JR Smith Is He Damaged Goods Or Still Has Something Left In Tank

JR Smith is looking for an NBA team and some of the teams could be thinking about trading for him. Why would anyone want JR? Is there anything left in the tank? These are questions teams are asking themselves as they explore maybe trading for the Cavaliers wingman. Let's look at JR Smith and why he may get a second look by contending teams.

The one thing that makes JR Smith appealing is his contract. This season the 15 million is guaranteed, but next year only around 3.5 million is guaranteed. Trading for him means you can clear cap space if you do not keep him the following year. His contract is cap friendly for most teams whom may trade for him.

Now many people feel JR is not worth trading for after his Finals Game 1 debacle, but I think that could help him out. JR Smith wants to prove to people he can still play the game of basketball. If he can get traded to a contending team he can be himself. Play defense and score some points off the bench. He does not have to carry the team he needs to just help out. A role that I think JR Smith could handle at this point in his career.

Is Kevin Love Really Worth 120 Million Dollars?

Kevin Love is now the 120 million dollar man after signing an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Is Kevin Love worth this kind of extension right now? I guess there are many ways you can actually look at this if you want to. 

The one thing that has been constant about Love is his desire to remain with the Cavaliers. Through all the trade talk he was steadfast he rather say in Cleveland. The Cavaliers rewarded him with an extension for his loyalty. It will be interesting to see how well he does with King James gone. 

Kevin Love will now have to make this his team as he will be counted on a lot. I think Kevin Love will benefit by his new role with James gone. I think for the longest time K-Love wanted to do more but would always defer to James now he no longer has to worry about that. 

Cleveland now will run the offense through Kevin Love which is something he will not be use to. I am sure it will be an adjustment period, but one he will like a lot. In the end, You have to credit Cleveland for rewarding Kevin Love for his loyalty to the organization. Hopefully, Love can lead them to the playoffs even without James being there anymore. It's K-Loves time to shine.

Why Does A Team Quit On Their Superstar?

Over the years we have seen it time and time again a team that has quit playing and just stand around watching as the other team embarrasses them. It's rare though when a team quits on their superstar like the Cleveland Cavaliers did this past week. Lebron James help carry the Cavaliers to the Finals and all he wanted was some of his teammates to step up and help him. What he got was a team that did the exact opposite and in the last game did nothing but embarrass themselves and the City of Cleveland.

It's rare that a team quits on their superstar, but I think they got tired of the message Lebron James was delivering and wanted to prove a point. The point they proved is they quit as a team and it is not a good look at all. If these players did quit they will find it hard to get other teams to give them a chance. The sad part is many of these players are guys King James went to management and got them big contracts only to have them stab him in the back. To James credit, he never publicly threw them under the bus. Of course, he might have a different opinion now, but I doubt it.

King James will most likely leave Cleveland and who can blame him when you have a team quit on their superstar. The real question is what will be next for these players without their superstar to help carry them.

Can Lebron James Will His Team To Victory?

Not too many players will be out practicing 10 hours before a game, but Lebron James is which is a testament to his greatness. After the Game 1 beatdown at the hand of the Boston Celtics Lebron James knows he must be a whole lot better if the Cavaliers are to win Game 2. Now Lebron James cannot do it alone as his supporting cast must step up in a big way. Boston will have the crowd behind them and Cleveland will have their hands full. Can James will his team to victory? Let's take a closer look at what the Cavaliers must do to win Game 2.

Look for Ty Lue to make some lineup changes in Game 2. Tristan Thompson will probably be inserted into the lineup to slow down Al Horford. In the past, Thompson has had good success against Horford and the Cavaliers hope he can keep it up. Other things the Cavaliers must do is hit shots when given the opportunity. Brad Stevens will make those looks tough as the Celtics are No.1 in team defense.  Cleveland must limit turnovers and also play sound defense. It won't be easy, but Cleveland can win, but it will take a team effort and a monster type game from King James.

Cavaliers Look Like Team To Beat Again!

The Cleveland Cavaliers have had their share of issues this season. From a midseason remake of the club to injuries and losing coach Tyron Lue for a number of games. The one thing that can be said is they have weathered every storm and continue to win. The one constant of course is King Lebron James. When things seem to go south James held the team together and this season has probably played some of the best basketball of his career. Have the Cavaliers finally turned the corner and now a legitimate title contender?

No matter what the circumstances are if you have Lebron James you always have a chance. Getting Kevin Love back from injury has been huge for the Cavs. It takes some pressure off of James and it also helps the new players as well. Cleveland showed the other night they can play with anyone when they beat the Toronto Raptors at home. In that game, James notched 17 assists in the win and sent a statement to the Raptors that that Cavs are back.

Cleveland right now has to be the favorite in the East as no one has an answer for Lebron James. Until someone does it looks like the East belongs to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Like it or not it looks like the Cavs are headed to the Finals once again. I doubt if they have the firepower to win it, but you never can count out Lebron James.

Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Away Half Of The Team Will It Help

The Cleveland Cavaliers decided that it was time to make some changes by the trade deadline. Cleveland traded Isaiah Thomas and Channing Frye to the Lakers for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. Now in this trade the Cavaliers got younger, but at what expense. I really liked Channing Frye and I hope Isaiah Thomas gets back to his old self. Only time will tell if that happens.

The Cavaliers also got rid of Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose, Dwayne Wade and Iman Stumper as well. In these trades the Cavaliers got a pick from the Miami Heat for Wade and they got George Hill and Rodney Hood from the Kings and Jazz. Will this be enough to get the Cavaliers back to the NBA Finals?

I will be honest the Cavaliers got a lot younger, but in reality that is really all they did. They traded away around the same scoring they got in return. It will be interesting to see how this all works out. Mostly these trade were done to appease Lebron James and get him some help. Losing is something James hate, so now he will have no excuses as he got rid of guys he thought was not a good fit.

Writing On The Wall For Lebron James Cleveland Career!

Lebron James came back to Cleveland to win an NBA Championship which he did accomplish, but since that day it has been downhill for the Akron native.  James this season has been at odds with the owner and that makes for a tough work environment in Cleveland. King James wants to win, but lately it seems to be taking a toll on him. His playing performance has really suffered and he is not playing like the superstar we know and love.

The downfall of the Cavaliers probably started when Dan Gilbert got rid of former GM David Griffin. It seems Griffin and James were on great terms and worked well together. The current GM does not have the same kind of realtionship with him. The writing is on the wall for King James. Dan Gilbert and him are not on speaking terms and if that is true it's just a matter of time before Lebron James and Cavaliers part ways once again.

I did not really think James was going to resign with the Cavaliers anyways, but given the climate in Cleveland he could be winding down his career as a Cavalier. Its a shame it has come to this, but right now that is where we are at. Lebron James will finish the season as a Cavalier, but after that who he plays for is up in the air. All we do know is its highly unlikely it will be with the Cavaliers next season.

Cavaliers Tank In Second Half Lose To Magic 116-98

It looked for awhile like the Cleveland Cavaliers was going to rout the Orlando Magic as they built a 21 point lead at one time. It did not last for the Cavaliers as they tanked in the second half and lost by a score of 116-98. Orlando's Jonathon Simmons scored 22 points of his 34 in the third quarter to help propel the Magics to the win.

It was so bad for the Cavaliers they could only muster nine points in the fourth quarter. Right now the Cavaliers are a real bad basketball team and the future is not looking very good in Cleveland. James scored 25 points but besides that James got no consistent help all night long. Next up for the Cavaliers a home game against Minnesota.

Is Lebron James Hurting His Legacy In Cleveland?

For the longest time everyone though Lebron James legacy was cemented in time, but this season it has taken a hit. I use to think King James always gave max effort, but lately that has not been the case. At times James has seem disinterested in games, and even his teammates no longer listen to him. James wants out of Cleveland, but won't waive his no trade clause. If he did that he could be shipped somewhere where he does not want to go.

James right now is not on friendly terms with the owner and front office personnel, that means it could get a lot uglier for the Cavaliers. I do not think this relationship can be repaired. James is going to leave Cleveland and it seems not on good terms either. It will be interesting to see if James can get his teammates to play as a team again. If not I could see this team not making the playoffs. No matter how great James is he is only one guy he cannot do it all.

Lebron James Was Right Keep Cavs Off National Television

The Cleveland Cavaliers showed all America why they do not deserve to be on National Television anymore. Cleveland got rocked by Houston to give the Cavaliers a perfect 0-8 record on National Television. As a team the Cavaliers did not play any defense at all. They do not trust each other and even Lebron James looked bad. No matter what anyone tells you James is not playing well at all during this stretch.

I kinda of feel bad for Tyron Lue as his hands are really tied. What can he do really? He has tried juggling lineups, but when the players do not want to give max effort not alot you can do. James is the leader f this team and he needs to start acting like one. He has the power to make everyone better and accountable. I really think he is at the point of no matter what he says or does it wont make a difference. The spiral will continue until these players decide they want to play.

The Boston Celtics Still Only 2nd Best In Eastern Conference

The Boston Celtics were hoping to close the gap between them and the Cleveland Cavaliers this off-season. Signing Gordon Hayward was a good move, but was it enough to help them oust the Cavaliers as the Kings of the Eastern Conference. Hayward is a nice piece, but the reality is the Cavaliers are still the Beasts in the East. Let's look at why much has not change in the East since the NBA Finals.

Gordon Hayward is probably a Top 20 player in the league and will make the Boston Celtics alot better that's for sure. Is it enough to catch the Cavaliers? The reality is the Cavaliers have two aces that the Celtics have no answers for right now. Kyrie Irving and Lebron James are two players the Celtics just cannot stop. Look at the Eastern Conference Finals and the Cavaliers were dominate. Irving and James remind me of Jordan and Pippen and we all know how good they were when they were on. The scary part of James and Irving is they can carry the team by themselves.

I wish I could say the Celtics closed the gap enough, but defensively they are not capable of stopping the Cavaliers. Hayward was a nice piece added to the equation, but right now they just don't have enough firepower to take down the mighty Cavaliers.

Can Paul George Really Help King James?

Paul George probably has been called many things and down the road he will be called alot more, but at least he was honest with people. Many players in his position are not honest with management or the fans and it becomes ugly. At least he was upfront about what he wanted to do in his career and you must commend him for that move. Now many people have him going to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but can that help King James win another title. Let's look closer at this move and if its really going to help the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland would have benefited from George in the NBA Finals, but to get him the Cavaliers will lose Kevin Love in the process. Now many Cleveland fans might not see that as a big loss, but in reality it really will be. Yes, there were times when Love did not play well, but for the most part he brought it everyday. He is a player that can do alot for your team and is a team player. When he is not play well he has no issue sitting the bench. These days thats hard to find in a player of his caliber. Yes, George brings great scoring and good defense, but at times he looks disinterested in the game. The reality for me is you trade a little better defense, but thats really about it if you lose Kevin Love.

Love is a better rebounder and passer then Paul George, and the Cavaliers really dont know how Paul George will respond not being the top dog on a new team. The Cavaliers are hoping if they do get George they can convince him to resign with them.  No matter what happens give the Cavaliers credit for trying to get better.

Does Kyle Korver Make The Cavaliers Unstoppable?

The one thing you can say about the Cleveland Cavaliers front office they don't stop trying to make their team better. Adding sharpshooter Kyle Korver could be the difference between winning and losing  to the Golden State Warriors. Let's look at the impact Kyle Korver could have to the Cavaliers championship run.

Kyle Korver is a streak shooter and one of the best three point shooters of all-time. He has a percentage into the 40 percent range from behind the arc. He is a spot up shooter which fits perfectly into the Cavaliers offense. Lebron James and Kyrie Irving will find Korver and this will just make it easier for James and Irving. Teams now will have to pick there poison when it comes to the Cavaliers.

Korver could be the difference between a second straight championship or losing in the Finals. The Cavaliers know they need more fire power and Korver will deliver that for them. This is a great move on the Cavaliers part and could help them become Back to Back NBA Champions.

Is Lebron James A Coach Killer?

When David Blatt was fired as the Cleveland Cavaliers coach many people were scratching their heads. Why do you fire a coach that has his team with the best record in the East Conference? Many people think Lebron James had something to do with it. Is Lebron James a coach killer? Let's take a closer look at James and his role in all of this.

Now David Blatt was not the best coach in the world. There have been many stories how he was confused with the American game and understanding defense and matchups. This maybe true, but James and his camp was never happy with Blatt. It was a surprise to me when the Cavaliers retained him after the first season. James and his camp wanted a changed, but did not force one in season one.

The relationship between Blatt and James got worse in season two and I think the Cavaliers could see that and decided a changed needed to be made. No matter what anyone says publicly James wields a lot of power still in Cleveland. James may not have asked for the firing directly, but I'm sure management was warned about James displeasure with Blatt.

James a coach killer? Maybe not in that sense, but James has a lot of power in Cleveland. The writing was on the wall and Blatt days were numbered. We may never know what influence James had on the decision, but for James coach killer will now follow him.

Cavaliers Overpaid For Tristan Thompson That's For Sure

The Cleveland Cavalier and Tristan Thompson have reached a deal on a five year 52 million dollar guaranteed contract. This should make Lebron James happy as he wanted everyone in the fold. In my opinion this contract will come back to haunt the Cavaliers. Thompson is not worth that kind of money for the numbers he produces.

Tristan Thompson has to be smiling today as he got a contract that is guaranteed. This means he will get paid no matter what. Thompson is a good player, but not worth the kind of money the Cleveland Cavaliers Re paying him. I guess we will just have to wait and see how this all works out. I just think he is being paid more them he is worth.

Tristan Thompson Lowered Demands But Still Not Worth The Money

Tristan Thompson as of right now has not come to a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson has lowered his demands to a 3yr/53million dollar deal, but Cavaliers have not jumped at it just yet. If you look inside the numbers I can see why the Cavaliers have not done that just yet. Let's look inside the numbers with Thompson.

He is a very good rebounder and in that part of his game real consistent. He averages around eight to nine rebounds a game which is great in the NBA. The problem with him he also is a liability as well. When fouled he is a career .633 free throw shooter which is not very good. If he gets fouled often he is going to cost you at the foul line. He will get you around 10 points per game. His assists and steals are very low as well.

Now the money can you really justify paying a guy almost 18 million a year just to rebound the ball. I can see the Cavaliers point in not paying him that kind of money. Then you have Lebron James who wants Thompson back in the fold. I look for Thompson to sign eventually, but maybe not for awhile. Him Cavaliers still far apart.

Cleveland Cavaliers Disappointing In Off-Season Moves

In the off-season your suppose to make yourself better as a team, but I do not see that from the Cleveland Cavaliers so for this off-season. Yes, they had injuries and that hurt them, but in reality they have not gotten any better. Other teams have improved themselves and it looks like Cleveland is content going into the new season with the same basic group they had when they lost the NBA Championship. It is true some of those players were not available for the Finals and that had an impact on them losing. Getting better is the key and right now in my opinion the Cavaliers are no better off then when they lost the NBA Finals.

Making some kind of effort would be nice, but right now the Cavaliers are trying to resign the same players they had. Now James wanted the bulk of the team back, but it just means he will be doing everything once again. I do not believe that is a good thing. James gets tired towards the end of the season and wears down. He is not as young as he once was. This is why he is going to need more rest and the Cavaliers should look to bring some more talent in to the roster. If they do not I think we could see a repeat of last season.

Did Cleveland Really Make The Right Moves?

Well the Cleveland Cavaliers made some moves, but none in my opinion is going to help them. Last season the Cavaliers had an outstanding season and many people felt if Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving had not gone down they would have won it all. I am not one of those people though, as I think the Cavaliers could have taken it to seven games, but would have still lost the game. Let's look at what the Cavaliers have done so far this free agency period.

Cleveland has resigned Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert, and Tristan Thompson to contracts. Now this team is starting to look like last season's team all over which is something I was hoping the Cavaliers would not do. I understand the reasoning behind it, but would have rather seen them go in a different direction. Signing Iman Shumpert to a 40 million dollar contract was way to much. He does not bring much to the table but defense and he is not worth that kind of money.  The other two needed to be signed if the Cavaliers wanted any chance to contend this coming season.

Lebron James wanted to same basic roster back and we all know how much input he has on the team. James basically runs the franchise and whatever he wants the team tends to do. Sometimes that can be good, but most of the time it is not. Unless they make some signing in the future I do not look for the Cavaliers to win the championship next season either. It will be a team out of the Western Conference as the Cavaliers did not improve any at all. Even in the Eastern Conference the Cavaliers could find it a little tougher in the playoffs as well.

Cleveland Cavaliers Blew A Golden Opportunity In NBA Finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers had the Golden State Warriors on the ropes and did not take them out a big mistake. Lebron  James had a monster game and it was all for nothing as the Cavaliers fell in overtime 108-100 to Golden State.  Kyrie Irving had a very good game but his knee started acting up and he could be limited or done for the series. The Cavaliers cannot afford to lose Irving for an extended period of time and Lebron James frustrations continue in a Cavaliers uniform as he has failed to win a Finals game as a Cavalier.

Besides the Irving problem the Cavaliers have other pressing issues as well. Cleveland must figure how to slow down the Warriors who have ten good players they can throw at you every night. The Cavaliers cannot match that and the depth could be a real issue for them. As good as James is he is only one guy and they just do not have the firepower to match up. If Cleveland wants to win they will need to play better defense and hope Golden State struggles from the floor.

J. R. Smith Helps Lead Cavaliers To opening Game Win

The Cleveland Cavaliers knew they needed players to stepup and one guy who has proven he can do it is J.R. Smith. For most of the season Smith has been quiet, but broke out last night against the Atlanta Hawks. Smith was excellent from three point range and tallied 28 points.. I was not a big fan of J. R. Smith when the Cavaliers got him but he sure came through when he was needed. Getting the win is a great start for the Cavaliers and Smith. Can Smith keep it up? I really dont know about that as Atlanta will make adjustments for game 2.

Smith's heroics cannot be dismissed at all. If you take away his 28 pointsbthe Cavaliers get hammered in the game. Both teams suffered setbacks by losing players. It will be interesting to see which team can overcome the injuries the best. The Cavaliers have been able to weather most injuries as they are a very deep team plus they do have King James. If the Cavaliers get similar games from J.R. Smith they will be very hard to beat.