2021-2022 Cavaliers General Discussion: Trade Deadline Edition

[Dr No]

One thing I'm concerned about is defensive rebounding. Looking at the pre-season games it was obvious the Cavs were having a problem controlling the defensive glass. Those really long, skinny guys (Allen and Mobley) were getting pushed around a bit.

The first four games the Cavs allowed 13, 12, 13, and 14 offensive rebounds. Last year the team that allowed the most offensive rebounds per game gave up 11.2, so if the Cavs don't improve their offensive rebounding they will be worst in the league by a large margin.

However, a lot of guys played in those games that won't be playing this year, or at least won't be playing as many minutes. In the final pre-season game the Cavs started the jumbo lineup of Mobley, Allen, and Markkanen. With Sexton resting a shoulder injury they started last year's small forward, Isaac Okoro, at the 2. That group wasn't on the floor for long but the guys who played the most minutes off the bench were Stevens, Fall, Wade, and Valentine. IOW, they started big and stayed big. Stevens, Wade, and Fall combined for 20 rebounds.

The Cavs only allowed 8 offensive rebounds to the Pacers in that last game. The best team at preventing offensive rebounds last year allowed 8.0. So by going with the jumbo lineup the Cavs went from worst to first in controlling the defensive glass.

Obviously we're not going to see Fall, Wade, and Stevens combine for 71 minutes this year. If they keep Okoro at the 3 and start Garland and Sexton in the backcourt, I'm concerned about second chance points. I think they should just make Okoro a 2 once an for all and divvy up the small forward minutes between LM, Cedi, and Windler. That would improve the rebounding at two positions.

This is a real concern. With the number of shots coming from the 3 point line, the number of long rebounds has gone way up. This puts a premium on rebounding guards. Garland & Sexton are never going to be good rebounders. Okoro was a terrible rebounder last year as well. Even if Allen & Mobley can hold their own, we really need whoever plays our 3 to be a much better rebounder than we've seen.

 

[Heat Check]

This is a real concern. With the number of shots coming from the 3 point line, the number of long rebounds has gone way up. This puts a premium on rebounding guards. Garland & Sexton are never going to be good rebounders. Okoro was a terrible rebounder last year as well. Even if Allen & Mobley can hold their own, we really need whoever plays our 3 to be a much better rebounder than we've seen.

I'n not worried about that. You don't win in this league by lucking into a few long offensive boards per game. You win by making your 3pt shots. This means that chasing good shooters off the perimeter is by far the most essential thing for us.

There will be long rebounds, and of course it's good to have guys who can get their hands on those 50/50 balls. But overall, teams don't send too many guys to fight for offensive rebounds anyway these days. Everyone's afraid of the other team getting a fast break off that.

 

[stick]

2 of the first 8 games are at home. One of those two is the second night of a back-to-back against Atlanta. Most of this slate of games are against West teams on the road.

There are some tough matchups (every game is against last year's playoff or play-in team), but I think it's best to get them out of the way early rather than later. Still... The beginning of the season PROBABLY isn't gonna be pretty.

Getting out of this stretch at 3W-5L or better would be a win.

I'm really excited to see this team hoop, even in the losses, hopefully there's some fun games and progress.

 

[kidduck]

Interesting.

I sure would like to hear that conversation between JBB and Bull.

 

[Dr No]

I'n not worried about that. You don't win in this league by lucking into a few long offensive boards per game. You win by making your 3pt shots. This means that chasing good shooters off the perimeter is by far the most essential thing for us.

There will be long rebounds, and of course it's good to have guys who can get their hands on those 50/50 balls. But overall, teams don't send too many guys to fight for offensive rebounds anyway these days. Everyone's afraid of the other team getting a fast break off that.

that's true. Not much crashing the boards like there used to be. Now one of the great advantages to guard rebounding is getting it out on the break quickly.

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

Interesting.

That's kind of an odd tweet. I mean, if Fedor is really the mouthpiece for the Cavs, why on earth would they want to let out that they considered benching one player for another but decided against it?

 

[Rich]

Such a goofy thing to let slip to the media.

Now Sexton will be pissed off and Okoro will be pissed off.

 

[kidduck]

Such a goofy thing to let slip to the media.

Now Sexton will be pissed off and Okoro will be pissed off.

Only the Indians/Guardians seem to have some immunity to these off the field/court
self-inflicted wounds.

Or else the Cavs are trying to prove themselves half-baked enough to take on Simmons
and go full on over the cuckoos' nest.

 

[dirtywax]

22 wins. Bickerstaff gone by all-star break. Two trades. But I believe the future is bright!!!

 

[daytripper]

22 wins. Bickerstaff gone by all-star break. Two trades. But I believe the future is bright!!!

But they have Sidney Lowe waiting in the wings!!

 

[NMCav]

I think team will be better then expected. Get between 30-35 wins. But Bickerstaff and Koby still get fired after the season. But sadly the replacements still aren't competent and we continue to ride the treadmill of being shitty.

 

[Futuredome]

The Cavs should just start LM and make Sexland work. Okoro can cheerlead from the bench

 

[Rich]

Locked in at 28 wins.

JBB gets fired fairly early after a bad start.

I expect a panic, Luol Deng level trade.

 

[ice cream man]

If the players do indeed like JBB then I don’t see the point in firing him mid season. If you are gonna find that special coach you’ve always wanted it’s not going to be until the offseason anyway.

 

[Kouki]

Basketball Hall of Fame takes into account all aspects of basketball, not just the NBA. Literally only been 2 players that have won a Euroleague title, an NBA Championship, and an Olympic Gold. Manu is absolutely a lock for the HOF.

Not to mention he invented the Euro step and the flop.