2026 Off-season Thread

Watson is an upgrade at the starting SF spot from Strus or Wade. Strus was a good connector and shooter but wasn't the most athletic defender. Wade added size on both sides of the floor but was more impactful defensively than offensively. It will be different for Watson playing with a non-Jokic big, but JA and Mobley are better rim protectors than Joker is and is a better athlete. The Cavs are betting that his breakout last year was not a fluke
 
The Human Q-Tip said:
If we're counting Wade as a bench guy, then who are we counting as last season's 5th starter?

Whoever we count as the 5th starter last season was replaced by Watson, so that isn't a "loss".
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I have Watson as an upgrade over Strus. He's likely, or at least hopefully, an upgrade over either Strus or Wade, but he'll only fill one role, not both. If you move Tyson into the Strus role, then Tyson's slot from last season is empty. We're down a forward/tall guard whichever way you look at it. Maybe Proctor or Tomlin step up and it doesn't really matter, but I'll feel better if someone signs Whitmore so the Cavs can at least use a vet minimum in the event that doesn't occur.

I don't think committing to Bryant and CPJ as early as the Cavs did was wise either. I suspect that once other teams cut their rosters down to 14-15, there may be better options floating out there. I'm not sure what hard capped means with respect to bringing in vet minimum guys to replace vet minimum guys you waive, but if that's an option, it's not one that should be dismissed out of hand.
 
Since Koby is still betting on the core to break through, he should be utilizing every chip at his disposal to set this year's team up for success, which does appear to be the case as he threw $4 mil at CHA to dump Schroder and moved off Strus' expiring deal and a 2031 first to ink Watson to a long-term pact. 4/$88 mill is not a modest contract
 


Training camp will be interesting because if Thomas or Proctor win the back-up PG job, CPJ becomes more expendable. Even if Diop somehow beats out Tomlin/Bryant for the back-up big role, Tomlin will still stay because he is still one of the bigger players on the roster behind JA, Mobley, Mario, Diop, and Watson
 
DanielHSSports said:


Training camp will be interesting because if Thomas or Proctor win the back-up PG job, CPJ becomes more expendable. Even if Diop somehow beats out Tomlin/Bryant for the back-up big role, Tomlin will still stay because he is still one of the bigger players on the roster behind JA, Mobley, Mario, Diop, and Watson
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Another one to watch is Merrill. A couple of guys could develop as movement shooters and Merrill's contract has real value to a team like Houston who could use a guy like him. Will not happen until the deadline if it happens at all, but Merrill is another to watch as we see what Tyson, Proctor, and Thomas are capable of.
 
A lot of players need to step up at the beginning of the season. Having Harden/Mitchell win games at from October-December may give them an advantage standings-wise but it will not empower other players to create offense
 
DanielHSSports said:


Training camp will be interesting because if Thomas or Proctor win the back-up PG job, CPJ becomes more expendable. Even if Diop somehow beats out Tomlin/Bryant for the back-up big role, Tomlin will still stay because he is still one of the bigger players on the roster behind JA, Mobley, Mario, Diop, and Watson
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@PIP needs to update his little signature line, he's overshot our available cap room by dozens of dollars.
 
CavsKermit said:
I have Watson as an upgrade over Strus. He's likely, or at least hopefully, an upgrade over either Strus or Wade, but he'll only fill one role, not both. If you move Tyson into the Strus role, then Tyson's slot from last season is empty. We're down a forward/tall guard whichever way you look at it. Maybe Proctor or Tomlin step up and it doesn't really matter, but I'll feel better if someone signs Whitmore so the Cavs can at least use a vet minimum in the event that doesn't occur.

I don't think committing to Bryant and CPJ as early as the Cavs did was wise either. I suspect that once other teams cut their rosters down to 14-15, there may be better options floating out there. I'm not sure what hard capped means with respect to bringing in vet minimum guys to replace vet minimum guys you waive, but if that's an option, it's not one that should be dismissed out of hand.
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Bryant is great for a vet min and was a good take what's there signing (the list of third bigs in this iteration of the Cavs is BRUTAL). CPJ was already under contract, there was no decision to be made.

If guys shake loose there's maybe something, maybe not, but there's also going to be demand elsewhere for anyone worth anything. We have liked those guys and they've gone elsewhere pretty consistently.
 
buzzdog said:
@PIP needs to update his little signature line, he's overshot our available cap room by dozens of dollars.
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Let me tell you something, buzz... Forget that near 38 bucks up top... My signature is down here under this amazing post...

Clearly states I'm simply a 1997-98 Armco Heating & Cooling Hornet...(Which btw... totally true and well documented on RCF)...

And yes, I took up most of the cap room for the 1997-98 Armco Heating & Cooling Hornets... I was just that good...
 
bdc2014 said:
Bryant is great for a vet min and was a good take what's there signing (the list of third bigs in this iteration of the Cavs is BRUTAL). CPJ was already under contract, there was no decision to be made.

If guys shake loose there's maybe something, maybe not, but there's also going to be demand elsewhere for anyone worth anything. We have liked those guys and they've gone elsewhere pretty consistently.
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Bryant was recruited to come to CLE by Mitchell, as they have known each other since they played high school ball. The team needs to hold onto CPJ through at least TC and preseason ball before making a final call on him. Plus, Bryant has a good reputation as a positive locker room presence, which doesn't contribute to victories but it makes it more tolerable to keep him, knowing that he is not trying to divide the team
 
PIP said:
Let me tell you something, buzz... Forget that near 38 bucks up top... My signature is down here under this amazing post...

Clearly states I'm simply a 1997-98 Armco Heating & Cooling Hornet...(Which btw... totally true and well documented on RCF)...

And yes, I took up most of the cap room for the 1997-98 Armco Heating & Cooling Hornets... I was just that good...
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If that cap room was $39.47 then I have no doubt you were worth every penny.
 
buzzdog said:
If that cap room was $39.47 then I have no doubt you were worth every penny.
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Who is my current favorite poster not named buzzdog ??? Honestly can't think of one...

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