NBA

Top Scenarios/Needs for the Cleveland Cavaliers

After receiving the #1 and #4 overall picks in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cavs knew they had to start the rebuilding process somewhere. The obvious choice at #1 was Kyrie Irving, the freshman from Duke University who had been hindered by a nagging toe injury and only appeared in 11 games for the Blue Devils. The question at #4 was: Do we draft a big man from overseas, running the risk he may have to see some time in the D-League or do we take a risk on someone who has a lot of potential and can learn on the run? The Cavs chose the ladder, opting for Tristan Thompson out of the University of Texas. Many questioned this pick, and I can honestly say I was not one of them. Thompson, although raw, has a ton of potential, especially on the defensive end. Entering Friday’s affair with the New Jersey Nets at Quicken Loans Arena, the Cavs hold a record of 7-10, the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference. Below, I will address five scenarios that must happen and the Cavs must address in order to continue their movement towards a bright future.

 

  

     1.   Draft one of the premier shooting guards or small forwards in the upcoming draft.

Two names stick out to me: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of Kentucky and Jeremy Lamb of Connecticut. If the Cavs can put together a few more wins than last year, they won’t be looking at a Top 3 pick. I see them realistically picking anywhere from 4-9. MKG, a true freshman, can score at will, plays lock-down defense, and is aggressive on both offense and defense. MKG would be a perfect fit in Coach Byron Scott’s scheme and posses’ great size for a two guard (6-7, 210). Jeremy Lamb posses a freakish wing span of 7 feet and seems to glide effortlessly around the court. He has an excellent mid-range game and can extend to 3 point land. Again, very good size here (6-5, 185), but could definitely afford to put on some muscle mass.

    2.   Acquire a veteran free agent that can start and provide experience for young guys.

If not addressed in the draft, small forward is a position that could definitely use improving. Omri Casspi is young and has potential to develop, but I see him better fit in a sixth man type of role. That being said, one name that really sticks out to me is Nicolas Batum, who is slated to be a free agent this summer. Batum is still very young at the age of 23, but has three years of experience in the league. Two other options at free agent: guard O.J. Mayo and forward Marreese Speights of Memphis, both of which plan on testing free agency and can hop into any rotation.

     3.  Trade Antawn Jamison or Ramon Sessions to a contender for a first round pick.

In order for the Cavs to reach the playoffs, Antawn Jamison must continue to play at a high level. While his experience and mentoring are priceless, trading him to a contender for a first round pick could prove to be more beneficial. Should this happen, the Cavs will be equipped with two first round picks and could use the second to add depth. They could also couple the second pick with a role player (Ramon Sessions, Alonzo Gee, or Omri Casspi) and acquire a legitimate two guard or small forward.

     4.  Increase Irving and Thompson’s minutes so they gain experience and hone their skills.

I understand Coach Scott’s reasoning for limiting Kyrie’s minutes, to a certain extent. Kyrie’s defense will improve, but I don’t see the need to limit a 19 year-old to less than 30 minutes a game, especially when he’s arguably your biggest offensive weapon. Tristan Thompson, who has been hampered by an ankle injury, provides a spark any time he’s in the game. His defense alone can swing the momentum of the game. If Scott should increase both rookies’ minutes, he should do so before it gets too deep into the season.

      5.  At this particular stage, it would be better if the Cavs did not make the playoffs.

As painful as it is to watch an unsuccessful season, Cavs fans need to understand the entire scope of the present situation. Should the Cavs receive a Top 10 pick in the lottery and acquire another first rounder for Jamison, the future will immediately begin to look even brighter. Should all the pieces fall into place, or even just a couple of the pieces mentioned, Cavs fans won’t have to wait much longer for a return to the Promised Land.

ScoutHype’s Top 10 NBA Players

After the lockout, as well as ESPN doing their own NBA rankings, we decided to rank the top 10 NBA players. There is no crazy analysis based on the ranking, besides statistical numbers and their success in the league. The statistics provided are from the 2010-11 season.

10. Carmelo Anthony

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
77	25.6	7.3	2.9	.455	.838

Melo got his wish by getting traded to a bigger market and led the Knicks to a playoff berth last year. Melo has been a 25+ PPG player for his entire career, but he has fallen a bit short in the playoffs. After seeing what I've seen this season, Carmelo and the Knicks aren't exactly a match made in Heaven.

9. Dirk Nowitzki

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
73	23.0	7.0	2.6	.517	.892

Dirk finally silenced the doubters of his elite status in the NBA after winning a title last year. I’ve always respected Dirk’s game, as he quietly goes about his business and does his job on both the offensive and defensive ends. Ranking Dirk 8 may be doing him a bit of an injustice; even so, Dirk has reached elite status in my books for good.

8. Deron Williams

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
65	20.1	4.0	10.3	.439	.845

The Jazz’s surprising trade of Deron Williams to New Jersey, much to his displeasure, has cause a slight decline in production. Williams still managed to average a double-double last year, but unless the Nets acquire Dwight Howard, I don’t see Williams staying in New Jersey, or Brooklyn, much longer.

7. Derrick Rose 

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
81	25.0	4.1	7.7	.445	.858

The reigning MVP and perhaps the biggest rising star in the league, D Rose will rise on this list by the same time next year. I fully believe the Bulls are the second best team in the Eastern Conference and have the capability of going to the finals with the addition of Rip Hamilton. D Rose is facilitating the game at an even better level than last year, and his scoring is just as efficient.

 6. Kobe Bryant

 

  

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
82	25.3	5.1	4.7	.451	.828

What more can you. say about Kobe? 5 rings, countless scoring titles, and a couple MVPs, he’s definitely been the best player I’ve witness play. Clearly he’s proving to the league that a torn ligament in his wrist and age don’t matter, with back-to-back 40 point games

5. Chris Paul

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
80	15.9	4.1	9.8	.463	.878

Chris Paul couldn’t have been placed in a better situation with the Clippers, in my opinion. He’s got an up-and-coming phenom in Blake Griffin, a solid big man in DeAndre Jordan, as well as being coupled with veterans like Mo Williams and Chauncey Billups. Paul has played at a superior level since he’s been in the league, and expect his numbers to increase playing in “Lob City.”

4. Kevin Durant

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
78	27.7	6.8	2.7	.462	.880

KD is arguably the most prolific scorer in the NBA right now. He can shoot it from anywhere on the court, and can drive with authority. KD is becoming smarter and more mature year after year, and is still only 23 years old. Along with a young Thunder squad, KD is poised for a solid playoff run again this season.

3. Dwyane Wade

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
76	25.5	6.4	4.6	.500	.758

D Wade is arguably the best finisher in the league, as well as the best shot-blocking guard in the league. With a championship under his belt, D Wade has fought through injuries and animosity to prove the doubters wrong, just as he did at Marquette. D Wade is the best pound for pound player in the league.

2. Dwight Howard

GM	PPG	RPG	BPG	FG%	FT%
78	22.9	14.1	2.4	.593	.596

Dwight Howard is the most dominant big man I’ve ever seen play. Not only can be toss any defender around like a rag doll, he can make almost anyone look silly when he’s playing defense. His ferocious blocks have become a trademark along with his monstrous dunks. Oh yeah, he’s only 25 years old.

1. LeBron James

  

GM	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	FT%
79	26.7	7.5	7.0	.510	.759

Easily the most talented player in the NBA. He can score at will, defend any position, and is a triple-double waiting to happen. The only thing separating LeBron from being in the same league as Kobe and Michael is a lack of a championship, as has been documented. There's no doubt LeBron is one of the most exciting players to ever put on a uniform, and he is a seasoned vet while still at the young age of 27. 

10 Players to Watch In a Shortened Season


In a lockout shortened season, there is a lot of basketball in only a few month period. Every team will be playing a back-to-back, and the average games per week is almost 4. Experience and durability is gonna be crucial and even more apparent this season. In no particular order I have listed my players to watch this season and why they are on my radar.


Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
 

I think for Westbrook to take the next step to being elite, he needs to mature. Unfortunately without a training camp, he may not have had the proper time to do so. If he learns to pass to KD first and then take it himself,

LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Portland Trail Blazers


After a heart procedure, there were some skeptics on to how Aldridge would respond. So far, Aldridge has averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds a game. A shortened season may be just what the doctor ordered, no pun intended of course.

Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers


Lob City is a new phenomena spreading through Los Angeles, springing the Clippers as the "sexier" team in LA now. Griffin still needs a little work on his outside jumper (outside of 15 ft.), but his rebounding and out of the arena hops more than make up for it. Expect even better numbers this year from Griffin.

Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers


Irving, the #1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, has the daunting task of rebuilding Cleveland basketball. After a slow start, Irving is growing right before Coach Byron Scott's eyes, making Chris Grant look awfully wise for not passing him up. Irving is averaging 13 points and 6 assists a game, only increasing his efficiency night in and night out. Should be the Rookie of the Year as he improves.

Marcus Thornton, SG, Sacramento Kings


The Carl Landry for Marcus Thornton trade seemed a bit confusing to me at first although Thornton wasn't seeing a whole of playing time. Thornton is a great up and coming two-guard and can score at will. I see Thornton and the young Kings squad being a force in the Western conference in a few years.

Eric Gordon, SG, New Orleans Hornets


A little demoralized after the trade for Chris Paul, Gordon is definitely a good fit with a rebuilding young team. Gordon has a nagging knee injury which is never good, exhibit A being Brandon Roy, but a shortened season could be a blessing in disguise.

Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers


CP3 could not have been placed into a better situation than the one he is in right now. An up-and-coming LA team that has a legitimate shot at contending with a bench that is deeper than many people think. Paul should up his assists and points should be consistent like years past.

Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies


Gasol has improved over the past couple years with his scoring around the paint and from 15-18 ft. His rebounding has also improved but I'd like to see more on the defensive end. Gasol and a high-energy Grizzlies team has a chance to be a 6 or 7 seed this year if Rudy Gay can stay healthy all year.

Ty Lawson, PG, Denver Nuggets


Lawson came into camp in great shape and with more experience. After being mentored by Andre Miller, Lawson is ready to lead the Nuggets back to the playoffs. Lawson is one of the faster and most electric players in the league and can score as easy as possible at his size, in addition to great vision and passing ability.

Gerald Wallace, SF, Portland Trail Blazers


With the unfortunate retirement of Brandon Roy due to injury, Wallace becomes the primary option on offense, along with LaMarcus Aldridge, also one of my players to watch. Wallace is one of the best defensive players in the league and has been over the past few years. His superior athletic ability and the improvement of his outside game poise Wallace for a great season.