B]
True. That's what I expect at least, but health could prevent it from happening.

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.
[/B]
False. Grizzlies, Pacers and Bulls are better IMO.

[B]BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.
[/B]
True, but I think he'll be better suited with a 6th man role.

I'm only interested in moving Andy if the deal is worth it. His contract is really good considering his production, he's a great lockerroom guy and he's one of the few veterans on one of the youngest teams in the league. His motor, energy and work ethic are all good traits he can teach guys like Thompson, Bennett and Zeller. Hell, maybe even a little of that can rub off on Bynum.

The Cavs shouldn't be just moving him because it feels like the right thing to do and I don't think they will do that. He's beloved in Cleveland and the last remaining connection to those teams which won 60+ games, went to the ECF and Finals.

I'm not saying that a trade should be off the table. In fact, I'm all for it if it benefits the team longterm and the deal makes a lot of sense. However, I don't think with Andy coming off of two injured seasons that his market value is currently in a place where we'd get anything close to equal value back. I could be wrong, but I don't see it happening in the foreseeable future.

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/B]

True. A young core of proven players in Kryie/Bynum/Waiters/Clark/Jack is pretty good and still has lots of potential.

[B]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/B]

False. They need Andy for his veteran leadership and his heart and hustle at the backup or starting Center position when Bynum gets injured.

[B]3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.[/B]

False. I think that ship has sailed. It would be pretty pathetic for the Cavs to pursue Lebron in 2014 after what transpired between them. Bridges burnt.

[B]4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.[/B]

True. I think they should have went with Porter at the SF.

[B]5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.[/B]

True. And more than that, they'll likely surprise everyone. I think they might go as high as the 4 seed.

+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.[/B]

True. If healthy though.

[B]BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.[/B]

False. Bynum, when healthy, can be the legit 2nd option.

Lost in all these questions, I want to mention that Earl Clark will be their X-Factor, specifically against teams like Heat, Pacers and Nets who each have top 10 SFs. He needs to be able to compete well against them for the Cavs to have a chance.

[QUOTE=BallsOut]It would be pretty pathetic for the Cavs to pursue Lebron in 2014 after what transpired between them. Bridges burnt.[/QUOTE]
^^^What he said.

I don't think #1 is true until the Cavs grab a player that dramatically improve their team defensively. Great young offensive core but, with the young guys they have, I don't think they will be capable of playing championship caliber defense in 3-4 years when contending will be realistic.

[QUOTE=bagelred]No draft, signings done, no Summer League. Two months of nothingness......so it's time to do some ANALYSIS!!! One team at a time!!!

A brand new series which is not similar to any other sports websites idea....called....... ISH's FIVE QUESTIONS.

So let's go through the league alphabetically, shall we? :applause:

Previous teams:

Atlanta Hawks: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309213[/url]
Boston Celtics: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309651[/url]
Brooklyn Nets: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310158[/url]
Charlotte Bobcats: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310309[/url]
Chicago Bulls: [url]http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310413[/url]


Today's team?

[COLOR="DarkRed"]THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

PG - Irving/Jack
SG - Waiters/Miles/Karasev/Felix
SF - Clark/Gee
PF - Thompson/Bennett
C - Bynum/Verajao/Zeller

Head Coach - Mike Brown
General Manager - Chris Grant
[/COLOR]



[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.
[/B]
+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.

[/B]

You can elaborate on your answers. :D

Next up: [COLOR="MediumTurquoise"]Dallas Mavericks[/COLOR]. Have a Five Question suggestion for the Mavericks? Send me a PM with ideas.

:banana:[/QUOTE]


1) I like this collection of talent, but I don't feel like this is a future title contender as it stands. The pieces just don't fit that well as I see it. I'm a Syracuse fan, and have a fondness for Waiters, but he's too ball dominant to be the ideal fit next to Irving. Bynum, if he's by miracle able to get back, is a bit of a clogger, and not really a great fit next to Waiters or Bennett who are get to the bucket types, and even limits Kyrie.
There's a lot of talent, I just don't like the fit. And it would be nice if Irving could get through a season without missing time, even though it's often for minor stuff.

2) At this point, I'd try to keep Varajao. The window for me was last year, when he was playing as good as ever, and a contender could talk themselves into a two year window chasing titles. Now he's an expensive rental. And his skills and age limit the market to only real contenders. A bad team is only gonna look at him as a contract dump, meaning they'll want to load off a bad contract on the Cavs, which doesn't help them at all.
If Jimmy Butler keeps progressing, and Snell starts out well on the wing, and Noah has continued foot issues, would you consider a swap of one year rentals of Varajoa for Deng? Because Andy would fit well with the Bulls defensive scheme and give them some much needed depth. While Deng would be a massive upgrade over Earl Clark, or anything else the Cavs could do at SF, and he's already accustomed to playing next to a ball dominant Guard. I don't think Chicago would do it, but it would be interesting.

3) God I hope that's not true. I thought Mike Brown's inept offense was part of why Lebron left. I really don't care for Mike Brown as a coach. But I thought he was brought in primarily because this team has some horrible defensive tendencies outside of Varajao. Ivring and Waiters are borderline turnstyles, probably fighting with Portland this year for worst defensive backcourts in the league. Earl Clark is a stretch four playing SF. Bennett doesn't have the footspeed to defend at SF. Thompson is ok, but not a classic rim protector. For all the faults with Mike Brown, he will get his teams to defend. He's like a homeless man's Tom Thibedue.

4) I hate to say it, but yes, I think taking Bennett was a mistake. And the reason I hate to say it is because I really liked Bennett coming into the draft, but he needed the right situation, and this isn't it. I really liked Bennett in Phx. My opinion coming in was the he was the toughest cover in this draft. The most gettinest buckets guy available. Phx had no offensive first option. Charlotte made some sense. Even the Wiz I thought could work. But with a couple big bodies in the lane, and two guards who tend to have the ball, he's being reduced to occasional mismatches and stretching the weakside of the floor with his jumper. And that's not enough to overlook what are going to be some defensive flaws. I really felt Otto Porter, who has a much more complete floor game, was a much better fit, and that's who I would've taken (and I stand by that even though he looked awfull in Vegas). And frankly I would've been tempted to roll the dice with Noel and seen if I could've added another piece next year by not playing him and not signing Bynum, and letting what I had develop. Or something that I heard after the fact that I didn't think of was go Oladipo, finally getting some perimeter defense out there, and moving Waiters to his natural position as the go to guy on a bench unit when Iriving is out, not unlike old Bobby Jackson, which really is probably where he belongs.

5) Like Atlanta, I see them in the mix for those 7/8 spots, with Washington, maybe Milwaukee.

BONUS 1) That's a deep frontcourt. It just doesn't fit that well together. And there's pieces in there I like more than most. I think Zeller's ability to run makes him a legit rotation piece in the league. And I think Earl Clark is a legit rotation stretch 4 in the league too. But Bynum to me ideally would be playing next to Clark as a SF, and then a truer SF.

BONUS 2) As I said before, I see Dion Waiters' destiny as one of those irrational confidence bench guys in the Bobby Jackson mold, only bigger and more physical. It would help if he was a little more focused defensively to make him a true starter, but even then he kind of needs to be the focul point of an offense, otherwise he just loses too much value.

[QUOTE=RedBlackAttack]From a pure talent standpoint, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league. I believe that.

[B]Andrew Bynum [/B]has an argument as best center in the NBA when he's healthy. I think it was a strong argument in the last season he played (2011-12). Can he get back there? Only time will tell, but there's no question the talent/skill is there for him to be a dominant force offensively and a very good defensive big.
[B]
Anderson Varejao [/B]has been playing at an All-Star level the last two seasons prior to his injuries. Last year, the guy was averaging 14/14+ and seemed to be getting stronger just before he went down. He was averaging more offensive rebounds per game than anyone has in over 15 years. The last guy to average more was a prime Dennis Rodman.

How many teams have two potential All-Star centers on their roster? Injuries are a question for both, but assuming good health, this is the best 1-2 center punch in the league and the great thing is their skillsets should compliment each other quite well if/when Brown wants to pair them up on the floor.

[B]Tristan Thompson [/B]was one of the most improved players in the league last year. He very quietly basically averaged a double-double and played in all 82 games. In the 50 games he played without Anderson Varejao (thus giving him more minutes/responsibility), his play improved dramatically. He averaged 13+/10 in those 50 games. Very young guys can go one of two ways when having more responsibility dumped on them... respond or shrink. Thompson's response is a great sign for the future of this franchise. And, he's still only 22. He can also play either PF or center.

[B]Tyler Zeller [/B]had a rough rookie season, but it wasn't until Varejao went down that his weaknesses began to get really exposed. Prior to that, he had been a nice rotational big off of the bench. Like I said about Thompson, when a young player is given the opportunity for more minutes/responsibility, he can respond or shrink. Zeller shrank, but I'm cutting him a lot of slack. He was forced into a situation as a rookie where he was playing 30+ minutes a night and anyone could see he just wasn't ready for that. On the bright side, I thought he looked much improved during Summer League and the Blue/White Olympic scrimmage. I'm still confident he's going to be a good player in this league that will have a long career. Not an All-Star, but a solid big man ideally off the bench on a good team.

[B]Anthony Bennett[/B] was as surprising a pick for me as it was for everyone else... maybe even moreso, because I watched Tristan Thompson grow into a potential rock solid option as the PF going forward last season. That's really the main reason I never considered Bennett, but it has become clear that the NBA is going away from conventional 1-5 spots and more toward complimentary skillsets regardless of size/position. In that respect, Bennett fits in quite well. He has a very nice perimeter game and was arguably the best pure scorer in the draft. The Cavs needed a scorer in the frontcourt who can stretch the floor and get out and run. We'll see how AB turns out, but the pick was a very interesting and intriguing one. Obviously, Chris Grant and Mike Brown believed he was the best player in the draft. That tells me really all I need to know. He also looks like another versatile player who can play either the 3 or the 4.

[B]Earl Clark [/B]was maybe the lone bright spot in a dismal season for the Lakers last year. I don't expect him to be a star, but on this team with this kind of depth? Yeah, I think he can provide production at both the 3 and 4 spots. He seems like a very nice utility tool. His shooting has improved over his career, he's athletic around the basket and he defends/rebounds well.


I'm sorry, that's a damn nice frontcourt *if* healthy. Basically all of the Cavs' scoring production last season had to come from the backcourt with Kyrie/Dion. That is no longer the case and making Jarrett Jack arguably the best backup guard in the league? I'd say this has been a successful offseason and I think this is a playoff team regardless of Bynum's status. Even just Varejao/Thompson/Bennett/Zeller/Clark is a good frontcourt rotation. Bynum would make it the best rotation in the league.[/QUOTE]

I love RBA's passion for the Cavs and his knowledge of our team, but this post basically bitch slaps the great Five Question forum and attempts to replace it. Answer the five questions and move on. This was a great Forum which is better when just answered.

1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.
It's either False or TBD. The key is whether or not Tristan goes from being improved to a stud on the block who is a hard guard.

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.
False. He's a glue guy...leader...winner.

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.
Doesn't matter. He's coming back. You can book it. He's paving his path already with comments, actions, etc. He's back. That being said...he thinks Mike Brown can flat out coach.

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.
Chris Grant likes surprises, but he did his homework. EVERY draft expert - including the "experts" on here - were all over the board. Grant listened to none of them and selected whom he thought had the biggest upside. This was not a stretch.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.
Below .500 but pushing for playoff seed all season long. I think Jack pushes this team more than people realize.

+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.
Has to be close. Which of 6 players mentioned would not start at center for the World Champions?

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.
As a scorer, yes. He's the kind of player who will make you say, "He scored how many?" Dude can score, but most often in a consistent, quite mode. 6,4,7,8 in the quarters for 25.

[QUOTE=sixer6ad]I love RBA's passion for the Cavs and his knowledge of our team, but this post basically bitch slaps the great Five Question forum and attempts to replace it. Answer the five questions and move on. This was a great Forum which is better when just answered.[/QUOTE]
How did I "bitch slap" and "attempt to replace" the five questions? :oldlol:

I only felt like answering one of the five questions at that moment and I knew it was going to be a long answer, so I just made it one post. I answered the Varejao question in a different post at a different time when the mood struck me. I fail to see how my answer to one of the questions is seen as an attempt to replace the OP.

And, no, I will not simply answer the five questions and move on because I'm on here sporadically throughout the day, usually during downtime at work and I don't have time to thoroughly respond to all the questions in one shot. Feel free to compile my answers into one post and I'll delete the multiple entries if it really bothers you. I don't see the problem, personally.

I see this topic as a terrific way to promote interactive discussion of these teams. I didn't realize it was a great offense not to follow a rigid formula in every post. The other five question threads aren't being monitored in that manner.

Cav's will make top 8 in the east.

1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.

False. Irving is their only proven player. the rest are projects.

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.

False. When you have to depend on a healthy Bynum to have a center, it's foolish to trade your only other serviceable center. Unless you want to throw Zeller right into the mix immediately.

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.

false. of all the men to recruit James, Brown is not it. in fact, Cleveland may have affirmed James' decision to stay in Miami longer. if they want James back, they should hire Pat Riley. end of story.

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.

True. if they were going to pick Bennet, they wasted their pick. they could have easily traded down, gotten Bennet and some value out of that #1 pick. what idiots.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.

After the top 5 teams (Miami, Indiana, Chicago, Brooklyn, New York), the East is virtually open. considering, Cavs may be the best team after the Knicks, i say yes, they will make it.

+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.

false.

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.

false. he's a bust in the making.

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender. :oldlol:

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks. TRUE

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James. :confusedshrug:

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake. YES

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season. YES
[/B + 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league. :oldlol:

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.
TRUE:applause:

[/B]

You can elaborate on your answers. :D

[QUOTE=Fresh Kid][B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender. :oldlol:

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks. TRUE

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James. :confusedshrug:

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake. YES

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season. YES
[/B + 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!!

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league. :oldlol:

BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.
TRUE:applause:

[/B]

You can elaborate on your answers. :D[/QUOTE]

Why did you even bother commenting on 5 threads of these questions? You didn't answer any of the questions and just laughed at all the teams. No need to be disrespectful dude, especially when your not going to put any logic behind it.

[QUOTE=RedBlackAttack]From a pure talent standpoint, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league. I believe that.

[B]Andrew Bynum [/B]has an argument as best center in the NBA when he's healthy. I think it was a strong argument in the last season he played (2011-12). Can he get back there? Only time will tell, but there's no question the talent/skill is there for him to be a dominant force offensively and a very good defensive big.
[B]
Anderson Varejao [/B]has been playing at an All-Star level the last two seasons prior to his injuries. Last year, the guy was averaging 14/14+ and seemed to be getting stronger just before he went down. He was averaging more offensive rebounds per game than anyone has in over 15 years. The last guy to average more was a prime Dennis Rodman.

How many teams have two potential All-Star centers on their roster? Injuries are a question for both, but assuming good health, this is the best 1-2 center punch in the league and the great thing is their skillsets should compliment each other quite well if/when Brown wants to pair them up on the floor.

[B]Tristan Thompson [/B]was one of the most improved players in the league last year. He very quietly basically averaged a double-double and played in all 82 games. In the 50 games he played without Anderson Varejao (thus giving him more minutes/responsibility), his play improved dramatically. He averaged 13+/10 in those 50 games. Very young guys can go one of two ways when having more responsibility dumped on them... respond or shrink. Thompson's response is a great sign for the future of this franchise. And, he's still only 22. He can also play either PF or center.

[B]Tyler Zeller [/B]had a rough rookie season, but it wasn't until Varejao went down that his weaknesses began to get really exposed. Prior to that, he had been a nice rotational big off of the bench. Like I said about Thompson, when a young player is given the opportunity for more minutes/responsibility, he can respond or shrink. Zeller shrank, but I'm cutting him a lot of slack. He was forced into a situation as a rookie where he was playing 30+ minutes a night and anyone could see he just wasn't ready for that. On the bright side, I thought he looked much improved during Summer League and the Blue/White Olympic scrimmage. I'm still confident he's going to be a good player in this league that will have a long career. Not an All-Star, but a solid big man ideally off the bench on a good team.

[B]Anthony Bennett[/B] was as surprising a pick for me as it was for everyone else... maybe even moreso, because I watched Tristan Thompson grow into a potential rock solid option as the PF going forward last season. That's really the main reason I never considered Bennett, but it has become clear that the NBA is going away from conventional 1-5 spots and more toward complimentary skillsets regardless of size/position. In that respect, Bennett fits in quite well. He has a very nice perimeter game and was arguably the best pure scorer in the draft. The Cavs needed a scorer in the frontcourt who can stretch the floor and get out and run. We'll see how AB turns out, but the pick was a very interesting and intriguing one. Obviously, Chris Grant and Mike Brown believed he was the best player in the draft. That tells me really all I need to know. He also looks like another versatile player who can play either the 3 or the 4.

[B]Earl Clark [/B]was maybe the lone bright spot in a dismal season for the Lakers last year. I don't expect him to be a star, but on this team with this kind of depth? Yeah, I think he can provide production at both the 3 and 4 spots. He seems like a very nice utility tool. His shooting has improved over his career, he's athletic around the basket and he defends/rebounds well.


I'm sorry, that's a damn nice frontcourt *if* healthy. Basically all of the Cavs' scoring production last season had to come from the backcourt with Kyrie/Dion. That is no longer the case and making Jarrett Jack arguably the best backup guard in the league? I'd say this has been a successful offseason and I think this is a playoff team regardless of Bynum's status. Even just Varejao/Thompson/Bennett/Zeller/Clark is a good frontcourt rotation. Bynum would make it the best rotation in the league.[/QUOTE]


Great post.

As the newest member of the Cavs bandwagon and a blatant Canada Basketball homer who is trading in my Steve Nash card for an Anthony Bennett card I couldn't agree more.

This kid is going to be good, he is talented, a natural leader and although people are concerned about his size (bit heavy, bit short) lets not forget he has dunk contest winnable hops (39" vert) and long arms (7'1" wingspan).

Also, he shoots the three well, handles the rock well, and has a knack for the game. He is a basketball player first and foremost, and I think that gets lost in the shuffle.

Another thing is he played the 2nd half of his college season hurt. He had a lot of games where he played sparingly. Had he chocked full minutes the whole season he'd have been nearing 20/10 territory.

And, rebounding (especially offensive) is a transferable NCAA to NBA stat and Bennett looks good here.

Most importantly though I think a lot of the talking heads let him slip a bit because he was hurt and not accessible. They need interviews and reports for content and when it is not there, they need to focus on what is. AB wasn't providing any content for the prognosticators up to draft day.

ROY in my opinion.

[QUOTE=JtotheIzzo]Great post.

As the newest member of the Cavs bandwagon and a blatant Canada Basketball homer who is trading in my Steve Nash card for an Anthony Bennett card I couldn't agree more.

This kid is going to be good, he is talented, a natural leader and although people are concerned about his size (bit heavy, bit short) lets not forget he has dunk contest winnable hops (39" vert) and long arms (7'1" wingspan).

Also, he shoots the three well, handles the rock well, and has a knack for the game. He is a basketball player first and foremost, and I think that gets lost in the shuffle.

Another thing is he played the 2nd half of his college season hurt. He had a lot of games where he played sparingly. Had he chocked full minutes the whole season he'd have been nearing 20/10 territory.

And, rebounding (especially offensive) is a transferable NCAA to NBA stat and Bennett looks good here.

Most importantly though I think a lot of the talking heads let him slip a bit because he was hurt and not accessible. They need interviews and reports for content and when it is not there, they need to focus on what is. AB wasn't providing any content for the prognosticators up to draft day.

ROY in my opinion.[/QUOTE]

Very interesting, i dont doubt him.

[QUOTE=JtotheIzzo]Great post.

As the newest member of the Cavs bandwagon and a blatant Canada Basketball homer who is trading in my Steve Nash card for an Anthony Bennett card I couldn't agree more.[/QUOTE]

as a cavs fan i hope you're right about bennett, but let me play devils advocate for a second.

[QUOTE]This kid is going to be good, he is talented, a natural leader and although people are concerned about his size (bit heavy, bit short) lets not forget he has dunk contest winnable hops (39" vert) and long arms (7'1" wingspan).[/QUOTE]

the average wingspan of a starting PF in the nba is just under 7'1'', so he doesnt really have any advantage there, in terms of length.

[QUOTE]And, rebounding (especially offensive) is a transferable NCAA to NBA stat and Bennett looks good here.[/QUOTE]

beasley was a beast on the glass at k-state, but hasnt come close to replicating that in the nba.

[QUOTE]Most importantly though I think a lot of the talking heads let him slip a bit because he was hurt and not accessible. They need interviews and reports for content and when it is not there, they need to focus on what is. AB wasn't providing any content for the prognosticators up to draft day.[/QUOTE]

dion shut down all interviews and workouts just after the start of the combine, last year, and he still shot up draft boards.

[QUOTE=Wavves]Why did you even bother commenting on 5 threads of these questions? You didn't answer any of the questions and just laughed at all the teams. No need to be disrespectful dude, especially when your not going to put any logic behind it.[/QUOTE]
I did answer tha questions man:coleman: You acting all butthurt for no damn reason at all:lol you act like tha damn cavs are your team:oldlol:

[QUOTE=Fresh Kid]I did answer tha questions man:coleman: You acting all butthurt for no damn reason at all:lol you act like tha damn cavs are your team:oldlol:[/QUOTE]

This isn't an answer to a question :oldlol:

No the Cavs are not my team, neither are they yours, but you don't have to laugh at and abuse other teams for absolute no reason at all when all people are trying to do is create discussion. You did this for 5 other team question threads.
Stop posting if your not going to join in discussion.

[QUOTE]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/QUOTE]

TRUE. Talent base is there. Irving is a legit superstar. Waiters looks like he'll be a really solid player, same with Thompson. Anthony Bennett has talent and we all know about Bynum. No question they have the talent to potentially contend in the East, it'll be how they continue to develop/who stays/can everybody stay healthy.

[QUOTE]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/QUOTE]

Depends on how they start the year. If it looks like the rebuild is coming to a close and they are fighting for playoff positioning than I would keep him. More important to start winning for Irving. Another lotto year, than yeah move him. I think for the right price you could move him either way.

I'll go with FALSE because I see them fighting for the playoffs

[QUOTE]3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.[/QUOTE]

No clue.

[QUOTE]4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.[/QUOTE]

Last time I said Cleveland made a mistake at 1st overall, or rather called it a weak 1st overall selection Kryie made me eat my words hard. However I don't think he ends up the best player from the draft, think you'll be able to make a case somebody else could have been a better pick 3-4 years from now. AB was a pretty surprising pick to me. So TRUE, but not a major mistake.

[QUOTE]TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.[/QUOTE]

TRUE. Wouldn't be surprised to see them finish 9th/10th tho. Think they'll finish 7th-10th.


[QUOTE][B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.[/QUOTE]

FALSE. Clark, Zeller, Bennett have to prove more. Thompson is great but not elite, Andy is great at what he does and Bynum when healthy is a monster. Potential to be, not yet.


[QUOTE]BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.[/QUOTE]

FALSE. Don't think he'll be a legit 2nd banana. Not an All-Star one, be a really solid player but I see it as more Irving + a potentially great surrounding cast. Bynum if healthy should be above Waiters and I think Thompson could state his case as a double double machine as well.

1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.

[B]True.. ish. If Bynum truly can be healthy 100% true. [/B]

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.
[B] No, he is the hustle king. Dont turn down the semi complimentary twin towers[/B]

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.

[B]bridges burnt[/B]

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.

[B]False, i believe in this guy[/B]

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.

[B] maybe. its between Wizards, Cavs, Detroit[/B]

[B]1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.[/B]

False. Out of all the young players on the Cavs, the only one we know is a keeper at this point is Kyrie. Cleveland should know better than anyone that one guy isn't enough to get it done.

[B]2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.[/B]

True. Verajao can't be apart of the long term future there, so they might as well get an asset for him while they can.

[B]3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.[/B]

False. Not entirely sure getting Mike Brown back actually helps or hurts get LeBron back. In 2010 LeBron could've stuck by Mike Brown, but he was silent while the Cavs fired him. I think this was the case of the owner liking the guy and seeing that Cavs needed a better defensive direction more than anything to do with LeBron.

[B]4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.[/B]

False. I can't say true without having seen Bennett play an NBA game. Although if this time next year we're all saying the Cavs should've taken Nerlens Noel or Victor Oladipo I won't be surprised.

[B]5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.[/B]

True. I think they've got enough to be a 6-8 seed. They are motivated to do so in a year where not many teams are, so I think you have to go with true as long as Kyrie Irving is healthy.

[B]+ 2 BONUS QUESTIONS!!![/B]

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.[/B]

True. Not the most talented, but that's six guys that are NBA players if healthy. Not sure any other team can say they've got that up front.

[B]BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.[/B]

False. Dion Waiters' destiny is as a sixth man. More likely to have Jason Terry's career than Dwyane Wade's.

PG - Irving/Jack
SG - Waiters/Miles/Karasev/Felix
SF - Clark/Gee
PF - Thompson/Bennett
C - Bynum/Verajao/Zeller

Head Coach - Mike Brown
General Manager - Chris Grant
[/COLOR]



1. TRUE or FALSE: With the young talent base already on the team, the Cavaliers have the nucleus of a future championship contender.

False. Not with Andrew Bynum as your center. Sorry. Simple truth. They need a prime multiple season stretch of dominance from Bynum all while hoping that Bynum stays healthy to really contend for a title in what looks to be a surprisingly competitive conference for the next decade. The major theme of this thread should be INJURIES INJURIES INJURIES!

2. TRUE or FALSE: The Cavaliers should trade Anderson Verajao for younger talents/draft picks.

Well, great question. If Varajao can stay healthy, hell no! Again, injuries!

3. CONSPIRACY TRUE or FALSE: Mike Brown was predominantly rehired to help recruit Lebron James.

False. Either Lebron stays in Miami or goes to New York or LA. I don't believe he'd take any other option at this point in his great career.

4. TRUE or FALSE: Picking Anthony Bennett first overall was a mistake.

Neutral.

5. TRUE or FALSE: The Cleveland Cavaliers will make the playoffs this season.
If they stay healthy, or the core rather stays healthy, yes. True.

[B]BONUS 1. TRUE or FALSE: Bynum, Verajao, Thompson, Bennett, Clark, Zeller: If healthy, this is the deepest frontcourt in the league.
Neutral. Id have to think about it.
BONUS 2. TRUE or FALSE: Dion Waiters will develop into a legit 2nd option.

Semi-true. Speed and effort from this kid is what its all about. More calm less erratic play will sink in over time. Playing on a team alongside a player as skilled as Kyrie Irving and a hopefully healthy Andrew Bynum and you wont be anything more than a 2nd option.