So whats he latest on Andy? Two weeks ago they said he had good range of motion and no pain in the wrist. Then said was to be checked by doctors this week. It has been 6 weeks now and wondering why it seems so hush hush about his return. So anyone hear any reports on it ? Think some of those closer games could have been won with his energy and rebounding. Are they keeping him out purposely so they lose more games or what ?

As I watch the Cavs get blown out by a good Hawks team, and put off doing real life things, I have decided there is no time like the present to start looking at a few prospects that might help us be a bit more competitive. I will hopefully cover about 15 players by draft time. I will be relying pretty heavily on Chad Ford's analysis.

Jeff Taylor, SF. Vanderbilt. 6-7, 225. 22 years old. Ford rank: 18. Hollinger PER: 24.2

ceiling: Andre Iguodala

Things that I really like: He is a very athletic guy, who produced in a reasonably tough conference. He averaged 16 points a game, and was a relatively efficient shooter for a wing with almost 50% shooting. He has worked to improve after a few years in college of having a three point shot that was non-existent.He shot over 40% this year from beyond the arc. He will be an excellent perimeter defender, rebounds enough, and he plays hard.

Things that are worrisome: He is a bit old at 22, doesn't create his own shot, and when he tries to he turns the ball over a little too much.

Where he fits in with the Cavs: Good lord I would love adding a player like this, particularly if Bradley Beal was also coming on board. With Irving, Taylor would not have to worry about creating his own offense or shot. We have seen from Gee's flashes how much fun athletic wings can look with Kyrie in Coach Scott's offense. He would be an likely be an upgrade of Gee. It isnt very likely that Taylor will still be available when the Cavalier's Lakers pick comes around, unfortunately. If we somehow end up with the 12th pick or something, and Barnes, Beal, MKG, and Lamb are already gone I would consider taking him there, but thats hard to justify.

John Henson, PF. North Carolina. 6-10, 210. 21 years old. Ford rank: 15. Hollinger PER: 25.4

ceiling: I can't really think of anyone. I really worry that he is Brendan Wright, who isn't terrible, but definitely isn't good.

Things that I really like: He is very versatile, and guards multiple positions. He works incredibly hard and rebounds well. He blocks shots. Chad Ford compares him to Andrei Kirilenko.

Things that are worrisome: He has to put on some weight. like, a lot of it. The NBA is a man's league and while he will have the quickness to guard 3's in the NBA, he doesn't really shoot the ball well enough to play a wing position in the NBA. If he wants to be a 4 he will have to be able to assert himself, and at 210 pounds that will be difficult.He doesn't make free throws.

Where he fits in with the Cavs: With Tristan Thompson, he kind of doesnt. I like him as a player but an athletic shot blocker who rebounds, cant make free throws already wears a jersey for the Wine and Gold, and Tristan is actually younger. Still, you can never have enough young athletic guys who work hard all of the time. Seems like a great guy character wise too. I can't see us targeting him with our pick, and he wont be available by the time the Lakers pick comes around.

Terrence Ross, SG. Washington. 6-6, 190. 21 years old. Ford rank: 20. Hollinger PER: 20.86.

Things that I really like: You can't teach size, and i really like Ross's height. He is a good shooter, defends, and showed a lot of improvement this year when he got extended minutes. He is a good rebounder, getting over 6 a game. He is athletic, though I don't think he will be in any dunk contests. He isn't the most efficient scorer but he does attack the basket.

Things that are worrisome: His team wasn't very good, despite also having Tony Wroten, another guy who will go in the first round. He played in a bad conference. Not always assertive offensively.

Where he fits in with the Cavs: If he is still available when the Lakers pick comes up, and it is a possibility, he could make an excellent backcourt partner for Kyrie Irving. Can handle guarding bigger wing players. Obviously we want one of the top tier wings to play with Irving, but I don't know how far behind Ross is from those guys. Bottom line: He is better than what we have now.

Never thought i would say this but Scott better go back to Erden starting until Andy is back. Hollins just gets worse the more he plays. Milwaukee game played 15min and had only 1RB & 2 pts. Samuels played same minutes, had 3 RB & 11pts. TT needs to work on getting ball in the basket, 1 of 6 shooting. Kyrie put up good numbers & Gee was great and gets better every game. Casspi acts like he is still mad cuz he isnt the starter. Jamison, not bad but took to many crazy shots, 4 of 15. Boobie with 18 pts was better than has been of late. Dont know what happened to Sessions, 0 of 8. Maybe wanted to look bad so didnt get traded, who knows, just not like him. Last, Parker, the starting SG a whopping 3pts in the last minute of the game out of 26 min. on the floor & bad defense as usual. If this team some how gets 8th seed it be a miracle without changes. They need to call back Eyenga and sign Manny for rest of the year. At least then we would have speed/defense at SG and backup #3 spot. They certainly cant do worse on the offensive end either and would get alot more rebounds. If we dont make playoffs at least you know tried every angle possible coach Scott. This team needs the best speed/defenesive players you can get to win right now. And WOW do hey need Andy back on interior defense & rebounding !

I saw they made posts like these recently on DBN and LGT and I was just wondering also how everyone else on Fear the Sword became a Cavs fan. I'm also relatively new here so if you guys made a post like this a while back then sorry for making the same post. My story of how I became a Cavalier is after the jump.

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Cavaliers Outsider: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Utah Jazz

Cavaliers Outsider: Cavaliers at the crossroads

Game plan to making the Jazz a sour note

The Cavaliers are back home tonight, losers of 5 in a row, and 7 of their last 10. What's most disappointing, is having a record of 8-11 at home. it's time to make some drastic measures to make a final push for the playoffs. Opportunites sqaundered vs Boston, and New York, the teams directly ahead of the Cavaliers, in competing for the 8th, and final playoff spot in the East, were wasted after the All-Star break.

The Cavaliers had C Anderson Varejao, when last they faced Utah, a 113-105 defeat, back on January 10th, at Salt Lake City. While Varejao had a double/double, with 12 points, and 11 rebounds, he was no match, and really had no impact opposing Utah's Al Jefferson, who had 30 points (14-17 FG, 4-6 FT), and 12 rebounds. Paul Milsap 19 points (9-10 FG) pretty much had his way opposing Antawn Jamison, who did have 22 points (7-18 FG, 1-5 3P, 7-11 FT), and 7 rebounds. The Jazz shot 59.2%FG, in DOMINATING the Cavaliers on the front court.

What has plagued the Cavaliers most this season, other than EXTREMELY poor FT shooting, has been the failure to make adjustments, recognizing favorable, or poor match-ups, in other words, getting off to good starts. Line-up adjustments really improved the teams start in losing to the Washington Wizards on Saturday, I say build on that tonight.

The starting line-up for the Jazz should look something like this, as well as how the Cavaliers SHOULD match-up vs them

PG Devin Harris 9.7 PPG vs Kyrie Irving 18.5 PPG

This has to be the most favorable match-up for the Cavaliers on the floor. Irving went for 20 points, and 5 ssists in their first meeting. While his shot selection, and decision making has improved as the season's progressed, he's also turned it up a notch at the defensive end as well. I look for Irving to attack Harris, maybe even try to push the tempo, with a more athletic supporting cast on the floor with him.

SG Gordon Hayward 9.4 PPG vs Manny Harris 4.5 PPG

This is a match-up the Cavaliers could probably get away with starting Parker 5.9 PPG...but lets be honest, the production at the position, has just not been there. Neither Parker, or Gibson, has provided much, and that alone, warrants a change. Parker, in his last 10 games has gone for 5.5 PPG, shooting .381 FG%, and Gibson 6.6 PPG, while shooting .276 FG%, though he's only played in 8 of the last 10. What Harris brings to the table, is more athleticism, and physical presence. He can get to the basket, post up around the basket, knock down shots, and has range. He can also be a secondary ball handler. He has the ability to take Haward away, as opposed to matching his productivity.

What this does, is give both Parker, and Gibson, more favorable match-ups, at both ends of the floor. Parker, and Gibson, are primarily spot up jump shooters, and would benefit more from the creativity, and drive and kick ability of Ramon Sessions.

SF Josh Howard 8.5 PPG vs Alonzo Gee 9.8 PPG

Scott has apparently already made the move to Gee, in place of Omri Casspi 7.5 PPG, I have to say, it was a long time coming. Casspi would have clearly been over-matched here vs the more athletic Howard, but in reality, it just didn't make sense, starting 3 spot up shooters on the perimeter, who don't defend particularly well. In his last 10 games, Cssspi has averaged 6.6 PPG, 5.4 REB, .355 FG%, and an even more disappointing .316 3P% on the year. He hasn't fared well at the defensive end of the floor either. Gee has responded with 10.3 PPG, 5.2 REB, though hi shooting has tailed off as of late, .340 FG% in his last 10.

What this does, is once again, put a more athletic player on the floor, who attacks the basket, thus putting pressure on the opposing defense. Gee has range, can get his own shot, and attacks the basket with a vengeance. Gee is also the Cavaliers best on ball defender.

PF Derrick Favors 8.0 PPG vs Antawn Jamison 17.7 PPG

This was going to be another line-up change, I was leaning towards starting Samardo Samuels, with the sole purpose of having another elbow down player on the floor, who's more than capable of scoring in the post, and a more physical presence around the basket area. I view Samuels as a more favorable match-up vs C.J. Miles. By having more athletic players on the floor, this allows Jamison to stretch the floor, without hurting the team. In his last 10 games, he's responded with 20.3 PPG, 8.1 REB. I'd like to see him attack the basket more, take the ball down on the elbow, and get to the line. C.J. Miles had his way vs the Cavaliers front court, in their first meeting, I think Samuels, and Thompson changes that tonight.

C Al Jefferson 18.5 PPG vs Ryan Hollins 3.6 PPG

Anderson Varejao is unavailable, didn't have much of an impact in first meeting, and a terrible match-up for Semeh Erden. Erden has the physical size, and presence, but to have him on the floor, and not go to him, really serves no purpose. Hollins, coming off 15 points (5-7 FG, 5-8 FT), and 7 rebounds, brings size, and athleticism. I have long said Hollins should start at C, but is most effective with another elbow down player on the floor with him. Hollins finishes strng around the basket, plays with a mean streak, and defends on his feet.

How this effects the bench

The Cavaliers now have more favorable match-ups, pretty much across the board. Its almost like having a starting unit coming off the bench. Sessions running the offense, driving the basket, or kicking to Gibson, Parker, or Casspi, while effectively feeding the post area to Samuels, and Thompson. This affords the Cavaliers better floor balance, and allows Scott the ability to make, and establish, better substitution patterns.

I predict the Cavaliers win tonight 97-91

For all things Cleveland Cavaliers, and NBA Basketball, follow me on twitter @CLECavsOutsider

Please someone explain to me why and the Hell Parker starts. Also why did Scott have him play 33 1/2 mins, 2-9 shooting, 1-4 FT and cant even stay close to his man on defense. Bench him, let Boobie start, then let Manny have time with second squad! At least he can stay in front of his man on defense and would probably put more pts up than Parker too. Two games now Parker has gottin the ball for the final shot and we see how well that went. What a joke ! He has the lowest 3pt average of all the so called shooters, so why run a play for him to take final shot ? Scott wanted to shakeup the lineup, only thing is he didnt change the one that needs changed the most(Parker)! One other thing is this team just cant seem to win without Andy, just like last year ! So Scott less minutes for Parker, more fore Manny and see what happens because it sure in the Hell isnt working what you are trying now ! Get well soon Andy, we need you !!!!

Everyone in the Cleveland fan base seems to have it as a forgone conclusion that Ramon Session's time in Cleveland is nearing an end. He has been a fantastic surprise at how good he has been, and we all thank him for sticking and fighting through a tough couple of years in Cleveland.

So, if the Cavilers front office is going to shop Ramon, what are his potential landing places?

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When Kyrie Irving was drafted, most "experts" labeled his game as something less than extraordinary: a poor man's Chris Paul, it was suggested. No one described him as having a chance at being anything more than a very good NBA player. No one thought he would be a star, let alone a superstar. But his stats this season suggest something else, and he is running away with the Rookie of the Year award. So what is Kyrie Irving's ceiling?

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Cavaliers Outsider: Re
Terry Pluto's Talkin' ... about Kyrie Irving's fans

My response to the blog posted by Terry Pluto (The Plain Dealer)


About the Cavaliers...

1. Mike Wallace of ESPN's Heat Index, on LeBron James toying with a return to Cleveland, is probably one of the best I've heard. Kyrie Irving is the clear face of the franchise, who's base begins with a TOTAL TEAM concept. It's disrespectful on both sides, but attention whores have no concept of that. James is just being LeBron, doing with Cleveland, what he did to Cleveland, I guess in the case of local media, being on the receiving end of his empty affections, is in some manner rewarding.

CHEATERS are REPEATERS... What I've noticed most about Miami, even though they have the reputation of not being a "sports town", their media members ask the tough questions, they hold James accountable for not only his words, but his lack of actions. The pressure to win, went 3 fold when James took his talents to South Beach. But when he points fingers in failure now, tough questions, harsh words, and or criticism go right back in his direction.

2. How can fans not like this team? They play hard every night, they clearly support each other, and the pieces seem to fit. Irving, while living up to early season expectations, has never separated himself from TEAM. With James, its always been he, and everyone else, now in Miami, it the 3 Kings, and the rest of the team.

The Cavaliers have an opportunity to put this TEAM together in the right manner, built for long term success, while maintaining flexibility. Anderson Varejao is not a superstar, in any right, but he puts on his hard hat, packs his lunch, even though at times, he appears to play right through his lunch break. This is my TOWN, and this is my TEAM...

3. Yes, the Cavs have a losing record, some of the losses have even been downright disappointing. For me it started on opening night vs Toronto. Realistically speaking, this team could very easily have 4-6 more wins. :James is no longer a part of this team, he made a conscious choice not to be here, there's no need to converse about him further...until of course he has another Heat-failure in the playoffs. Even then...I'll leave that to the national media.

4. James' scorched-earth exit is perfect for General Manager Chris Grant and Coach Byron Scott. I thought losing 26 games in a row last year was unacceptable. At times, Scott seemed to coach as if he had a free pass on the season. They may not be fair to him, but I expected more from this tea than 19 wins. The best part of the "Decision" in my opinion, is it afforded the Cavs an opportunity to get meaningful floor time to others. The end result...Alonzo Gee, Ramon Sessions, Samardo Samuels, and at times Ryan Hollins.

It also allowed Hickson to show what he was truly capable of, when given a true OPPORTUNITY, unfortunately, he apparently didn't show the Cavs enough, or he showed enough to pry Omri Casspi from the Sacramento bench.

5. Scott is very upbeat. and he should be... He has an UNSELFISH, potential superstar, who at only 19 years of age, displays the leadership of a 4 year veteran. Tristan Thompson is 20, Alonzo Gee is 24, Samardo Samuels is 23, and both Daniel Gibson, and Ramon Sessions are 25. That's a very young core base, moving forward. The only thing missing in my mind, is J.J. Hickson, who's also ONLY 23.

Thompson is becoming more comfortable, and aware, with more time on the floor. Its quite possible he hasn't finished growing yet, and could very well grow a couple more inches. He plays bigger than he is, and could very well be a C on the floor, preferably with an elbow down, scoring PF. I think the energy, and hustle of Varejao, has rubbed off on the team, and they all follow his example when on the floor.

6. Scott on Varejao being out for 4-6 weeks with a broken wrist: "There aren't five guys who play as hard as he does ... maybe not even two." I'm not sure what game Scott is watching, unless he's just throwing Varejao a bone. I've yet to see a guy take the floor, and not give maximum effort. I think Thompson should start at C, with Varejao coming off the bench when he returns. If Varejao, somehow gets moved at the deadline, his production, can be replaced, and I don't think TEAM energy, effort, or hustle, leaves with him. I like the sense of direction this team has, moving forward.

7. Big men are like pitchers in baseball, teams want a lot of them -- and good ones are rare in a league increasingly ruled by point guards and wing players. Dwight Howard is the last of the dominant big men. After Howard, I'd say Andrew Bynum is next, followed by Roy Hibbert, then everyone else, is just tall. With Howard, you defend him best, by crowding him, making him uncomfortable, pushing him to the bring of frustration, not by hacking, or fouling him, which only angers him, and motivates him to take his level of play, to the next plateau.

8. Most teams are playing 6-10 power forwards such as Varejao at center. Varejao is 6'11" 260lbs. C is by far, his most EFFECTIVE position on the floor. Most teams, don't have dominant big men in the middle, it isn't a position of strength league wide. PF is more so that position. Anderson Varejao doesn't have a favorable match-up, on either end of the floor vs most starting NBA starters, at the PF position. On the other hand, as was mentioned, at the C position, there's Dwight Howard, and everyone else.

The NBA landscape is changing, its more up tempo, more athletic, but if you have a solid big, its an advantage. Semih Erden is very intriguing in that regards. He's a true C, but when's he's on the court, you have to go through him, utilize him at his strengths. It makes no sense of running him up, and down the court, without so much as a look, let alone touches in the post. You put defensive pressure on the opposition, by going to him there.

The Cavs made the same mistake with Shaq. The one thing no other team in the NBA could account for, was Shaq's size, and presence. Instead of utilizing him as a source of strength, they used him as a matter of convenience. He was here to provide the Cavs with what they lacked most, and yet he struggled to get shots, as James, and Mo Williams shot more.

9. Remember the Delonte West deal with Minnesota? After all the pieces landed, the Cavs have Ramon Sessions, Ryan Hollins and Erden to show for it. I thought they FINALLY found a PG in Sessions, the February he had last season, as well as how he performed, when given true opportunities, were enough for me. From the moment the Cavs acquired him, I said he was the best PG on the roster. He was saddled behind Mo Williams, until he was eventually traded.

I would like to see better floor combinations, Scott make better adjustments. The injury to Varejao, has forced some to be made, with good results. I'd like to see Hollins om the floor more with Samuels, or Samuels o the floor with Thompson. I don;t particularly like Casspi, and Jamison on the floor together, especially starting games. Both are for the most part, jump shooters, who defend poorly. You can't function with 2/3 of the front court, playing on the perimeter.

I'm glad to finally see Scott playing Sessions, and Irving more together. I've been high on Sessions from the moment they made the acquisition to get him. Sessions has been nothing but a team player, all things considered. They can co-exist together. They both bring different elements to the floor, but they both can play off the ball, and get to the basket, on just about anyone.

Its media or so called experts, that want Sessions moved. The Cavs are in a position to pay him, and keep him, it could be a situation that's win/win for all involved parties. In that regards, the ball is clearly in the Cavs hands. I look forward to seeing more of Thompson, and Samuels on the floor. I've also wondered why Eyenga hasn't been used on the defensive end more. I'd rather have him defending in key situations, than Casspi.


10. The Cavs talked about bringing up Manny Harris from Canton, but Scott likes Irving and Sessions playing together in the backcourt -- and they want to look at Ben Uzoh during this time when Daniel Gibson and Anthony Parker are hurt. Well Ben Uzoh, didn't get a look. I thought vs Sacramento would have been the perfect opportunity, to play him, as a more physical PG on Tyreke Evens.

At times, fatigue seemed to set in, or the Cavs just simply just got careless with the ball, and settled for jump shots. It was Milwaukee waiting to happen, all over again. I'm glad to see Manny Harris back with the team, hopefully he will get the opportunity to show his value, and that he belongs here.

What I like most about Harris, is his versatility on both ends of the floor. He rebounds well, has range, length, can create his own shot, and he handles the ball well.

For all things Cleveland Cavaliers, and NBA basketball, follow me on twitter @CLECavsOutsider

It's obvious by now to all Cavs fans what Varejao means to this team and what he brings to every game. For TT, he did a good job for his Andy impression & the activity he brought in the last game, but its still not enough. For Erden & Hollins, even if they were both on the floor and Cavs had 6 men on the court, still cant match Andys production, energy and skills

Its obvious with injuries with Boobie has hurt the guard position. Gee at the #2 guard isn't the answer. He is so much better and comfortable at #3. We need him there cuz Casspi still isnt showing much. Lose of Parker means nothing because the actually play better since he is out. The are releasing Uzoh today, but he didn't look to bad for little he played.

We have too many PF, so isnt there a way to send Harangody down, or something so they can sign Manny Harris. Harris has been playing great in Canton and putting big numbers up. At least sign him for 10day contrct, play him and see what he brings.

Could sure use his help in the back court to spell the few we have and get a real SG. Rotation now is wearing the backcourt down. When Parker comes back it will be same ol' thing -- very little offense and still running 3 steps behind whoever he's guarding.

What do you think Cavs fans ?