The Cleveland Cavaliers Magic Number Thread (2012 Playoffs and Ping Pong Balls)

[tsteele316]

I think you can even take it a step further in this discussion.

The Cavs, despite losing AV for most of the year and Irving for an extended stretch, is still going to finish 5th. One could argue that they are in better shape going forward than most of the teams in the top 10. Does anyone think that Cleveland, barring injuries, won't be better than detroit, new jersey, or toronto next year? Does anyone think cleveland won't surpass golden state?

While there is a lot of hand wringing about ping pong balls and finishing 5th, quite frankly, cleveland is probably a better team than that 5th slot would indicate, and I would venture to guess that a lot of teams surrounding cleveland in the standings would gladly trade positions with them right now.

[sailfish]

I think you can even take it a step further in this discussion.

The Cavs, despite losing AV for most of the year and Irving for an extended stretch, is still going to finish 5th. One could argue that they are in better shape going forward than most of the teams in the top 10. Does anyone think that Cleveland, barring injuries, won't be better than detroit, new jersey, or toronto next year? Does anyone think cleveland won't surpass golden state?

While there is a lot of hand wringing about ping pong balls and finishing 5th, quite frankly, cleveland is probably a better team than that 5th slot would indicate, and I would venture to guess that a lot of teams surrounding cleveland in the standings would gladly trade positions with them right now.

What this year has shown me are two things:

1. Byron Scott is a very good coach. That he's winning with the makeshift bunch, sans Irving, Varejao, & Gibson, is nothing short of amazing.
2. The Cavaliers are not the most talented bunch, but Scott has them playing hard and they feature alot of high-effort, overachiever types. Players who fit this profile are Harangody, Walton, Hudson, & Parker. While other teams are playing at 75-80%, this Cavaliers bunch is still giving 100%.

I'm focused on the Cavaliers receiving the 7th or 8th draft spot. There we should be looking at Lamb, T. Jones, Zeller, Henson, & maybe Terrence Ross.

[Pavlovic3Ball]

One thing about having a roster full of young players. is that with experience and age. they improve.
The roster currently has
lester hudson - ap all american
samardo samuels mcdonalds all star
Kyrie irving - mcdonalds all star
Luke harangody - ap all american
tristan thompson- mcdonalds all american
Omri casspi - discovery of the year. 4th in fibay young player of the year award (behind rubio,gallinari and kosat koufas)
Donald sloan- first team big 12
Manny harris - Mr basketballfor the stated of michigan. , all big ten conference.

These guys are talented and have stood out out different levels of play.

some of these guys will be with the team than alot of you give them credit for and even if they arent. they will be likley earning minutes elsewhere.

What this team lacks at the moment is experience and consistency. the team playing now without their best perimeter defender. without their best scorer and franchise player. and without the all defensive team anchor has gone 3-3 with two overtime losses. that would seem to indicate these "scrubs" can play in the NBA.

You do realize that just about every player in the NBA was a STUD in high school or college, right? Even guys that were taken in the 2nd round were people that led their high school teams to state championships.

[pr26]

I would like to point out that it was only a few weeks ago that it looked like we were locked into the 8th spot...and now people are freaking out that we're in the 5th spot.

[CPK]

I would like to point out that it was only a few weeks ago that it looked like we were locked into the 8th spot...and now people are freaking out that we're in the 5th spot.

It's going to play out how it's going to play out. Not to mention it is a lottery and anything can happen.

[Tank God]

I would like to point out that it was only a few weeks ago that it looked like we were locked into the 8th spot...and now people are freaking out that we're in the 5th spot.

Lost progress is still lost progress.

[Cavsfan89]

Raptors leading Hawks by 5. Very early though.

Sac. trailing Portland by 7.

[Numbers Guy]

Toronto up 14 on Atlanta at the half.. Sac down 8 at the half... calling it, both will lose

[Mdog1]

It's going to play out how it's going to play out. Not to mention it is a lottery and anything can happen.

I am still convinced that 5th worst will be the victor of the lottery. I have thought that for months.

[Dr. Gymbo]

Toronto up 18 with 8 minutes left. Detroit up 6 over Chicago with 10 minutes left. Sacramento winning by 2 with 2 minutes left.

C'mon Sac-Town...

[Tecumseh]

Thorton!!!! Sac wins

[Rob]

KINGS WIN!! RAPTORS ABOUT TO WIN!! WE LOST!!

WOO

[Daniel89]

Sactown wins!!!! Thornton buzzer beater... Raptors also win!

Now lets go Pistons!!

[cafemerald]

I thought the kings were going to do something really smart... and lose that game.

Go Kings! They play CHA again me thinks... this is good.

[D-Wreck]