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2018/19 Record: 19-63 (14th in East)
2018/19 Stats: Off Rating 107.7 (25th), Def Rating 117.6 (30th)
Rode In: Sindarius Thornwell (1/min), Jarrell Martin (1/min)
Cut Away: David Nwaba (Nets), J.R. Smith (Space Cadet Program)
Drafted: Darius Garland (#5), Dylan Windler (#26), Kevin Porter (#30)
Guards: Sexton, Garland, Clarkson, Knight, Dellavedova
Wings: Osman, Porter, Windler, Thornwell
Bigs: Love, Thompson, Nance, Henson, Zizic
Team salary 2019/20: $131 million ($1 million below luxury line)
Est. salary 2020/21: $68 million ($50 million cap space)
Cavaliers Mailbag
It's not often we get letters from the tundra wastelands, so I appreciate your writing in Mr. Kahn.
To answer your question, it is quite unusual for a team to invest successive lottery picks in point guards with overlapping strengths. While the Cavs will be hoping that Garland is more of a pure playmaker than Sexton, it's fair to say that scoring and shooting is the strong suit of the two Cleveland guards. Guarding people going the other way will be interesting to say the least though. Ability to learn to play off the ball will also be crucial.
It has been pointed out that the Portland Lillard/McCollum tandem is the example that the Cavaliers have in mind to follow. Of course the Blazers have made that situation work by surrounding their guards with strong defensive role players, so Cleveland's future roster construction will play a major role in whether their experiment works or not. It also helps if you don't draft Johnny Flynn, Wes Johnson and Derrick Williams with high lottery picks.
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The Cavs had three first round picks this year. Rumour has it that Danny Ainge is hoping to smash that record soon.
Hi Mr.H, good to have interested readers from across sporting platforms and intellectual horizons.
To start to answer your question, yes it is true that the Cavs are sailing perilously close to the luxury tax line this season, which seems astounding for a 20 win team. On the other hand, they have five big contracts totaling roughly $67 million in salary coming off the books at the end of this season, leaving them in much clearer air. Some of those contracts (Henson, Dellavedova, Knight) were taken on for draft picks, so the Cavs are doing some things right.
The second part of your question, and the more interesting dilemma revolves around Kevin Love, who is now entering the first year of a $120 million extension he penned a year ago. Given he was injured for most of last season, sometimes you can't hurry Love's trade, you just have to wait. Also, given that he is a five-time All-star signed through four years, it's good to exercise caution and allow suitors to inflate the market - to try and ensure that the competition to sign Love is a battlefield. Sure you might get the odd GM who strings you along and promises a good deal, only to ring days later and say "I'm not into Love, so just forget it - it's just a silly phase I was going through'. It happens, and the Cavs should just continue to be patient: all teams need shooters, and that's the power of Love.
Thanks for your question, Mr. Czar.
In many ways you are right: Cleveland could do with a decent defender or two from somewhere, anywhere. The Cavs gave up a eye-watering 117.6 points per 100 last season, despite playing at one of the league's slowest paces (something tells me you'd approve). They also blocked 195 shots as a team, which was less than Myles Turner managed on his own.
On the other hand, they're young and they're rebuilding, so what does it matter really? As a general principle, I have no problem in drafting based on talent now, and filling in the gaps later. But yeah, a Garland/Sexton/Osman/Love/Thompson line-up ain't stopping anyone, even with noted former college coach John Beilein working to teach the young 'uns the ropes.
View attachment 735612
Giving up 114 points per game? It didn't used to be like this.
That's one of the finest questions we've had yet. Cutting insight and wonderfully phrased too.
And to answer your question, if the Garland/Sexton combo clicks early and Love rediscovers his A-game, then... ah, stuff it, no use sugar-coating this.
No. Chance. In. Hell.
Um... thanks Dan.
Technically that's not a question, just a really weird manifesto that reads like it was written by a hormonal teenager... but we wish you luck in your quest.
Hello,
We noticed that the Wizards fired Ernie Grunfeld after 16 years as GM. Was this fair, or was it discrimination against old timers?
Yours,
B. King, B. Colangelo & E. Baylor c/o NBA retirement homes Pty Ltd.
Hi everyone.
Are you as excited for the groundbreaking new direction in Washington basketball as we are?
Regards,
Ted L. & T. Sheppard, Washington D.C.
Hey there,
Scott Brooks won a reputation as a coach who develops young players after his stint with the Thunder. Is he the perfect man to lead this exciting new era?
Cheers,
Brook Scotts, The Hot Seat
*Cough* Yeah, hi
Given that the grim spectre of mortality hangs over us all, and that life is short and greed is good... don't you think Brad Beal should get out of Washington?
Preferably some place warm?
Salud,
Don Riley, South Beach
Hey MF, come pick one
They're saying John Wall is now a zero. That he's washed up, a liability.
I say that impossible is nothing. Wall should come back with all guns blazing and prove everybody wrong. Game is for life, keep shooting John.
I play with guns,
Agent Z. Ero, Witness Protection Program
SOS starting with the powerhouses.
G'day mate
I was looking over some of the Suns' new players the other day. It seems to me that there is some serious cult potential there - what do ya reckon?
With 100% effort,
Matty D, Cleveland
Hello there,
What do you make of Phoenix's selections in the 2019 Draft? Asking for a friend.
Regards,
John Smith, Head of Public Relations, Legal Liaison Officer and part-time Janitor, Talking Stick Arena
Greetings, peasant.
Did the Suns make a catastrophic, egregious, unforgivable error of Biblical proportions in taking DeAndre Ayton over Luka Doncic?
Yours in interminable outrage,
S. A. Smith, ESPN Studios
Baaaaah! Baaa!
*Mashes keyboard* Didn't you hate the Suns' off season? What was the funniest part for you?
Baaaah!
Z. Lowe, ESPN
Hi,
As one of many long-suffering Phoenix fans, what are our realistic options for finally getting rid of Robert Sarver?
Thanks in advance.
Senior Guidance Counselor, Head of Humour Department, Bigfooty Institute
Disappointing from you Son of Skeletor I’m sure J Shuttlesworth would agree that Frank Kaminsky is the epitome of a sexy signing.
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Hi Matt, thanks for your question.
It would be fair to say that the Suns have taken on a veritable United Nations of newcomers this off season. Between Rubio (Spain), Saric (Croatia), Diallo (Mali), Kaminsky (Polish Wisconsin) and Baynes (Australasia, see Russell Crowe and Crowded House), Phoenix will be swimming in bandwagon fanboys anxious to know why their respective favourite sons aren't receiving more playing time or getting more shots.
Add these to Ayton (Bahamas) and Okobo (France) and it's clear than there will be more languages and dialects being spoken at The Talking Stick Arena than you could poke a... *cough* stick... at. Only time will tell whether this new international flavour will revive the Suns' fortunes, but in the short term at least cult fanatic djrossie will be on board, and that's always a good thing.
Just need a touch of perennial steak knives Luke Ridnour to complete the setMust say I did a double take at this and for a second thought Delly had joined the Suns and secured their tradition and line of great pallid complexion point guards.
Don't think the body could take him and rubio on the same squad
Must say I did a double take at this and for a second thought Delly had joined the Suns and secured their tradition and line of great pallid complexion point guards.
Don't think the body could take him and rubio on the same squad
*ear splitting whistle*
I think this is finally the year when the Spurs go down. Do you agree?
Technical foul on you if you don't,
J. Crawford, Apartment 1A, The Tommy Heinsohn Home for Cantankerous Old Gits
Hi.
Do you think there's still a place for the long two in a modern NBA offence?
Yours,
K. Bryant, Los Angeles
Hey amigo,
Is Pop going to retire soon? This would make me very sad.
Gracias,
P. Sanchez, Idaho
Yo,
Have you seen that Morris twin? I can't remember his first name, I think it starts with an 'M'? He used to be the bad Morris, but now he's the better Morris. Anyway I can't find him anywhere, and San Antonio was the last known address I have for him.
If you see him, tell him I've found a perfect new job for him on LeBron's current team... sorry, I'm just looking up the name... ah yes, the Lakers. So yeah, tell him thatLeBronI think that his best career move would be to join the Lakers, post haste.
Wealthy Paul, Klutch Enterprises
I am not comfortable with him storming the sidelines in anything but his jacket and tiePop is scouting for another foreigner at the world cup
Disappointing from you Son of Skeletor I’m sure J Shuttlesworth would agree that Frank Kaminsky is the epitome of a sexy signing.
How's it going?
The Pacers appear to have undergone quite a transformation this off-season. I remember once upon a time my Sonics traded in our classic green and gold threads for some disgusting moss green and browny red uniforms... I'm still scarred to this day.
Anyway, is change a good thing?
N. McMillan, Banker's Life Fieldhouse
Hi idiots,
I hear that some people are doubting Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis' ability to play together as Twin Towers. Do they even basketball?
Gotta go now, as my bus is late again - I really hope the bus driver's family is part of the holiday road toll.
S. Mead, via Twitter
'Sup?
I've been told that Indiana might need to make some big decisions regarding their roster and future salary cap situation soon.
Do you think careful budgeting and preparing for the future is important in life? Or is it better to splash the cash now, and worry about tomorrow later?
Regards,
A. Walker, Boston
Good morning, brother.
I heard a rumour that Indiana's erstwhile point guard has retired at the tender age of 31 to focus on missionary work - is this true?
Peace be with you,
A. Rance, Richmond
Hi Rancey,
Believe it or not, the rumours are true: Darren Collison has retired from the NBA in order to focus upon being a Jehovah's witness.
Walking away from a certified playoff team and tens of millions of dollars in future earnings just to chat to folks about God and stuff seems about as likely as an Oklahoman basketballer giving an All-Australian defender a bath in front of 100,000 people at an AFL preliminary final, but here we are.
Can't quite work out the motivation myself - I'm probably the least holy person this side of George Pell - but hey, to each their own. Luckily we here at Bigfooty would certainly never stoop to making fun of spiritual choices, or even serving up gratuitous reminders of painful footy memories.
G'day.
Sometimes after I've laid a few too many surreptitious bets, Ihide the shortfallmake it up to my beloved by shopping exclusively at Aldi for months on end.
Anyway, last week I was trying to find if Aldi's stocks frozen vegan meals when I bumped into several Timberwolves front office types in dark glasses with a shopping trolley and a calculator - any idea what that could be about?
P. Pricey, Adelaide
Um... yeah, hi.
I noticed that Minny drafted two wings in the 2019 Draft. Then I remembered that the Wolves drafted two wings in last year's draft too. They also traded for Robert Covington last year. Oh, and they just signed Jake Layman as a free agent.
There's a theme there, but I just can't quite put my finger on it. I mean I tried, but I kept missing... can you help me out?
Andrew W, Minneapolis
Hey there,
The old adage about ex-girlfriends is that you should never go back. However at the moment I'm all out of love.
Is it possible for someone to love me two times?
Kevin L, Ohio
Greetings,
How long do the Timberwolves have left to build around Karl Anthony Towns? Can you see some media pressure or a trade demand in the future?
Thanks,
M. Johnson, R. Pelinka & R. Paul, Los Angeles
Hey, how ya doing over there? You're alright.
I tell ya, the Portland Trail Blazers got it pretty rough. Every year they make the playoffs, but still they don't get no respect. No regard either.
I keep telling them they should move to the Eastern Conference - they treat ya real good over there. Win 53 games in the East and LeBron will be begging to join YOU. When are the Blazers going to get a break? I mean apart from the one in Jusuf Nurkic's leg.
R. Dangerfield, Vegas
Hello there,
I note with approval that Portland's defence has improved from awful to slightly-above-average in the last two years, despite forcing the least turnovers in the league during that time.
Could it be said that the Blazers are proving that there is no need to gamble with regards to the NBA?
Mrs. Stewie Griffen, Auckland
Hello puny writer,
Why Nurkic paid so little? I need to come investigate, yes?
Hariz N, Bosnia
'Sup?
I hear that Portland have an exciting kid with a familiar name ready to bust out this season.
Penny for your thoughts?
A. Hardaway, Orlando
View attachment 743805
2018/19 Record: 53-29 (3rd in West), lost 4-0 to Warriors in WCF
2018/19 Stats: Off Rating 114.7 (3rd), Def Rating 110.5 (16th)
Port-landed: Mario Hezonja (2/min), Pau Gasol (1/min), Anthony Tolliver (1/min), Hassan Whiteside (Heat), Kent Bazemore (Hawks)
Ore-gone: Al-Farouq Aminu (Magic), Seth Curry (Mavs), Moe Harkless (Clippers), Meyers Leonard (Heat), Enes Kanter (Celtics), Evan Turner (Hawks)
Drafted: Nassir Little (#25)
Guards: Lillard, McCollum, Simons
Wings: Bazemore, Hood, Hezonja, Little, Trent
Bigs: Nurkic, Collins, Whiteside, Tolliver, Gasol
Team Salary 2019/20: $145 million ($13 million over luxury line)
Est. Salary 2020/21: $97 million ($21 million cap space)
Blazers Mailbag
You raise an interesting point, Mr. Dangerfield.
Portland has indeed reached the playoffs in each of the last six seasons. Granted, it's not quite as impressive as their 1982-2003 playoff streak, but it's nothing to sneeze at either... especially considering they lost their star big (LaMarcus Aldridge) for nothing in the interim.
While the Blazers have been perceived as a team who may win 50 games and reach the second round of the playoffs if things fall their way. there has always been the substantial caveat that they do not seem true title contenders. In fact, last season's run to the Western Conference Finals may have been Terry Stotts' most impressive coaching effort to date, especially considering Nurkic's devastating injury.
Meanwhile the undersized backcourt of Lillard and McCollum has demonstrated time and again the value of having multiple players who can create off the dribble and shoot with accuracy from the perimeter. Whether two small guards can ever dominate the playoffs in the manner of a Jordan or a LeBron will continue to be a question oft-debated, but we'd like to see what the Blazers could do with a healthy Nurkic first.
View attachment 743848
The Blazers' defensive scheme revolves around drop coverage and a lot of ice. Gambling on help arriving is not recommended.
Thanks for your totally non-loaded question.
Under David Vanterpool - newly transferred to the Minnesota Timberwolves's bench - the Blazers have employed a very conservative defensive scheme that has gotten results, despite boasting a starting backcourt whom will never be confused with All-Defensive candidates.
This has meant that Portland will frequently ice instead of switching, fight through screens and religiously employ a drop coverage with their bigs. The Blazers have also made a point of staying with the shooters, meaning that double teaming and trapping are rarely seen. Portland may have finished 29th and 30th for turnovers forced since 2017, but they allow less open threes than the average team and have done an excellent job on the defensive boards.
Of course without the departed Aminu and Harkless at the wings, and without Nurkic until Feburary at the earliest, Portland will rely heavily on newcomers such as Bazemore and Whiteside buying into the scheme in the meantime. If Zach Collins gets the starting job alongside Whiteside this season - something that has been rumoured - the Blazers' defensive scheme will be tested to its limit.
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Raise a meaty paw and pour one out for poor Jusuf Nurkic - his contract is practically a five finger discount for Portland.
Thanks for writing in all the way from Bosnia. To show our appreciation we've done an investigation of our own, just to save you making the journey.
Just over a year ago, Nurkic signed a 4 year, $48 million extension with the Blazers. By our estimation, this means that Timofey Mozgov, Miles Plumlee, Mason Plumlee, Gorgui Dieng, Bismack Biyombo, Cody Zeller, Enes Kanter, Joakim Noah, Dwight Howard, Kenneth Faried, Omer Asik, Robin Lopez, Tristan Thompson, Hassan Whiteside, Ryan Anderson, Kelly Olynyk, Ian Mahinmi, Tyson Chandler, Marcin Gortat, Jonas Valanciunas, Zach Randolph and Pau Gasol all made more money than the Bosnian Beast's $11 million last season... and that's just from among his fellow bigs. Ouch.
Nurkic was in the midst of a gargantuan season before his untimely leg fracture in March, anchoring Portland's D, scoring more efficiently than ever and even expanding his role as a secondary playmaker. Portland will be hoping that the burly big man will soon be back to his best - they might be looking at a post-All-Star break return - because on his play last year Nurkic's contract was shaping as a bargain along Steph Curry 2013-17 or Mike Conley 2011-16 lines.
View attachment 743870
The Blazers' secret weapon is ready to strut his stuff.
Always happy to give my thoughts Mr. Hardaway, although peternorth has promised me a lot more than mere pennies. Plus I know Nurkic's Dad's number.
Anyway, there has been hype - actually, considerable hype - about young Anfernee Simons, which is sorta amazing considering half his rookie year's production came in one game!
While we can only speculate whether the hype is justified based off one meaningless regular season game and a few summer league highlights, what's not debatable is that the Blazers' off-season turnover has cleared the path for Simons to play regular minutes this season. A couple of Portland's wings can handle the ball a little, but as far as guard depth goes, after Lillard and McCollum... Simons is pretty much it.
In fact Portland's three young hopes - Zach Collins, Simons and 2019 draftee Nassir Little - will probably all get a chance to contribute this season, as the Blazers juggle injuries, roster turnover and a bloated salary cap. Whether these three sink or swim will go a long way to defining Portland's season.
Cash considerations coming your way