Hello everybody,
first post here.
It looks like we are in the same spot we were in 2010.
Everything's crumbing down and the king's ship ready to sail.
Here in Italy we don't quite undestand why Cavs' menagement is so reluctant to use that Brooklyn pick to have something done.
We all know what the King departure means for the city of Cleveland: no more spotlight for the years to come.
Is it better keeping a high pick rather than contending for a title for other, let's say, 2 years? I'd go with the latter.
Philly is already better than us: younger, more talented and with a better defensive mind and skills. It lacks only experence and a bit more of offensive power. They have cap space and time to get them both. If I were in the King's shoes, I'll fly there in a heartbeat.
This is my suggestion: Kevin Love and IT don't speak championship, at least with Lue and the way he plays them. They can't defend to save their lives. TT is not a weapon anymore - and we saw it last year, when GS manged to keep him away from offensive rebounding - Is there any chance to complement them with quality defence? If yes, keep them and pull the trigger.
Gasol and Evans are the only ones that fit the description. Love back at the 4 spot and backup center in limited minutes, JR out of the rotation. Spacing and defence, 3 points and physicality. Is that worth a combination of TT, 1rst round, maybe Schump and Osman? Sure. Risky move? Yes, sir, but worth it. Then fire Lue and finger crossed.
If we are lucky we'll find some hidden energy worth another trip to the finals and LBJ commitment for one more year.
Are those out of reach? Blew it all up, there's no other trade to be made. DJ will affect our floor spacing and is not a great defender anymore, the same for Howard (still better than DJ).
Then trade IT, Love, Crowder, TT to contenders. Ship Lebron to Philly or Houston for expirings and at least one piece of young talent. Speed up the recostruction now, when teams are eager to save their seasons. That will save the Cavs an infamous playoffs race and give more value to their own pick - two lottery picks will be a good starting block -.