Links to the Present: March 1, 2012
2012-03-01
“The Cavaliers returned from the All-Star break with a chance to show their fans and management they were legitimate playoff contenders. Beat Boston and New York — teams occupying the final two Eastern Conference playoff spots – and it’s race on. Instead, the Celtics outlasted them 86-83 on Tuesday and the Knicks demoralized them, 120-103 on Wednesday in Madison Square Garden. In one game they couldn’t make a big play in the final minutes; in the other they couldn’t hold a 17-point lead late in the first half. The Cavaliers have the Bulls waiting at The Q and a trip to Denver and Oklahoma City looming next week.” [Tom Reed]
“In the end, there’s no chance I pass on this trade and do ship out Irving for Howard. Too risky with his impending free agency, you say? Call me crazy but I’m one of those guys who doesn’t think anyone is passing on all the extra money one would lose by leaving under the current collective bargaining agreement. Things wouldn’t look great if he called my bluff though, eh?” [John of FTS on a fake Irving-for-Howard swap]
There’s a mini-controversy involving Christian Eyenga, a toe injury, and Twitter. Scott Sargent investigates.
The PD’s Michael Curry breaks down some of Kyrie Irving’s deficiencies, which have become more apparent in recent weeks.
@ Carter- The Cavs cap space isn’t enough to absorb Kaman’s contract so the deal would have to be something like Gibson + Hollins + a 2nd for Kaman or Jamison + 2nd for Kaman (the first would be much more favorable for NO $ wise). Also there has been talk of a buyout and the Cavs could then sign him after that as they have among the most cap space left. Why not wait and take that shot- you could hypothetically get him for 2 years 12 mil rather than giving up a draft pick + gibson with no… Read more »
I’d LOVE to have Kaman for a second round pick, especially since there has been talk that he might be willing to stick around after the season. Unfortunately, I’m not optimistic that a single second rounder will get it done.
Carter –
You’ve inspired me to write another article addressing the Kyrie conundrum – look out for one in the next few weeks regarding our love of players, and how that should translate. Thanks for the inspiration!
Second, if we can have Kaman for a second round pick I’d do it in a heartbeat. One year out of him is worth more to us than anything we’d likely get in the middle of the second round, and if he resigns we’ve lucked out.
In other news, apparently the thought around the league is that Chris Kaman can be had for a 2nd round pick, as the Hornets just want to move him. the Cavs have cap room, and his deal is expiring – Why not take a flyer? If Kaman can help out, and be a contributor this year, who says he won’t resign? He’s been bounced around a lot (if he gets traded, making twice in one season), maybe he buys into playing with Kyrie and the other young players on this squad – It’s not altogether unlikely, is it?
Are we a little jaded from the LeBron experience? I feel like everybody is doing everything they can create some emotional distance – We’re even avoiding being frustrated about Irving’s deficiencies, we’re just matter-of-factly pointing them out.
I can’t help but feel like this fan base is terrified to buy in to this Irving kid. And maybe they shouldn’t. Didn’t the whole LeBron fiasco prove that we care a heck of a lot more about the players than they care about us? What do you think?