Hey Windy
March 30, 2017
http://www.espn.com/espnradio/playPopup?id=19041012
* (Windy is in Chicago for tonight's game)
* Kyrie came over early in the morning to shoot before team shootaround today.
* Cavs still have time to get things squared away.
* Cavs "lacking athleticism" issue will be lessened in the playoffs as the game pace slows down then.
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Something happened in the locker room in San Antonio the other night. Not sure what it was.
* Frustration from this locker room incident drove Kyrie out onto the court to shoot baskets after locker room talk.
* "Something happened on Monday night" (in locker room after San Antonio loss).
* Remember, Cavs have been "down in the dumps before" (and come out on top).
* I'm going to give the Cavs the benefit of the doubt.
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Kyrie seems very focused now.
* I don't doubt the Cavs at all.
* Griffin said the team plays its best when they are backed into a corner.
* I don't think this is all about complacency, or just a "flip the switch" situation.
* And I think the Cavs have come to realize this (problems run deep) in the last week.
* Cavs have other issues beyond focus and complacency.
* They have very bad defensive habits.
* Cavs don't defend pick and roll properly.
* Cavs don't talk on defense much at all.
* Cavs try to outscore teams when they fall behind.
* Kyrie is bad about this (just try to outscore opponent).
* LeBron has been guilty of this, too.
* Cavs want to out-offense teams often.
* Sounds good about
Kyle Korver [whew!]. He says he's had this foot issue before, and come back from it ok.
* Cavs have 3 roster problems -- injuries, guys worn down, guys out of rhythm.
* So, Lue has a variety of issues to deal with.
* I give Lue a pass on many things, but not on the bad defensive habits.
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Larry Sanders is not ready to play NBA basketball yet, scouts say (still needs more time in D-League).
* Scouts: His athleticism looks great.
* Teammates really like Larry Sanders, according to reports. This is a good sign.
* Sanders can play extra games in D-League playoffs. Canton is in the playoffs.
* Sanders' timing is way off, scouts say.
* Sanders slow on rotations and timing is off, scouts say.
* Sanders' weight is down; being pushed around, scouts say.
* Sanders looks like a guy who has not played basketball in a few years.
* But could Sanders make a play or two in the playoffs? Absolutely.
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* I don't think Tristan wants to rest and end the ironman streak.
* Maybe Tristan has a sore knee, but he denied it when asked about it.
* You take a beating when playing big man in the NBA (centers, power forward).
* This is why LeBron does not like to play power forward.
* I don't think Lue will shut guys down for an extended period of time.
* I think Lue was too emotional when he said he might shut guys down for awhile.
* I don't know exactly what happened to LeBron in the Spurs game when LeBron hit with elbow.
* LeBron looked great in practice yesterday.
* Kyle Korver was a huge weapon in February. Missing him is a big problem right now.
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Stats show that Cavs play better with Korver and without Love, rather than the opposite.
* Cavs 2nd Unit may be better with LeBron and not DWill, but DWill lets LeBron rest. That's key.
* JR Smith not in shape yet to guard opposing teams' point guards (so Kyrie guarding them).
* Kyrie/Deron together means you lose defense.
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* Bulls are 3-0 against the Cavs so far this season.
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I think Cavs will need to make some roster changes next year.
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Cavs likely need more athleticism and defense for next year.
* It's possible
Delly could be available to Cavs next year, after lost starting spot with Bucks.
* Cavs could use Delly's toughness and defense. Losing Bogut a big blow on those fronts.
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JR is having the worst season of his career.
* But, imagine what JR has gone through this year (injuries, issues for daughter, etc).
* But, year not over. JR can still get things on track.
* I think JR will help Cavs once he gets his rhythm back.
* HOST: What do you expect tonight?
* Boy, Kyrie is focused. Maybe Cavs can bounce back tonight.