Live Thread: Cavs @ Wizards
2025-02-07Good evening CtB!
The Cavs are in the nation’s capitol as they take on the shamelessly tanking Washington Wizards for a perfunctory Eastern Conference matchup. This is a classic trap game for the Cavs, but as it is known, this year’s Cavs have that killer instinct you’d hope teams have.
The bigger issue is the chemistry shakeup with De’Andre Hunter coming into the fold with Caris LeVert and Georges Niang heading out to ATL. It’s very hard to criticize the move by POBO Koby Altman. They got a better player than Niang, perhaps also a better than LeVert too and got under the tax for the season. It delays the cap penalties for another season, which is vitally important for long-term franchise success.
This move isn’t without risk. Hunter has an extensive injury history. Niang was clearly a veteran leader of the team that was able to make up for a lack of skill and talent with savvy and grit. Caris LeVert was perhaps the most versatile player on the team outside of Donovan Mitchell or Evan Mobley. He filled so many roles and filled them in competently and with a team-first attitude. There’s no doubt in my mind we will see their faces associated with the franchise again… and that should be a welcomed thing.
Tip off is scheduled for 7:00PM Eastern time and will broadcasted live on FanDuel Sports Network, Go Cavs!
WHY EVEN PLAY THE “ TRAIN WRECK “ GAME —— NAME THE PLAYERS WHO ARE ALL STARS —- LET THEM STAY HOME AND REST—— I HAVEN T WATCHED A NBA ALL STAR GAME IN YEARS POSSIBLY DECADES—— TOTAL “ SH_T SHOW “
All Star games across all sports are generally bad.
baseball is half decent
The NBA ASG used to be great. Their was some pride involved. Big man duels. 1 v 1 up top. Tit for tat.
LBJ’s generation ruined it. I could get 40.
I think the format will be fun
Only thing is I wish they drafted the teams like Saturday night.
Giannis Antetokounmpo To Miss All-Star Game
February 9th, 2025 at 10:43am CST • By Arthur Hill
A mild calf strain will keep Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo out of action for the next week and prevent him from participating in the All-Star Game, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). Antetokounmpo hasn’t played since Feb. 2, but he’s expected to return shortly after the break, Charania adds.
However, NBA insider Chris Haynes hears that Antetokounmpo’s absence could be longer, with league sources telling him it may last “two to three weeks” (Twitter video link). —- Let JA replace him.
“ MORE THOR “ Or TOM” PUT ME “ LIN – WHO HAS REALLY BEEN IMPRESSIVE RECENTLY—- HE GAVE A VIDEO ON REBOUNDING LAST NIGHT—- HE REALLY EMBRACES THAT FACET OF THE GAME ( HAS HAD 2/ 20+ ) REB . GAMES THIS YEAR—— WATCHED THE GAME LAST NIGHT—- IMPRESSED WITH HIM !!! —— AND ALSO OUR “ SWISS KNIFE “ TRAVERES —- POSTED LAST NIGHT ABOUT OUR DRAFT PICK ON 2022 K DIOP WHO AT THE TIME KA / CAVS WERE HIGH ON ——- ANYONE KNOW HIS STATUS——- HELP US OUT NATE / CLF
AD WITH SOME OUTSTANDING 1st HALF STATS WITH THE MAVS —— BUT STOP THE PRESSES —- DIDNT PLAY 2nd HALF DUE TO INJURY——- YES WILLIAMS NOT PASSING PHYSICAL WILL MAKE IT MORE COMPETITIVE FOR DECENT BACK UP POST —- AS ALWAYS LAKERS WILL HAVE THE ADVANTAGE 😡😡😡
There’s not really much available. May as well promote someone from the G league at this point.
HOW ABOUT MARVIN BAGLEY —— WHO THE KING s DRAFTED OVER DONCIC -WTF —- YES / NO ?
Daniel Theis is considering a return to the EuroLeague after being waived by the Thunder this week, and AS Monaco appears to be the favorite to sign him, according to Greek outlet SDNA.
The Lakers say their deal to acquire Mark Williams from the Hornets has been rescinded, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN (Twitter link). L.A. is claiming that Charlotte failed to satisfy one of the conditions of the trade.
interesting.
this will increase competition for FA big men, which is not good for the good guys.
THEIS HAS THE MAKINGS OF A “ LESSER “
HARD ROCK CLONE —— MY CHOICE FOR BUY OUT BACK UP BIG
He’s not very big. I think he’s 6’7 but he still fills a need.
Heard he’s going back to Europe.
NIANG WITH SOLID GAME 16/ 6 4/ 3’s
AGREE WITH YOU ARCH—- THE EMONI EXCITEMENT HAS WORN THIN ——- TO TRY AN CREATE AN ALIBI FOR HIM —- HASNT REALLY HAD MUCH CONSISTENT FlOOR TIME WITH EITHER CAVS / CHARGE—— MAYBE KA GETS HIM THIS FOR A TRUE EVALUATION
he has got to be able to play at triple A before he gets a shot in the majors
I think the injury has derailed his season. We’ll see how it goes next fall. Not sure he’s gonna stick in the association though.
right.
every move is a gamble. picking Emoni was certainly “a flyer”, and so far we are not seeing much likelihood of it flying.
the De’Andre Hunter trade is also a gamble — but the outcome range is [OK rotation player , skinny Lebron + Core Five]. gotta like those odds.
Niang and LeVert playing for Hawks right now
Weird feelings. Makes me hate the Hawks 5% less?
TRAVERES PLAYING OUTSTANDING FLOOR GAME —- SHOWCASING HIS “ SWISS KNIFE “ SKILLS—— EMONI LOOKS LOST——- TOM “ PUT ME “ LIN / LIMITED MINUTES—- HAS REAL GOOD DEFENSIVE INSTINCTS————- NO BERNARD OR “ MORE THOR “ SIGHTINGS
I like what I’ve seen from Travers, in the limited minutes he’s played. I don’t think Bates will be an NBA player, and will probably be off this team next year.
TRAVERES MAKING SOME OUTSTANDING PASSES—- HAS MADE A COUPLE 3’s AND A GREAT THROW DOWN—- LOOKING GOOD
SPEAKING OF BACK UP POST—- DO CAVS STILL HAVE THE RIGHTS TO KHALIFA DIOP —- 2022 DRAFT—- STRONG/ ATHLETIC 7’ OR CLOSE TO IT ———- ANYONE KNOW HIS STATUS
MO BAMBA IS “ MO “ BETTER THAN “ TOWEL WAVING “ TT
TRAVERES ALSO PLAYING
Long, athletic, and skilled wings have given the Cavaliers trouble this season, which is why – despite Cleveland’s 42-10 record – the front office explored the trade market leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline in search of someone who could help the club deal with that type of player, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com writes (subscription required). According to Fedor, Cameron Johnson, Lonzo Ball, Marcus Smart, and Jerami Grant were among the potential targets who intrigued the Cavs. But the asking price for the Nets forward was too high, the Bulls guard agreed to an extension, there were injury concerns about… Read more »
As the Cavs weighed their options, they kept coming back to Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter, who had been on their radar for years, Fedor reported earlier this week. Cleveland’s front office spoke to several trusted sources about Hunter, including former Cav and current Hawk Larry Nance Jr., who was a strong advocate for his teammate, Fedor writes.
CHARGE PLAYING LIVE / TV RIGHT NOW ——EMONI PLAYING——— 1st QTR —— TOM” PUT ME “ LIN HAS 5/ 4 SO FAR
THOUGHT SOMEONE POSTED CAVS WERE AFTER M SMART —— I WOULD TAKE HIM OVER SIMMONS
Windy mentioned they were interested in him for perimeter defense. But then they traded for Hunter. I think Smart is pretty washed anyways. I think Memphis had to attach a first to shed him to Washington anyways.
Jaden Springer got eaived after his 2nd trade. We really do not need another smallish guard, but I have kinda had a fondness for his game since college.
True PG: Garland, CPJ
Combo Guard: Mitchell, Jerome
SG/SF/Small wing: Strus, Okoro, Merrill, Tyson
————-
SF/PF/Big wing: Hunter, Wade
PF/C: Mobley
C: Allen, TT
Still a bit thin up front. 8/13 are what I’d call small wings or smaller (6’6″& under). 5 guys 6’7″ and up.
Mo Bamba is available. Theis is available.
Theis is interesting. He might be a guy eho would settle for the limited minutes our backup C (really 3rd) gets. And can space the floor a bit.
Simmons is signing with the Clippers.
Fine with me.
Yeah he wasn’t moving the needle much.
I’d have been concerned about the locker room vibe.
yup. good chance he will be more trouble than he is worth for anyone. the Clippers are in 7th place in WC so gambling is worth it for them. the Cavs are in 1st place in EC, so who needs the BS with BS?
Makes sense, wasn’t going to get playing time here if everyone is healthy. I was coming around to the idea that he would have been situationally helpful to throw in on plays where they needed stops. Not losing any sleep over it.
same
Ben Simmons has reached an agreement on a contract buyout with the Nets, paving the way for him to become an unrestricted free agent, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
The Nets have confirmed in a press release that they’ve officially requested waivers on Simmons. That means he’ll clear waivers and be free to sign with any NBA team as of Monday at 4:00 pm CT
Various reports indicated that Simmons’ camp planned to meet with the Cavaliers, Clippers, and Rockets and that he wouldn’t complete a buyout with Brooklyn until he had his next destination lined up. However, agent Bernie Lee pushed back on that reporting on Friday in a statement to Brian Lewis of The New York Post (Twitter link).
“I just saw some of the other reporting,” Lee said. “(I) want to be really clear Ben hasn’t met with anyone nor is he. We are having conversations with the Nets and when there is something to be said we will let everyone know.”
The fact that Simmons has now been officially waived by the Nets and word still hasn’t leaked about a contract agreement with a new team backs up Lee’s comments. However, I suspect the former No. 1 overall pick wouldn’t have given up money to get out of his contract with Brooklyn unless he was confident about making back that money with another team, so it shouldn’t be long before we get another update.
Because he was earning far beyond the $12.8MM mid-level exception on his contract with the Nets, Simmons will be ineligible to sign with any teams operating over either tax apron once he clears waivers. That means the Suns, Timberwolves, Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Bucks, and Nuggets won’t be options.
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/02/nets-buy-out-ben-simmons.html#ref=home
good stuff. other than having a lot of injuries and being a head case, Simmons has some plusses.
https://youtu.be/TE37YYz3NV4?si=KWH-bS8dgX-tWmMg
Caris and Niang press conference
Trading LeVert for Hunter reminds me of a lot of those Danny Ferry trades in the LeBron 1.0 era. Not necessarily getting a better player but a better fit. And this one wasn’t made out of desperation.
So are you lukewarm on this trade? Curious.
Switched over to hawks bucks. Caris and Georges on sideline. ATL announcer glad to have Levert on their team after being thorn in side over yrs.
IS EMONI EVER GOING TO MAKE AN OUTSIDE SHOT ——- JUST NEED s TO GET THAT 1st 1
Solid win. No one got hurt
Emoni Bates is 0 for everything in 6 games right? He has been so nervous looking. If we wrap up the one seed I want him to get starter’s mins late in the year to at least break the glass. We may need a cheap gunslinger as the second apron hits us.
Yeah. I don’t think this is his year
Tyson with nice feel around the basket
He is a keeper. Makes the hunter trade all that more impressive.
MY NEW G LEAGUE PROJECT ——-TOM” PUT ME “ LIN IS 39 / 13 5 /10 FROM 3 ‘s ——- SIGN HiM TO A 2 WAY KA —— BRING HIM UP
They should put emoni or Thor on 10 day and sign em to a two way.
Maximus Strusimus!
Lol Strus got away with one there.
James Williams with another screw job. Fuck that guy!
Porn-Stache Poole with the foul
STRUS IS LOOSE
Drew Gooden was such a a bad passer his teammates called him “tragic Johnson.”
Poole is a gerbil.
FUCK OFF DC HOPE YOU BURN IN HELL
JAYLON TYSON WITH HIS IMPRINTS ALL OVER THIS GAME.
CPJ/Tyson will both have bigger roles now, I think. Especially with Okoro & Wade out.
CPJ gives us some of Caris’ ballhandling and all-around game, though he is a touch smaller. And a lower volume 3PT guy. While Tyson can hopefully make up for some of Niang’s outside shooting & rebounding while being a better athlete, if a bit smaller.
same.
A modest Cavalanche right now?
Stupid George pissed us off. We won’t cover i don’t think but a 10-12 pt win incoming
Nailed it
Tyson showing some grit
Now that Gooden is in the building. Bring back Eric Snow!
Dumb foul call. James Williams is the shittiest ref out there.
Poole is a dope
Cavs playing with their food
Watching the WAS broadcast. Chris Miller and Drew Gooden have serious issues w DG and DM blowing kisses, Ty smiling after drawing 3pt play oppty. Suggesting some physicality inside
Gooden was one of my least favorite Cavs of all time
Oh man he was one of the goofiest Cavs. His stupid beard and hair stuff cracked me up.
Duck tail Gooden!
And the “the Johnny” goatee.
what gang let him in?
Blast from the past
Way to bury the lede that drew gooden does wizards games.
Not exactly news
Just didn’t know. Makes me smile.
Get the damn rebound
Holmes could be a Cav next year. Oh wait he has one more year at 12 mil. One of the great modern “sign and retire” contracts.
The “sign and retire” award will soon be renamed the “Jimmy Butler sign-and-retire award.”
ha-ha!
Maybe this lights a fire
i understand the concept of “on any given day..” but this would be embarrassing.. and stupid scheit has a habit of showing up down the road when you least expect (or need it)..
Oh I expected it.
What are they reviewing. Jesus. This is dumb
Finally some excitement. Cavs trying to get themselves going.
Good for DG for sticking up for Mobley… I wanna see some fucking physicality
They’re working themselves up. Gonna cavalanche em now I bet.
Put George on his ass!
hopefully this fires the guys up, they need something.
Refs letting them play on both ends a bit. That probably stops now
This has been very much like that 6rs loss. They’re making tough shots and we arent cleaning the glass when they finally do miss
Keyshawn George looks like he’s 10 years old
acts like it too
Mobley needs to step up. He has 6 points and 1 rebound.
yup
Pretty poor first half. Wiz running on every miss, and there were a lot of those.
10 offensive rebounds, 9 turnovers… no physicality on defense. These dudes have post-trade depression :(
It’s just bad defense
yup, offense isn’t a problem.
well, i guess the turnovers are what’s keeping Washington in the game.
WTF is going on w these Wiz?
they are way more athletic and young now that they scrap all the old bums
Classic trap game.
Emoni sighting
Love it, let him have the whole 2nd half.
TOM” PUT ME “ LIN 17/ 6 AT THE HALF. 3/5 FROM 3’s
No Merrill yet? Is he ill?
Out for personal reasons. Think is wife is having a baby
Thanks, Nate.
CPJ AGENDA TO THE MOON THANK YOU KA
Woof. This is ragged.
Cavs sleepwalking, understandable given the situation, I think the guys are having an emotional letdown.
Plus the rotation is way out of the norm. Two guys traded, three out with injury or personal reasons, and the help isn’t here yet.
yup
Thanks for getting the Lt, Homie.
Yes sir!!