[valentine]

 The Cavs are put together really well.  They have the best player in the game, which definitely helps, but they have ideal size at every position.  The moves they made midseason were really obvious to someone like myself.  They constructed a team, that all NBA teams should try to emulate.

Mozgov – 7’+, would be nicer if he had more of a back to the basket game, but he rebounds and takes up space which is what you need out of an NBA big man.  Isn’t the best defender, but he fits the mold of a perfect complement to Tristan Thompson.  Hesitantly mentioning his nice outside touch which helps, but I’d prefer a big man that played with more of a paint game.  He has true NBA size at Center.  

Thompson – at PF, this guy is a beast.  Rebounding force.  Guys on GS are not the best, but when Tim Duncan is struggling to box you out, you know you are solid.  A little back to the basket game is perfect for him.  He knows his role, the role of an ideal PF.  Grab those boards and stay out of the way.  

James – Mr. Do it all.  (I dislike him, but I respect his game.  I don’t think he’s a beautiful player to watch, but he is undeniably a force.  He is Shaq at the 3.  Finally it took 3 games for Kerr to pressure him and disrupt their offensive timing, forcing the young team to panic and take some shots they may not be accustomed to taking in the Finals.  JR and Delly would rather defer to James in the finals I’m sure.  So get the ball out of his hands forcedly and force them to take those shot).

Smith, Shumpert – very solid role players.  Smith is the better shooter.  Shumpert the better defender.  Both guys have played in NYC so feel confident and have played with another "star" in Carmelo so know how to feed off of him.  Very good role players if you have the rest of the team doing their thing.

Dellavadova – all heart.  Respect his tenacity but not his skill.  He will get worn down by the end of this because he’s not an elite athlete.  Loved seeing Livingston abuse him.  But he does make all the right plays, and puts up good shots.  Respect his play.  He is playing way better than Klay Thompson – whose legs are in cement.  What happened to the other splash brother?

Love – don’t think he fits.  Can’t play D.  He’s just a sniper from the outside.

Kyrie – never liked his game because I thought he was selfish, only played big in big matchups.  Didn’t make his teammates better.  But Lebron changed a lot of that.  He’s bought into the team concept.  Makes a pass here and there.  His skill is undoubtable, he’s a beast player.  Unfortunately, his injuries are racking up.  I think him not being out there allows the team to play better as a unit, because I think Kyrie still brings that "my matchup vs this guy" mentality to the game, whereas the other guards dont’ play like that….if that makes any sense.

Peace

 

but this is an ideal team because of their size and skill and various positions.  Thompson and Mosgov are beasts.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Andrew1984Participant]

 Yes, the NBA Finals usually do involve teams featuring very good basketball players.

[Andrew1984Participant]

 Yes, the NBA Finals usually do involve teams featuring very good basketball players.

[PhillytheKid]

 their makeup and ability to be in the Championship is not too difficult to copy.

You need a Center that takes up space and is a monster grabbing boards.  (D. Howard falls short here).

You need a PF that grabs boards. (K Love is not this).

You need a go to player that gets his own shots and double teams, and you surround him with snipers.

The Cavs are built off of defense and rebounding which is why I thought they’d win in 6.  

Its also why I was big on guys like Vonleh because I thought he had ideal PF size, he fits into a mold.

 

I was extrapolating from the Cavs success (as a first year team), and explaining why you select certain players over others.  

The GSW are doing it and so have the Spurs.  I actually think teh Spurs hurt themselves by not aggressively signing someone like Mozgov and stuck with Tiago Splitter, and keeping Ginobli and not adding a better younger sniper.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PhillytheKid]

 their makeup and ability to be in the Championship is not too difficult to copy.

You need a Center that takes up space and is a monster grabbing boards.  (D. Howard falls short here).

You need a PF that grabs boards. (K Love is not this).

You need a go to player that gets his own shots and double teams, and you surround him with snipers.

The Cavs are built off of defense and rebounding which is why I thought they’d win in 6.  

Its also why I was big on guys like Vonleh because I thought he had ideal PF size, he fits into a mold.

 

I was extrapolating from the Cavs success (as a first year team), and explaining why you select certain players over others.  

The GSW are doing it and so have the Spurs.  I actually think teh Spurs hurt themselves by not aggressively signing someone like Mozgov and stuck with Tiago Splitter, and keeping Ginobli and not adding a better younger sniper.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Amazing how much of a hit Love has taken this year. Dude is a better rebounder than both Thompson and Mozgov before this year. He’s a lot more than "just a sniper" 

Most teams should emulate Cleveland because they have LeBron. The only player in the league who could replace him and keep the Cavs afloat in this series is Durant and even he would be over his head. 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Amazing how much of a hit Love has taken this year. Dude is a better rebounder than both Thompson and Mozgov before this year. He’s a lot more than "just a sniper" 

Most teams should emulate Cleveland because they have LeBron. The only player in the league who could replace him and keep the Cavs afloat in this series is Durant and even he would be over his head. 

 

 

[PhillytheKid]

 anyone that commands a double team and makes his players better.  Lebron is the best at that, but there are others that can do it.  Mozgov and Thompson are irreplacable right now.  I think Lebron and others are actually replaceable.  

[PhillytheKid]

 anyone that commands a double team and makes his players better.  Lebron is the best at that, but there are others that can do it.  Mozgov and Thompson are irreplacable right now.  I think Lebron and others are actually replaceable.  

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

They have Lebron and there is no one player that can match what LBJ does individually at any position…

I’m not a James fan, in fact I can be a hater when the mood is right, but he’s the best player in the world and has a strangle hold on the title until he starts to decline physically…

How would any team be able to build their team like Cleveland exactly???

I think more teams should build their teams like Golden State or Atlanta, and of course the gold standard San Antonio Spurs…

More chances to succeed by building around a core of great team first players than a Star or 2 IMO…

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

They have Lebron and there is no one player that can match what LBJ does individually at any position…

I’m not a James fan, in fact I can be a hater when the mood is right, but he’s the best player in the world and has a strangle hold on the title until he starts to decline physically…

How would any team be able to build their team like Cleveland exactly???

I think more teams should build their teams like Golden State or Atlanta, and of course the gold standard San Antonio Spurs…

More chances to succeed by building around a core of great team first players than a Star or 2 IMO…

[PhillytheKid]

 with Atlanta you just won’t win.

GSW – please how many players do you think can light it up night in and out like the splash brothers.  Nick Young and Kobe?  lol.

The Spurs took a decade to perfect and had a rock named Tim Duncan.  Their system still requires Tim Duncan, and has also taken years to implement, and not Al Horford and Jeff Teague.  

It takes veteran savvy, and guys that command double teams as well as NBA Role Players with NBA bodies, not tweeners.  

Thouhg I am interested to see how the Bucks do since they are that next-gen team, I don’t think they’re good enough, Giannis is overrated.  

 

 

 

 

 

[PhillytheKid]

 with Atlanta you just won’t win.

GSW – please how many players do you think can light it up night in and out like the splash brothers.  Nick Young and Kobe?  lol.

The Spurs took a decade to perfect and had a rock named Tim Duncan.  Their system still requires Tim Duncan, and has also taken years to implement, and not Al Horford and Jeff Teague.  

It takes veteran savvy, and guys that command double teams as well as NBA Role Players with NBA bodies, not tweeners.  

Thouhg I am interested to see how the Bucks do since they are that next-gen team, I don’t think they’re good enough, Giannis is overrated.  

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Exactly

Best model to build has been Indiana and Atlanta besides the obvious Spurs. 

OKC built through the draft but they also hit the big time home runs on superstars at the very top of the draft. Golden State got a bit of luck as well with Curry but they are another team that should be emulated at least in terms of building their team because they’ve acquired their big guns in the draft and made wise financial moves in getting Iguadala, Livingston, and trading for Bogut. 

Teams like LA and NY don’t follow this model because they can take short cuts because they poach players in free agency. That’s their plan. Both haven’t gotten much luck recently with it and that is why they are both at the top of the draft. It also takes time. Atlanta, Indiana and Golden State all had down years. 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Exactly

Best model to build has been Indiana and Atlanta besides the obvious Spurs. 

OKC built through the draft but they also hit the big time home runs on superstars at the very top of the draft. Golden State got a bit of luck as well with Curry but they are another team that should be emulated at least in terms of building their team because they’ve acquired their big guns in the draft and made wise financial moves in getting Iguadala, Livingston, and trading for Bogut. 

Teams like LA and NY don’t follow this model because they can take short cuts because they poach players in free agency. That’s their plan. Both haven’t gotten much luck recently with it and that is why they are both at the top of the draft. It also takes time. Atlanta, Indiana and Golden State all had down years. 

 

 

 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

 Love – don’t think he fits. Can’t play D. He’s just a sniper from the outside.

Kyrie – I think him not being out there allows the team to play better as a unit, because I think Kyrie still brings that "my matchup vs this guy" mentality to the game, whereas the other guards dont’ play like that….if that makes any sense.

—————————————————————————————————————

 

Completely disagree with you about Love and Irving. Love is also a very good rebounder and a strong outlet passer. Lebron has always played very well with a stretch 4 and Love can provide that while also hitting him and Irving with passes in transition. Love will probably never average 20+ PPG while on the same team with LBJ and Irving, but then again neither did Chris Bosh. He was starting to get more comfortable with his role as the season progressed and next year if he plays in Cleveland I see him averaging about 17-18 PPG, 11 RPG and 3 APG.

Irving is a terrific scorer and you can see how much the Cavs miss someone other than Lebron who can fill up buckets. Last night’s game was a terrific example, the Cavs weren’t hitting open shots and when LBJ went to the bench GSW would go on runs.

That being said I do think the Cavs team was built perfectly on paper this season, they just needed time to gel. If they keep their team intact and are relatively healthy next year I think 62+ wins in the reg season are likely. 

At SF you have Lebron, the best player in the world, a dominant player who thrives with the ball in his hands.

PG, Irving, an explosive point guard capable of playing off the ball and a terrific shooter, but also handling the ball when LBJ is resting.

SG, Shumpert, strong, athletic defender that can lock down on opponents top scorer. 

PF, Love, good rebounder can also stretch the floor allowing LBJ and Irving to attack the basket.

C, Mozghov, true center, can defend the rim adequately and rebound, not a world-beater but knows his role

Bench

G, Dellavedova, smart, hustle player with strong work ethic

G, JR Smith, instant offense off the bench

G/F Jones, wing player can hit threes

F, Shawn Marion, versatile, veteran defender

PF, Thompson, high energy big man, can play center in small lineups

C, Perkins, locker room leader and enforcer in the paint

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ItsVictorOladipoParticipant]

 Love – don’t think he fits. Can’t play D. He’s just a sniper from the outside.

Kyrie – I think him not being out there allows the team to play better as a unit, because I think Kyrie still brings that "my matchup vs this guy" mentality to the game, whereas the other guards dont’ play like that….if that makes any sense.

—————————————————————————————————————

 

Completely disagree with you about Love and Irving. Love is also a very good rebounder and a strong outlet passer. Lebron has always played very well with a stretch 4 and Love can provide that while also hitting him and Irving with passes in transition. Love will probably never average 20+ PPG while on the same team with LBJ and Irving, but then again neither did Chris Bosh. He was starting to get more comfortable with his role as the season progressed and next year if he plays in Cleveland I see him averaging about 17-18 PPG, 11 RPG and 3 APG.

Irving is a terrific scorer and you can see how much the Cavs miss someone other than Lebron who can fill up buckets. Last night’s game was a terrific example, the Cavs weren’t hitting open shots and when LBJ went to the bench GSW would go on runs.

That being said I do think the Cavs team was built perfectly on paper this season, they just needed time to gel. If they keep their team intact and are relatively healthy next year I think 62+ wins in the reg season are likely. 

At SF you have Lebron, the best player in the world, a dominant player who thrives with the ball in his hands.

PG, Irving, an explosive point guard capable of playing off the ball and a terrific shooter, but also handling the ball when LBJ is resting.

SG, Shumpert, strong, athletic defender that can lock down on opponents top scorer. 

PF, Love, good rebounder can also stretch the floor allowing LBJ and Irving to attack the basket.

C, Mozghov, true center, can defend the rim adequately and rebound, not a world-beater but knows his role

Bench

G, Dellavedova, smart, hustle player with strong work ethic

G, JR Smith, instant offense off the bench

G/F Jones, wing player can hit threes

F, Shawn Marion, versatile, veteran defender

PF, Thompson, high energy big man, can play center in small lineups

C, Perkins, locker room leader and enforcer in the paint

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I think I also said it earlier in the year, but i would like to see some LeBron and Kevin Love pick and rolls/pick and pops.

I would also try to get Love some post ups…

Move him up to the 2nd option with Kyrie Irving as the 3rd option.  

Kevin Love has to play like a high level all star.  Yeah, even play him in smaller lineups with TT at the 5.  So, a 3 big man lineup with those two and Mozgov should be enough minutes, rebounds, and shots to go around.  Perk should be more of a 5th big.  So, go out and get a 4th big man, and sign some D League guy to be another energy guy inside.

They just can’t leave Kevin Love in the corner.  He should be the Pick and Pop guy.  And, the guy who exploits mismatches inside to go along with his ability to hit 3’s in transition.  

I would let Kyrie Irving be the 3rd option, but let him run the show when the Cavs sit LeBron and Love.  Kyrie, TT, Shumpert, and JR Smith would form the majority of the non-LeBron lineups.  And, use either Mozgov in bigger lineups or another big man to play inside with TT.  

In the draft I think the Cavs should take a look at Rondae Hollis-Jefferson when he is in there.  LeBron can defend as can TT and Mozgov takes up space.  Shumpert and Dellavadova are solid defensively in spots.  RHJ can help guard wings and he would give the Cavs another athlete.  The Cavs are deep at most spots (other than center) and have quantity at 2 guard, but lack a legit backup small forward behind LeBron.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I think I also said it earlier in the year, but i would like to see some LeBron and Kevin Love pick and rolls/pick and pops.

I would also try to get Love some post ups…

Move him up to the 2nd option with Kyrie Irving as the 3rd option.  

Kevin Love has to play like a high level all star.  Yeah, even play him in smaller lineups with TT at the 5.  So, a 3 big man lineup with those two and Mozgov should be enough minutes, rebounds, and shots to go around.  Perk should be more of a 5th big.  So, go out and get a 4th big man, and sign some D League guy to be another energy guy inside.

They just can’t leave Kevin Love in the corner.  He should be the Pick and Pop guy.  And, the guy who exploits mismatches inside to go along with his ability to hit 3’s in transition.  

I would let Kyrie Irving be the 3rd option, but let him run the show when the Cavs sit LeBron and Love.  Kyrie, TT, Shumpert, and JR Smith would form the majority of the non-LeBron lineups.  And, use either Mozgov in bigger lineups or another big man to play inside with TT.  

In the draft I think the Cavs should take a look at Rondae Hollis-Jefferson when he is in there.  LeBron can defend as can TT and Mozgov takes up space.  Shumpert and Dellavadova are solid defensively in spots.  RHJ can help guard wings and he would give the Cavs another athlete.  The Cavs are deep at most spots (other than center) and have quantity at 2 guard, but lack a legit backup small forward behind LeBron.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[nill650Participant]

 op think klove doesnt fit? thats a laugh

if cleveland had anyone else with loves skillset theyd of finished off gsw already.

the team is built well, but at the end of the day, they just want it more

 

 

[nill650Participant]

 op think klove doesnt fit? thats a laugh

if cleveland had anyone else with loves skillset theyd of finished off gsw already.

the team is built well, but at the end of the day, they just want it more

 

 

[Pro-21Participant]

 Probably top 15, and as you can see, the cavs to some extent miss a reliable scorer. K. Love might not have seemed great this year, but in a greatly diminished role he averaged about 17 ppg and 10 ppg. He’s not the defensive liability people think he is either. As you can see, the cavs are missing a player like him right now when dellavedova taking a stepback jumper is actually a reasonable option. There’s something to be said about having a real allstar on your team; he can simply do things that other cavs can’t. He can pass, post up ,  and shoot. Also, the chances of Jr, Shump and LeBron all being off and K.Love being off are pretty slim. I’d hate to lose thompson’s rebounding ability though, we wouldn’t have to, just sub at different points.

As for Kyrie? He is a top five point guard. I think that if he were 100%, he would have outplayed Curry pretty handily in these finals, and that says alot (he was arguable doing so in game one … when he was 75% His ballhandling ability, blazing first step, body control and mastery of fundamentals make him more or less as unguardable as they come. LeBron makes everyone better, but I disagree that he taught Kyrie some sort of game changing lesson. Kyrie plays more or less the same way he always did this year, an utra efficient scoring pg. 

 

  

[Pro-21Participant]

 Probably top 15, and as you can see, the cavs to some extent miss a reliable scorer. K. Love might not have seemed great this year, but in a greatly diminished role he averaged about 17 ppg and 10 ppg. He’s not the defensive liability people think he is either. As you can see, the cavs are missing a player like him right now when dellavedova taking a stepback jumper is actually a reasonable option. There’s something to be said about having a real allstar on your team; he can simply do things that other cavs can’t. He can pass, post up ,  and shoot. Also, the chances of Jr, Shump and LeBron all being off and K.Love being off are pretty slim. I’d hate to lose thompson’s rebounding ability though, we wouldn’t have to, just sub at different points.

As for Kyrie? He is a top five point guard. I think that if he were 100%, he would have outplayed Curry pretty handily in these finals, and that says alot (he was arguable doing so in game one … when he was 75% His ballhandling ability, blazing first step, body control and mastery of fundamentals make him more or less as unguardable as they come. LeBron makes everyone better, but I disagree that he taught Kyrie some sort of game changing lesson. Kyrie plays more or less the same way he always did this year, an utra efficient scoring pg. 

 

  

[nill650Participant]

 yep, thompson has been a beast in kloves absence, there is no denying it,thompson has been playing the same way with gradual improvements to his game every season…just wasnt in the playoffs and most didnt take notice. Klove and TT games are completely different, and for someone to suggest k love is not a good fit does’nt make alot of sense when it was obvious his contributions were consistant and reliable for the most part, and his ability to stretch the defense is sadly missed without him. I liked the 3 man rotation and the ability to use mozgove with either pf and also utilizing thompson at the 5 with klove at the floor. 

however this finals run ends up, the cavs team is going to be dominant in the east for years.

 

[nill650Participant]

 yep, thompson has been a beast in kloves absence, there is no denying it,thompson has been playing the same way with gradual improvements to his game every season…just wasnt in the playoffs and most didnt take notice. Klove and TT games are completely different, and for someone to suggest k love is not a good fit does’nt make alot of sense when it was obvious his contributions were consistant and reliable for the most part, and his ability to stretch the defense is sadly missed without him. I liked the 3 man rotation and the ability to use mozgove with either pf and also utilizing thompson at the 5 with klove at the floor. 

however this finals run ends up, the cavs team is going to be dominant in the east for years.

 

[Author]

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