Links to the Present: December 5, 2011
2011-12-05
“With all due respect to Baron Davis, Kyrie Irving wouldn’t mind taking over the Cleveland Cavaliers’ starting point guard job in training camp. The Cavs have the option of using their amnesty clause on Davis to waive him and remove the $28.7 million he’s owed the next two seasons from the team’s salary for cap and tax purposes. If Davis stays, Irving said he’d welcome being mentored by the veteran. The Cavs could decide to start both in the backcourt with Irving, the No. 1 pick in the June NBA draft, at point guard.” [Marc J. Spears]
“At some point between now and Christmas, the Cavaliers will have a sticky situation to resolve in regard to their amnesty clause. They must decide whether to waive Baron Davis before this season or next. It’s bound to happen eventually, the Cavs just have to figure out when the time is right.” [Jason Lloyd]
“The Spokane (Wash.) Spokesman-Review reported [Craig] Ehlo will be hired as a Cavs assistant coach on Monday. A source said the Cavs have yet to offer the job to anyone. The position came open on Coach Byron Scott’s staff when Chris Jent left to join Ohio State coach Thad Matta in Columbus.” [Bob Finnan]
“Varejao is making $7.95 million this season. In 2014-2015, he’ll be making $9.95 million (unless he’s cut – only $4 million of that is guaranteed). For one of the best defensive players on the planet, this is a bargain. He doesn’t give you the scoring you can get from Nene or Marc Gasol and he doesn’t guard the 5 as well as Chandler, but he’s not just an energy player. He’s almost unmatched in terms of defending the pick and roll and he’s long been underrated for the cuts he makes and his weird finishing ability around the basket.” [James Herbert on the value of Andy Varejao]
Mary Schmitt Boyer breaks down how the new CBA might impact the Cavs over the next half decade or so.
And the Cavaliers will play the Detroit Pistons in a home-and-home as a sort of truncated preseason.
On the Twitters
“NBA expected to release 2011-12 schedule on Tuesday.” [Bob Finnan]
“#Cavs at the practice facility today: Casspi, Thompson, Harangody, Harris, Samuels.” [PDCavsInsider]
“Finishing up classes at Duke. Believe his last day is Wednesday. RT @joec1505: why isn’t Irving there?” [Jason Lloyd]
If that’s the case then the cavs are set up well for 2013-2015 when they will have plenty of young talent and lots of cap space
The small market teams will start winning, and soon. Actually it will be any team that manages its cap correctly. If NY thought it was in cap hell when Isiah was running it (oh wait), just wait. The thing about amnesty, is EVERY TEAM UNDER THE CAP GETS A SHOT AT AMNESTIED PLAYERS. So say Oklahoma City is 2 mil under, and they bid on Baron, oh wait, Houston is 3 Mil under? Houston gets him. The advantages will switch to small market teams and soon. Yes, there will be some vestigial super teams, but they won’t last long until… Read more »
Completely agree with you Nupe. What exactly did the owners win??
It strikes me that there are no real ‘provisions’ made for small market teams. It’s really just the teams that spend a lot verusus the teams that don’t spend as much. I’m not sure what I was expecting out of all of this, maybe a ‘franchise player’ tag that would allow teams to keep any one player at a league maximum. That way guys like CP3 and D12 wouldn’t be able to just leave. Also teams like Boston (big market) who will likely lose KG and Ray Allen after the season, then Peirce the next (if he retires ) will… Read more »