Fear The Sword: All Posts by Ben CoxThe Warriors blew a 3-1 lead - never forget that.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50189/fts-fav.png2013-08-07T14:59:52-05:00https://www.fearthesword.com/authors/ben-cox/rss2013-08-07T14:59:52-05:002013-08-07T14:59:52-05:00The time I beat Dion Waiters at bowling.
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j29SX7FXJtrZcfRH3sgh3MAbtS4=/0x47:1024x730/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17527415/dion_zine.jpg-large.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Dion Waiters is just as competitive off the court as he is on it. </p> <p>I wasn’t even supposed to bowl in the Waiters Weekend Basketbowl Fundraiser Cleveland Bowling Extravaganza.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3018063/basketbowling.jpg-large.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Basketbowling" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3018063/basketbowling.jpg-large_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1375840369875"></p>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.stepienrules.com/2013-articles/august/cleveland-jackson-discusses-his-support-for-dion-waiters-bowling-extravaganza-this-sunday.html">original plan</a> was to have the CavsZine bowling team represented by our editor and fearless leader <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/WayneEmbrysKids">@WayneEmbrysKids</a>, Esquire’s <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ScottRaab64">Scott Raab</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/THE_DANNY_FAIRY">@The_Danny_Fairy</a> (captain of his high school bowling team) and our ringer, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Scoobdog1981csu">Jeff Monroe</a>, who boasts a perfect 300 on his resume. Heading in, we felt good about our chances. We didn’t know the level of competition or if this was even an actual tournament, but we weren’t taking any chances. CavsZine built the strongest team we could.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I wasn’t attending to bowl. I was attending the charity event to drink with the CavsZine crew, crack <span>Andrew Bynum</span> jokes, and hang out with local Cleveland celebrities like Anthony Lima, Chad Zumock and Cleveland sports blogosphere’s <s>only</s> hottest couple, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/dionwaiters3/status/364196436285472768">Sh</a><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/BowersCLE">owers</a>. Not to mention NBA players like <span>Dion Waiters</span> and CJ Miles.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; line-height: 12.0pt;">But a few days before the event, Scott Raab hurt his back. He was a no-go and the CavsZine crew needed a replacement. Jack went to twitter for help.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Need a sleeper bowler to join the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CavsZine4&src=hash">#CavsZine4</a> team Sunday. Must be able to bowl Sunday at 5 AND average over 250.</p>
— WayneEmbrysKids (@WayneEmbrysKids) <a href="https://twitter.com/WayneEmbrysKids/statuses/362996839915589634">August 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>We left no stone unturned.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/DavidZavac">@DavidZavac</a> what's your bowling average?</p>
— WayneEmbrysKids (@WayneEmbrysKids) <a href="https://twitter.com/WayneEmbrysKids/statuses/362997222264147969">August 1, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Finally, I offered up my services. I’m not a very good bowler and it has been a few years since I've laced 'em up. My career high is something around 170. Sure, I’ve played in some bowling leagues, but always as the fourth guy. And while a bowling league isn’t a bad way to spend a Tuesday night, I tended to get sick of the well-meaning folks who kept trying to get me to drunkenly change my poor bowling form.</p>
<p>See, there are two types of bowlers: the ones with proper form and technique and then the rest of us. That first type owns a special bowling glove and uses words like "pocket" and "action" without giggling. They have actual skill. The rest of us, we’re just trying to throw that ball straight. That’s it. At least, what I'm trying to do. Throw that bastard straight. While I’m not<i style="line-height: 12pt;"> necessarily</i> trying to hit the one pin head on (I mean, who wants a split, amirite?), that’s my basic strategy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jack, having already seen my natural athleticism on display both on hardwood and the discgolf course, readily accepted. I was on the team.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The atmosphere at the Corner Alley was relaxed and friendly. Teams of all shapes and sizes filled the lanes. This wasn’t so much a competition as it was a bunch of Cavs fans hanging out while bowling (and munching on the tasty buffet). Everyone went at their own pace and it was really a nice family event.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dion showed up about halfway through the first game and ended up getting added to our CavsZine lane. So that was neat. We did what anyone else would do: started showing him the awesomeness that is CavsZine.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3018053/dion_zine.jpg-large.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Dion_zine" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3018053/dion_zine.jpg-large_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1375840330018"></p>
<p>Dion used the rest of that first game to get himself warmed up and shake off some rust. After assessing the skill level of his CavsZine competition, he offered us a friendly wager of five push-ups on the outcome of the next game.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What choice did we have? Of course we accepted the challenge.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dion came out strong in the second game, netting strikes in two of his first three frames. But somehow I started off even hotter, going strike-spare-strike-strike to begin the final game. Things were just getting interesting when we had to pause our competition so Dion could go sign autographs at his pre-set time.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; line-height: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3018095/photo.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3018095/photo_medium.JPG"></a> <br id="1375840695131"></p>
<p>Look at that score at the break. Dion Waiters probably thinks I’m an amazing bowler.</p>
<p>I’m not gonna lie, the break really worked out for me. Not only did Dion lose his rhythm, but this gave me time rest my rarely used bowling arm (not to mention to sober up a bit). But we kept ourselves busy. While Dion was signing jerseys and pictures, the CavsZine crew filmed some interviews and pushups for <a href="http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/video/teams/cavaliers/2013/08/05/waitersbowling130805mov-2558778/">Access Cavaliers</a> (just in case we lost).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For what it’s worth, this was about the time that CJ Miles showed up. I don’t remember seeing CJ bowling, but he happily signed autographs and took pictures with fans.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once Dion had finished signing autographs, the game resumed. In a surprise to no one, Waiters came back strong down the stretch. I had left some pins standing and Dion smelled blood. He got a strike in the eight and a spare in the ninth to close the gap. But while I had righted the ship with a spare the ninth, I failed to mark in the tenth. Waiters went into final frame needing ten pins for the victory.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dion’s first ball looked good, but only knocked down nine. He left the seven pin. It wasn’t a gimme pickup, but it was certainly doable. Dion released his second ball and… nothing. Ballgame. 123-122.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3018103/final.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Final_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3018103/final_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1375840814128"></p>
<p>After bowling with Dion for a few hours, I have a few takeaways. You can judge for yourself if you should factor these observations in to any assessment of the upcoming season:</p>
<ol style="line-height: 12pt;">
<li>Dion Waiters oozes self-confidence. The only time he seemed even slightly nervous was when he took the mic to thank the crowd for coming out.</li>
<li>From what I could tell from three feet away, he seems to be in excellent physical condition.</li>
<li>Dion is super competitive. Trust me, he <i style="line-height: 12pt; font-size: 12px;">hated</i> losing to a fat guy with mutton chops. </li>
<li>He didn't use the holes on the bowling ball. Take note.</li>
<li>He has a <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/dionwaiters3/status/364196436285472768">good sense of humor</a> and he was really chill with folks taking pictures and asking for autographs.</li>
</ol>
<div></div>
<p>In the end, I thought Dion's charity bowling event went off really well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, the food was excellent and Dion and CJ Miles made themselves really accessible to all the fans. I can only hope that a close loss to the CavsZine crew won't prevent him from hosting any more local events.</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/8/7/4595874/the-time-i-beat-dion-waiters-at-bowlingBen Cox2013-01-28T07:48:32-06:002013-01-28T07:48:32-06:00Just Slightly After Mid-Season Grades
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U8kTe1YK2CtLNQG8pU43tZkJKpw=/0x0:2908x1939/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7198381/20130126_jrc_ss9_174.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>While the Cleveland Cavaliers have had their rough patches, from a fan perspective, this season has been much more enjoyable than in years past. Let's take a look at the State of the Cavaliers and give out some mid-season grades. </p> <p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5;">I dunno about anyone else, but I'm thoroughly enjoying this Cavalier season. It has been </span><a data-mce-href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/17/3885084/the-official-fear-the-sword-drinking-game" target="_blank" href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/17/3885084/the-official-fear-the-sword-drinking-game" style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;">been fun</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5;">.</span></p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">I know that seems a bit weird to say. At just past the halfway point, the Cavs' record sits at a putrid 13-32. Their .289 winning percentage puts them on pace for a 23-59 record, just four games better than 19-63 post-Decision train wreck that was <span>Byron Scott's</span> first season. The Cavs were gawd-awful last season and they still managed to win 21 games, finishing 21-45 during the lockout shortened campaign.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">So Cavs are on pace to barely finish with more wins than last year's tragedy of a team and I'm <em style="color: inherit; line-height: 1.5; border: none;">enjoying it? </em></p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">I am. In fact, the worst part about this season is that I can't <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8872264/lakers" target="_blank" href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8872264/lakers">take pleasure</a> in all the <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.ocregister.com/articles/howard-408753-lakers-team.html" target="_blank" href="http://www.ocregister.com/articles/howard-408753-lakers-team.html">glorious</a> Laker <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.ocregister.com/articles/antoni-409041-guy-one.html" target="_blank" href="http://www.ocregister.com/articles/antoni-409041-guy-one.html">schadenfreude</a> (I want <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35567/lakers-fans-shouldnt-look-to-2013-draft-for-hope" target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/35567/lakers-fans-shouldnt-look-to-2013-draft-for-hope">that pick</a>, god dammit).</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">But I'm enjoying this Cavalier squad. This is really the first year it has felt like watching a "rebuilding team" and not "leftover LeBron parts". With Anthony Parker retired and <span>Antawn Jamison</span> involved in the aforementioned Laker clusterfuck, the only hold overs from the LeBron-era are <span>Anderson Varejao</span> and Boobie Gibson, and they've both missed major time due to injuries (which is SHOCKING).</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">It's an <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/25/3914098/then-and-now-a-look-at-the-post-decision-cleveland-cavaliers" target="_blank" href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/25/3914098/then-and-now-a-look-at-the-post-decision-cleveland-cavaliers">entirely different experience</a> watching a terrible team featuring <span>Kyrie Irving</span>, <span>Dion Waiters</span> and <span>Tristan Thompson</span> than one featuring Jamison, Parker and <span>Ryan Hollins</span>. What's nice about watching a young, <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/01/the-diff-franchise-comparisons-for-the-cavaliers/" target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/01/the-diff-franchise-comparisons-for-the-cavaliers/">rebuilding team</a> is that any mistake can be dismissed due to youth and any sign of growth is a sign for optimism. When Dion Waiters does something dumb, you tell yourself that he'll grow out of it. When Antawn Jamison does something dumb, you throw things.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">I'm also not really concerned by the losing nor am I surprised by it (although <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/04/on-the-cavs-tanking-and-lester-hudson/" target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/04/on-the-cavs-tanking-and-lester-hudson/">I'm of the belief</a> that the <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://benblog.net/2012/03/13/we-have-a-different-definition-of-wise/" target="_blank" href="http://benblog.net/2012/03/13/we-have-a-different-definition-of-wise/">Cavs need another year in the lottery</a>). Given their schedule (the Cavs have played 27 games on the road to just 18 at home) and their injuries (Varejao, Kyrie and Waiters have all missed significant time), they're pretty much where they're supposed to be. Not to mention that this roster wasn't exactly built for playoff contention to begin with; as much as I loathed Jamison, the Cavs definitely miss his 17 points per game and their only off season acquisition of note was CJ Miles. It is safe to say that this team is not built for the now.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">Long term, I feel pretty good about the franchise. The Cavs have collected a <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed" target="_blank" href="http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed">ton of future draft picks</a> and their <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/23/3908142/state-of-the-cavaliers-salary-obligations-and-future-draft-picks" target="_blank" href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/23/3908142/state-of-the-cavaliers-salary-obligations-and-future-draft-picks">salary obligations</a> can make them a player <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/23/3906984/nba-trade-rumors-cavaliers-have-trade-options-after-deal-with-memphis" target="_blank" href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/23/3906984/nba-trade-rumors-cavaliers-have-trade-options-after-deal-with-memphis">any number of trades</a>. With the new additions and a favorable second half schedule schedule (from here on out, the Cavs have nine more home games than road games and the longest road trip is three games). I feel it's way too early say <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/01/on-the-cavaliers-and-the-prospects-of-a-failed-rebuilding-process/" target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/01/on-the-cavaliers-and-the-prospects-of-a-failed-rebuilding-process/">this rebuild has failed</a> and it's even earlier to start wondering about Kyrie leaving or the ridiculous <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/jason-lloyd-cavs-sticking-to-rebuilding-plan-but-looming-lebron-decision-could-alter-path-of-franchise-1.359912" target="_blank" href="http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/jason-lloyd-cavs-sticking-to-rebuilding-plan-but-looming-lebron-decision-could-alter-path-of-franchise-1.359912">LeBron</a> <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/01/nba-rumor-cleveland-cavaliers-free-agency-2014-lebron-james/" target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/01/nba-rumor-cleveland-cavaliers-free-agency-2014-lebron-james/">coming back</a> rumors (listen to <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.espncleveland.com/common/page.php?pt=podcenter&id=79#" target="_blank" href="http://www.espncleveland.com/common/page.php?pt=podcenter&id=79#">Windhorst discuss LeBron-to-Cavs on KNR)</a>.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">The Cavs are coming off a three game win streak, Kyrie Irving is an All-Star and Chris Grant just got a haul from Memphis for <span>Jon Leuer</span>. This is the best I've felt about the Cavs since The Decision.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">Here are my just just-after-midseason grades.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 1.5;">Kyrie Irving: A-.</strong> The <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8766642/cleveland-cavaliers-point-guard-kyrie-irving-next-big-nba-star-espn-magazine" target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8766642/cleveland-cavaliers-point-guard-kyrie-irving-next-big-nba-star-espn-magazine">kid is a stud</a>. <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/01/the-diff-kyrie-irvings-potential/" target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/01/the-diff-kyrie-irvings-potential/">Full stop</a>. The only reason he gets an A- is because his defense stinks. Would I like it to be better? Of course. But the dude is 20. If he looks this disinterested in defense when he's 24 or so, I'll be worried. As of now, <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/1/26/3920136/kyrie-irving-cavs-gamewinning-three-to-beat-toronto-raptors" target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/1/26/3920136/kyrie-irving-cavs-gamewinning-three-to-beat-toronto-raptors">I'll just enjoy watching</a> an All-Star point guard in his second season.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 1.5;">Tristan Thompson: B+.</strong> You can't help but be pleased by Tristan's recent strings of double-doubles and his <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/12/cavaliers-film-room-tristan-thompsons-offense/" target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/12/cavaliers-film-room-tristan-thompsons-offense/">overall improvement</a>. Thompson looks much more confident and comfortable on the court and, much like Varejao, he's filling the stat line every night. Part of me does wonder how much is "good stats on a bad team" syndrome (to be fair, Varejao's stats were similarly bloated) but regardless, Thompson brings effort every night and he's clearly working on his game. I don't know if he'll ever be an All-Star, but he should be able to start on a contender.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 1.5;">Dion Waiters: B-.</strong> Does his <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/15/3876944/breaking-it-down-dion-waiters-shot-selection-vs-the-lakers" target="_blank" href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/15/3876944/breaking-it-down-dion-waiters-shot-selection-vs-the-lakers">shot selection stink</a>? <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/12/cavaliers-film-room-the-syracuse-kid/" target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/12/cavaliers-film-room-the-syracuse-kid/">Yes</a>. Do I care? <a style="color: #743399; line-height: 1.5;" data-mce-href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/12/wfny-discussion-dion-waiters-shooting-at-the-rim/" target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/12/wfny-discussion-dion-waiters-shooting-at-the-rim/">Not really</a>. I love Dion's body language and demeanor on the court, not to mention his ability to score in bunches. He needs to get more consistent with his shooting form (he fades away at times) but much like Kyrie's defense, I'll be concerned with Dion's shooting form and shot selection after an offseason or two.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 1.5;">Anderson Varejao: INCOMPLETE.</strong> While there's certainly worse veterans to have around your young squad, it's not to feel like the Cavs missed their window for trading Andy. If nothing else, Varejao can be used an example of a player who has worked over the years to improve his game.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 1.5;"><span>Tyler Zeller</span>: B.</strong> Zeller is clearly skilled and looks like he can be a rotation player for the longterm (whether or not that's with the Cavs is another story. I fully expect him to be thrown into a *major* trade down the line). The various Varejao injuries have forced Zeller into the starting lineup sooner than I would've liked and Zed has looked a bit overmatched. You can tell Zeller is still getting used to the NBA speed but he's had his moments and he clearly can play. He needs to get stronger and bulk up if he wants to start.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 1.5;">CJ Miles: C+.</strong> He can score in bunches but that's about it. If he can get hot he can win the Cavs a game or so. A nice stop gap, but certainly not a long term solutions at the two.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 1.5;"><span>Alonzo Gee</span>: C+.</strong> Meh. He'll have a nice dunk every once in awhile but I'm not a huge Gee fan. He can finish at the rim and ever now and then knock down an open shot, but if he has to dribble more than three times in a possession, bad things happen.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 1.5;">The bench: D+, now C. </strong>By design, the Cavs have lacked depth. Omri Casspi. <span>Luke Walton</span>. Donald Sloan. Jeremy Pargo. Samardo Samuels. All of these players have logged major minutes with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> this season. Cleveland is now 2-0 with the additions of <span>Marreese Speights</span>, <span>Josh Selby</span> and <span>Wayne Ellington</span> from Memphis. I don't expect these guys to turn the season around, but a bench of Speights, Ellington and Livingston has already won the Cavs two more games than any combination of Casspi, Sloan and Samuels.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 1.5;">Byron Scott: INCOMPLETE.</strong> I've had my issues with Byron. I watch these games and I wonder if he's in on the tank job or if he doesn't know what he's doing. It's hard to get an honest read on Scott; how can you really judge a coach who's forced to play Luke Walton and players cut by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> major minutes? But at the same time, the Cavs have these losses where Kyrie sits the first six minutes of the fourth quarter. And you wonder, if Irving played nine minutes in the fourth, maybe the Cavs pull that one out... I'm not saying the guy should be fired or even be on the hot seat (the Cavs can upgrade to.... ?) but I have my gripes. *shakes fist*</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><b>Front Office: A.</b> Has there been tanking? Maybe. Probably. The bench has been purposefully putrid and Cavs have been extra careful with injuries; letting players sit out until fully healthy and allowing the team to wrack up an extra loss or so (especially early in the year with crappy schedule). I love the deals that Grant has completed and <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/26/3918740/nba-trade-rumors-daniel-gibson-omri-casspi-marresse-speights-cleveland-cavaliers" target="_blank">I love they're always in talks</a>. The Mo Williams and <span>Jamario Moon</span> for Kyrie Irving and three months of <span>Baron Davis</span> will probably go down as the best trade in franchise history. Getting a real NBA bench and a first rounder for Jon Leuer isn't in the same stratosphere, but it ain't bad either. I hope they're careful this offseason and don't stick themselves with any <span>Jeff Green</span> or <span>Landry Fields</span> type contracts.</p>
<p style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;"><b>Cavs announcers: A.</b> Austin Carr and Fred McLeod have really grown on me and <a href="https://twitter.com/CavsJMike" target="_blank">Not-Joe-Tait</a> and Jim Chones are pretty solid on the radio, babe. Austin makes for a great Crazy-Cavalier Uncle and he and Fred have developed nice chemistry. Listen to Fred's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fFkAP2MNd4" target="_blank">call from the Raptor game</a> and not get chills.</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2013/1/28/3921492/feeling-pretty-good-about-the-cavs-you-guysBen Cox2012-12-31T09:01:17-06:002012-12-31T09:01:17-06:00Best of 2012: Trading Ramon Sessions
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gkIoF3vZ-RJhFWIDJ-JR79XF6gM=/0x0:998x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5749939/144264388.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>2012 was pretty interesting. What were some of the most memorable moments of the Cavaliers' year? Check em out. </p> <p>Cavs fans, this very instant, would you trade <span>Tyler Zeller</span> for <span>Ramon Sessions</span>? That's the deal. Straight up; Tyler Zeller for Ramon Sessions. Cavs get Sessions, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobcats</a> get Zeller. I'll give you a minute to think about it.</p>
<p>*hums to self, refreshes twitter. refreshes twitter again. and again.*</p>
<p>Pencils down. Okay, does anyone have an answer that isn't "there is no way on God's green earth that I would trade a future starting center for a career backup point guard"?</p>
<p>I should hope not.</p>
<p>Now, I'm simplifying things just a tad. The Cavs didn't trade Sessions for Zeller. But they might have well have.</p>
<p>On March 15, 2012, the Cavs traded Sessions and <span>Christian Eyenga</span> to the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> for <span>Luke Walton</span>, <span>Jason Kapono</span> and the Lakers' 2012 first round pick (which ended up being no. 24).</p>
<p>While there were <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2012/3/15/2875138/nba-trade-deadline-analysis-of-ramon-sessions-to-lakers-trade">some people</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/03/sessions-trade-the-latest-exercise-in-grants-master-plan/">that liked</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/17825853/nba-trade-deadline-winners-and-losers">the trade</a>, many didn't. The AP ended the article on the trade <a target="_blank" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/cleveland-cavaliers-trade-ramon-sessions-to-los-angeles-lakers-031512">by saying Cleveland is hurting their playoff chances:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Cavs want to build around Irving, and another first-round pick could help the 19-year-old No. 1 selection. While the trade may help Cleveland's future, it may jeopardize its chances of making the playoffs this season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>ESPNs Kevin Arnovitz also didn't care for the deal, saying Cleveland got worse and <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-120315/daily-dime">hurt their finances in the process:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> somehow downgraded their roster while taking on additional financial commitments.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And <a target="_blank" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/TradeGrades-110315/deadline-deals">John Hollinger gave the Cavs a D+ for the move</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If Dan Gilbert is paying attention, he should ask David Stern to void this trade for "basketball reasons."</p>
<p>First, let's follow the dead money. Walton makes $6.1 million next year with his trade kicker; Eyenga makes $1.1 million; neither of them are likely to play much or do anything of consequence if they do. So Cleveland swallows $5 million in dead 2012-13 salary.</p>
<p>For the privilege, they get a first-round pick from L.A. that will likely be in the 20s. The interesting part here is that when teams have done cash-for-late-first-rounder deals, they've typically valued the pick in the $3-4 million range. At best, the Cavs slightly overpaid on this part of the equation. And from L.A.'s side the savings double since they're in the luxury tax; effectively being paid $10 million for a late first-rounder is great business on their part.</p>
<p>But wait ... Cleveland also gave up a really good point guard! The Lakers essentially got Sessions for free; it was a fair deal just to give them a first-rounder to take Walton off their hands.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Silly Cavs. Taking on money, making your team worse and giving away a "really good!" point guard. <a target="_blank" href="http://benblog.net/2012/03/13/we-have-a-different-definition-of-wise/">Why would you do that</a>?</p>
<p>Let's fast forward to the <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2012/story/_/id/8111377/2012-nba-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-scenes">night of the 2012 NBA draft</a> and see how the Cavs <a target="_blank" href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/28/draft-trade-tyler-zeller-traded-to-cavaliers-for-three-picks/">used that pick from Lakers.</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The first trade of a quiet NBA Draft night (relative to what was expected) has Dallas selecting then trading North Carolina center Tyler Zeller to Cleveland for the number 24, 33 and 34 picks in this draft.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Cavs received Zeller from Dallas for the Lakers' pick, Cleveland's second round pick and New Orleans' second round pick (acquired in the LeBron sign-and-trade).</p>
<p>So if we simplify the deals, they look a bit like this:</p>
<ul>
<li>Ramon Sessions [+ crap] ==> First round pick [+ crap].</li>
<li>First round pick [+ different crap] ==> Tyler Zeller.</li>
</ul>
<p>I'll take it!</p>
<p>Seeing GM Chris Grant make a move with with the long-term fortunes of the franchise clearly in mind gives me faith in this regime; the Cavs won't be taking short cuts or making quick short-term moves. Seeing that the Cavaliers have a plan and are actually sticking to it is far and away my favorite Cavalier moment of 2012.</p>
<p>Plus, I'm a big fan of Tyler Zeller.</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2012/12/31/3815438/my-favorite-cavalier-moment-of-2012-turning-ramon-sessions-into-tylerBen Cox2012-11-21T13:00:19-06:002012-11-21T13:00:19-06:00What Might Have Been: The Cavs and Andrew Bynum
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kzC_LwV_I9in-3Vugbu1TJrcKbM=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3672331/20121001_hcs_sy4_073.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Even though the Cavs have had a rough start to the season, things could be worse. They could've traded for Andrew Bynum.</p> <p>Given their early six-game road trip, the start of the 2012-13 Cleveland Cavaliers season would've been rough in the best of circumstances. These have not been the best of circumstances.</p>
<ul>
<li> <span>Kyrie Irving</span>: <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2012/11/19/3668766/report-kyrie-irving-to-miss-four-weeks-with-fractured-left-index" target="_blank">out four weeks with a broken finger</a>.</li>
<li> <span>Tristan Thompson</span>: broken face.</li>
<li> <span>Tyler Zeller</span>: broken face.</li>
<li> <span>Byron Scott</span> benched a clearly-pressing CJ Miles, as if taking away his playing time will help calm him down.</li>
<li> <span>Omri Casspi</span> and <span>Luke Walton</span> have been on the court in non-garbage time situations. </li>
<li>Multiple <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> came down with the flu over the course of their road trip and <span>Anderson Varejao</span> missed a game after bumping knees with <span>Ryan Hollins</span>.</li>
<li>The <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2012/11/19/3666732/fixing-the-cavaliers-bench" target="_blank">bench</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>Oh, there have been some bright spots, namely <span>Dion Waiters</span> torching the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Clippers</a> for 28 points, but they have been few and far between. You can only get so excited about a team with a record of 2-8.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2012/7/18/3167552/nba-trade-rumors-cavaliers-involved-in-dwight-howard-andrew-bynum" target="_blank">But</a> <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2012/8/10/3233342/cavaliers-offer-in-dwight-howard-andrew-bynum-talks-falls-short" target="_blank">things</a> <a href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/07/acquiring-andrew-bynum-might-be-cavaliers-one-shot-at-building-a-title-contender/" target="_blank">could</a> <a href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/07/nba-trade-rumor-cavs-discussing-trade-to-land-andrew-bynum-in-magic-lakers-deal/" target="_blank">be</a> <a href="http://www.stepienrules.com/2012-articles/july/dreaming-that-andrew-byunum-rumors-were-true.html" target="_blank">worse</a>. <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2012/8/15/3244348/andrew-bynum-press-conference-philadelphia-76ers-jason-richardson" target="_blank">They</a> <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2012/11/14/3647630/andrew-bynum-hair-is-starting-its-own-religion" target="_blank">could</a> <a href="http://www.thebiglead.com/index.php/2012/11/15/andrew-bynum-hair-generated-a-lot-of-funny-comments-on-twitter/" target="_blank">be</a> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/andrew-bynum-cosmic-jokes-lack-answers-encroaching-fear-210206193--nba.html" target="_blank">so</a> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8655352/west-side-east-side-andrew-bynum-future-philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank">much</a> <a href="http://www.libertyballers.com/2012/11/19/3663250/andrew-bynum-bowling-knee-injury-setback-sixers-contract" target="_blank">worse</a>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Three-team deal may send <span>Dwight Howard</span> to <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a>, <span>Andrew Bynum</span> to Cavs and picks/prospects/cap relief to <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic</a>. Still trying to get details.</p>
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) <a data-datetime="2012-07-14T21:16:08+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/224250953665224704">July 14, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>That deal could've looked like this:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">But the Cavaliers could have (and probably did) offer Varejao, our 2013 first round pick, unprotected, the Sacramento pick, and the </span><a style="color: #292929; font-weight: bold; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; background-color: #ffffff;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat's</a><span style="color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"> 2015 pick, and took on Turkoglu's deal. Better first round picks, a better player, and more salary cap relief</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>I don't know about anyone else, but I was all on board the Bynum trade:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>You don't say, "no, I'll pass on the 2nd best center in the NBA, too risky"</p>
— Ben Cox (@BenCox83) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenCox83/status/224276741189926912" data-datetime="2012-07-14T22:58:36+00:00">July 14, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Imagine if that trade had gone through.....</p>
<p>How would you view the Cavs' if both of their star players were wearing suits this early into the season?</p>
<p>How would you think Coach Byron would've handled Bynum? Poorly or very poorly?</p>
<p>Assuming there wasn't any pressing Browns uniform news, Cleveland talk radio would be hammering Bynum his bowling injuries. And the national media would be killing Dan Gilbert helping Howard go to a big market to create a SUPERTEAM.</p>
<p>What about spending all of your assets on an injury prone knucklehead? That'd have been fun.</p>
<p>And while us Cavs fans are spending our time complaining about a terrible, no good, very bad bench, Sixer fans are pondering much darker scenarios:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6em;">The issue now is what the organization should do going forward.<b> Neither you nor I have any idea whether or not Andrew will play this season.</b> I still have a few shreds of optimism left that make me think he'll be back by February, but they're hanging by a thread.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>If we assume that Bynum does take the court come February and finish out a respectable year for the Sixers (maybe a playoff win or two), then I don't think there's any question about signing him to a max contract. Everything in the NBA is a risk and if Andrew can prove he's healthy enough to play, there is absolutely no excuse to let him walk. Unless the relationship between Drew and the Sixers gets worse (could it?), I don't think they'd let a mostly healthy, mostly happy Bynum leave freely. </p>
<p>By missing out on the Bynum deal, the Cavs didn't just dodge a bullet, they dodged a goddamned cannonball. Had the trade gone through, like a good fan, I totally would've talked myself into Bynum. Even with all his baggage, the Cavs, simply by residing in Cleveland, have to take risks to add a major talent. If you have the chance to give Kyrie Irving an All-Star center, you do it. Always. But I'm not shedding tears over that missed opportunity.</p>
<p>As bad as things are in the land of Cleve, at least the Cavs have options. Sure, Cavs fans are debating whether or not to trade Anderson Varejao (My take: it all depends on the deal. Loads of stuff from OKC? Sure! Mediocre crap from Denver? Pass.) but at least there's some semblance of hope. The Cavs have moves to be made and draft picks on the horizon.</p>
<p>But the Sixers? I do not envy the situation in which Philly fans currently find themselves. They're stuck hoping Andrew Bynum can both mature and stay healthy. Good luck with that. It's possible it can happen. It's also possible the whole thing implodes and Bynum signs elsewhere this summer, leaving the Sixers with nothing to show for him.</p>
<p>So be thankful, Cavs fans. While Kyrie's latest injury has pushed up the draft talk by more than a few months, at least we're not stuck watching <span>Hedo Turkoglu</span> hoist terrible jumpers while Kyrie and Bynum look on from the bench.</p>
<p>Things could've been much worse.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1.3em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; width: 697px; overflow-x: auto; max-width: 100%; line-height: 1.6em; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2012/11/21/3673364/revisiting-the-bynum-trade-rumorsBen Cox2012-10-24T08:44:18-05:002012-10-24T08:44:18-05:0020 Somewhat Bold Cavs Predictions
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W9015b12-FuhGRb7Xv6DAbpUdNQ=/0x0:3190x2127/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1902063/20121023_mje_aq4_1136.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Eric P. Mull-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With the NBA season fast approaching, the Cavs could be poised for a breakthrough year. Or they could suck again. </p> <p>Opening night is less than a week away and I couldn't be more excited about these young <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a>. It looks like they should be a fun, young team to follow. For the first time post-LeBron, there's young players at every position and there's almost no dead weight on the roster (*waves at <span>Luke Walton</span>*). So without further ado, here's twenty predictions for this upcoming Cavalier season:</p>
<p><b>1. <span>Kyrie Irving</span> will be an All-Star. </b>Easy prediction, right? It seems like Kyrie certainly has the skill set to become an All-Star at the NBA level, but the Eastern Conference point guard position is pretty stacked. Last season, <span>Derrick Rose</span>, <span>Rajon Rondo</span> and <span>Deron Williams</span> all made the squad. I expect big years from both Rondo (now The Guy in Boston) and Williams (now caring for the first time in three years). And if Rose were healthy, I'm not so sure there's spot on the roster for Irving. But with Rose recovering from ACL surgery, there should be enough room for Kyrie.</p>
<p><b>2. <span>Dion Waiters</span> will be more good than bad. </b>I fully expect Dion to drive me nuts with some of his shot selection but I think he'll make enough plays that I'll forgive him. The Cavs are going to want Waiters to be aggressive and an aggressive rookie guard is going to make mistakes. It's the nature of the beast. But asides form Irving, Cleveland is devoid of playmakers and they're going to need Waiters shot creating ability.</p>
<p><b>3. Dion Waiters will have at least one Twitter-related controversy. </b>I don't know if <a href="https://twitter.com/dionwaiters3" target="_blank">he's going to tweet</a> at halftime or yell at some obnoxious Cavs fan giving him crap or post something inappropriate, but at some point this season, he's going to break Cleveland sports twitter. I can't wait. It's gonna be awesome.</p>
<p><b>4. Announcers will call <span>Tyler Zeller</span> 'smart'. </b>And scrappy. And 'heady'. Fundamentally sound. Well spoken. Etc.</p>
<p><b>5. <span>Anderson Varejao</span> will be traded. </b>Where? No idea. For what? No idea. But Andy is the Cavs' biggest trade piece and if he can stay healthy (and if Tyler Zeller proves he can rebound and defend at the NBA level), I fully expect Varejao's name being mentioned in trade rumors.</p>
<p><b>6. Anderson Varejao will get hurt. </b>Just hedging my bets. The guy has missed large chunks of games in each of the last two years (and he wasn't healthy for the 2010 playoff run either). I hope I'm wrong, but his style of play isn't exactly conducive to good health.</p>
<p><b>7. <span>Daniel Gibson's</span> <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2012/10/reality_tv_show_featuring_clev.html" target="_blank">television show</a> will take the entertainment world by storm.</b> <a href="http://www.bet.com/shows/keyshia-and-daniel.html" target="_blank">Boobie's show runs Tuesdays at 10pm on BET</a>. Set those DVRs!</p>
<p><b>8. The "LeBron Conversation" is going to happen. A lot. </b>It only makes sense. The Cavs' <a href="http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/cavaliers.jsp" target="_blank">cap position is pretty enviable</a>, they have some young talent in Kryie and Waiters (and Zeller and Thompson!) and a gaping hole at the small forward spot. You're going to have the "what if LeBron came back?" conversation. It's going to be a talk radio segment. It'll be the topic whenever Miami comes to town. (I like to say that I wouldn't welcome LeBron back. But the minute there's a fast break and Kyrie throws him an oop... I'd be totally in. Sorry).</p>
<p><b>9. I'm going to eventually sour on CJ Miles. </b>I have no real basis for this. Just a hunch that I'm going to like him more at the start of the season than I will at end of it.</p>
<p><b>10. I'm going to get sick of the "<span>Tristan Thompson</span> conversation". </b>We get it, you think the number four pick should be able to shoot. Me too. But asides from <span>Jonas Valanciunas</span>, there's no really good answer to the "well, who would've you taken with the 4th overall pick instead?" question. Thompson has shown me enough that I think he'll be able to play at this level. Will he be an All-Star? Doubtful. But if he can become an elite defender/rebounder, that should be quite alright. Those guys are still important.</p>
<p><b>11. <span>Alonzo Gee</span> will keep his starting job all year. </b>The Cavs started Kyrie-Waiters-Gee-Varejao-Zeller for the final preseason game and I really like that lineup. They should be athletic enough to push the ball and big enough to defend and rebound (but I expect the backcourt defense will be sub par). I'm not a huge Gee fan, but I think Scott needs to keep Miles coming off the bench, for scoring if nothing else.</p>
<p><b>12. Austin Carr will have a new catchphrase. </b>And it'll be awful. I also predict that Fred McLeod will be the top Waiters Apologist. Every shot Waiters will miss will have "looked good as it left his hand" and Fred will have an excuse ready for every mistake. Which is fine, homer announcers are homer announcers. But still.</p>
<p><b>13. At some point this year, I will actually miss <span>Antawn Jamison</span>. </b>There's going to be stretches where these young Cavs will have trouble scoring. It's going to be ugly. The good news is, there are shots to be had for Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson and the other young guys. The bad news is, I'm not sure how often I want some of these guys shooting that often.</p>
<p><b>14. At no point this year, will I actually miss <span>Anthony Parker</span>. </b>The Cavs might miss his veteran leadership. But I doubt it.</p>
<p><b>15. <span>Samardo Samuels</span> will overcome </b><a href="http://throwthehammerdown.com/post/12623052954/samardo-samuels-ladies-and-gentlemen" target="_blank">his addiction</a><b> and have a really strong season. </b>He lost some weight, he's entering his third season and he's in a contract year. If can stay focused and bring the same energy every night, he'd be a very solid piece to this squad.</p>
<p><b>16. Luke Walton will win the Cavs a game this year.</b> Assuming he makes the team. And I hope he does, if only for the possibility of Bill Walton joining Austin and Fred in the booth as a guest announcer. We need Walton and Austin to share airtime together Please make this happen. But Luke Walton is going to have at least one game where he makes enough shots that it gives the Cavs a shot. But it won't be very often. Or very pretty.</p>
<p><b>17. Cavs fans will poop their pants at the awesomeness that is Cavs Zine III. </b>Seriously, <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2012/9/25/3408298/brace-yourselves-kiddies-its-cavs-zine-time" target="_blank">Cavs Zine III</a> is going to kick major ass. If you're reading this site and enjoy Cleveland Cavalier basketball, you're going to want to get your hands on this DIY beauty.</p>
<p><b>18. The Cavs will get nothing out of <span>Omri Casspi</span>.</b> Ah, the rare 'both teams lose' trade. I think Casspi will be better than he was last season, but I don't think "better than last year" necessarily equals "good". I hope I'm wrong. If Casspi gives them anything (like say, shooting to stretch the floor), that's huge bonus</p>
<p><b>19. At some point, the Cavs will suffer some kind of historic loss</b>. In his first year, <span>Byron Scott</span> team tied the record for longest losing streak in the history of North American professional sports. Last season, Scott's Cavs suffered the worst home loss in franchise history - to a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Bulls</a> team missing Derrick Rose, no less. With all the young players and the lack of legit offensive weapons, I can totally see the Cavs having an off night that's <i>really</i> off. Remember, they had trouble <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2012/10/13/3498352/cavaliers-vs-bulls-final-score-cavs-86-bulls-83" target="_blank">getting the ball across half court this preseason</a>.</p>
<p><b>20. Cavs will contend for the 8th seed.</b> Assuming everyone stays healthy (lookin at you, Kyrie and Andy), the Cavs should be in the hunt for that final playoff spot. Best-case scenario, Cavs will win somewhere between 35-42 games. That's probably good for 9th in the East (Miami, Boston, New York, Brooklyn, Chicago, Indiana, and Philly in some order with Atlanta, Washington, Cleveland, Toronto and Detroit fighting for right to get crushed by Miami). Actually, scratch that. Best case scenario is the Cavs play well but barely miss out on the playoffs, only to jump up in the draft lottery.</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2012/10/24/3546098/predicting-the-2012-2013-cleveland-cavaliersBen Cox2012-10-02T23:06:58-05:002012-10-02T23:06:58-05:00Kyrie Says Cavs Can "Definitely" Make Playoffs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lDfHW9m7b2DUaec3kCI-XUbSJNQ=/0x160:2750x1993/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/493949/20121001_gav_ar7_363.1349237138.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Richard-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kyrie Irving isn't satisfied with losing anymore. He wants to make the playoffs this year -- and believes the Cavaliers have the talent to do just that. </p> <p>The reigning Rookie-of-the-Year <a target="_blank" href="http://sportsradiointerviews.com/2012/10/02/kyrie-irving-cleveland-cavaliers-nba/">spoke with</a> the Hooligans on <a target="_blank" href="http://espncleveland.com/page.php?page_id=125">ESPN 850 WKNR</a> about playing for team USA, growing as a point guard and his lofty expectations for this year's Cavalier squad:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">"I have high hopes for us. Obviously our number one goal is to make the playoffs this year and we’re definitely going to attain that as long as we continue to get better and as long as we compete every single night. Last year, like I said, we had a few limitations but when we were playing those good teams, especially in the second half of the season not having the pieces we needed to compete every single night with the best, it definitely hurt us but this season we added some new pieces and I feel like everybody is definitely taking that next step and getting better as a pro. I’m really excited to get the thing started. I’m healthy, Andy is healthy, Dion (Waiters) is healthy so I’m just happy to see where this thing can go."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Cavs... in the playoffs? Sure, it sounds crazy (and some Cavs fans might not care for it) but if everything goes right and <span>Tristan Thompson</span> improves and <span>Dion Waiters</span> and <span>Tyler Zeller</span> are solid contributors and <span>Anderson Varejao</span> doesn't suffer a season ending injury for the third straight season and...</p>
<p>OK. Maybe it is crazy. I don't really expect the Cavs to make the jump to the postseason just yet. But what's Kyrie supposed to say? "Meh, I think we'll win between 25-35 games and hopefully we'll jump in the lottery"?</p>
<p>Good for you, Kyrie. Dream big. Aim high. Maybe playoff expectation aren't that crazy. But I would take Kyrie's judgment with a grain of salt, I mean, just look at this [emphasis added]:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">That’s what it is going to come down to is me leading this team on and off the court along with Andy (Varejao) <b>and <span>Luke Walton</span>.</b> Just being ready every single day and continuing to get better."</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>LUKE WALTON??? I hope with all my heart that not one thing in this upcoming season comes down to Luke Walton.</p>
<p>--------</p>
<p>And with that, I've made my first post for Fear the Sword. Hi, Cavs fans! My name is Ben Cox and I'm your newest Fear the Sword blogger. I've been blogging about these Cavs for a number of years now, at various places like <a target="_blank" href="http://theclevelandfan.com/">TheClevelandFan.com</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://realcavsfans.com/">RealCavsFans.com </a>and my personal blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://benblog.net/">BenBlog.net</a>. Currently, I'm a Weekend Editor at the fantastic Cleveland sports blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/">Waiting for Next Year</a> and I'll also be contributing to the upcoming CavsZine3. If you want to get a feel for my style, I'd recommend checking <a target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/09/on-disc-golf/">out</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/07/defining-sports-failure/">these</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://benblog.net/2012/03/13/we-have-a-different-definition-of-wise/">totally</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://benblog.net/2012/06/22/he-didnt-ride-dwyane-wades-coattails/">super</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/06/cheer-for-who-you-want-to-cheer-for/">awesome</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/04/on-the-cavs-tanking-and-lester-hudson/">articles</a>. Feel free to yell at me on Twitter, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/BenCox83">@BenCox83</a>. Go Cavs!</p>
https://www.fearthesword.com/2012/10/2/3447212/kryrie-irving-thinks--cleveland-cavaliers-can-definitely-make-playoffsBen Cox