11/09/13 Game Thread: Philadelphia 76ers @ Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 PM ET

[Meticode]

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/Meticode/Sports%20Logos/philadelphia_76ers_alt-64_zpsd3d7055e.pngPhiladelphia 76ers

_C - Spencer Hawes
PF - Thaddeus Young
SF - Evan Turner
SG - James Anderson
PG - Michael Carter-Williams


http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc28/Meticode/Sports%20Logos/cleveland_cavaliers_alt_2-64_zpsdcd6cc61.pngCleveland Cavaliers

_C - Anderson Varejao
PF - Tristan Thompson
SF - Earl Clark
SG - Dion Waiters
PG - Kyrie Irving


A night after knocking off Cleveland in Andrew Bynum's return to Philadelphia, the 76ers look to continue their success over the Cavaliers by sweeping this home-and-home set.

The surprising Atlantic Division leaders will try to win their first two road games for the first time in 13 years Saturday night when they go after their 10th win in 11 meetings with the Cavaliers.

Following consecutive home losses to Golden State and Washington by a total of 34 points, Philadelphia (4-2) got back on track by cruising to a 94-79 victory over visiting Cleveland (2-4) on Friday.

While they were predicted by most to be among the worst teams in the league, the 76ers are beginning to open some eyes as they sit atop the Atlantic through six games.

"We have a young, hard-working group of guys in here and we all have a lot to prove," said Thaddeus Young, who had 16 points and eight rebounds. "We just need to stick together and I think our confidence is growing with each win."

Evan Turner looks to continue his hot start after posting 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists Friday. Turner had 23 and 13 rebounds in a 97-87 win in Philadelphia's most recent trip to Cleveland on March 29.

Now the 76ers are hitting the road for the first time since a 109-102 victory at Washington on Nov. 1. They haven't won their first two road contests since a 10-0 start during the 2000-01 season -- the last time they won the division.

Philadelphia seemed to make significant strides defensively Friday, holding the Cavaliers to a season-low 33.3 percent shooting after allowing 108.4 points per game on 45.2 percent shooting in its previous five. The 76ers trailed 28-14 in the first quarter before limiting Cleveland to 51 points over the final three quarters.

"We need some grittiness and some toughness to surface, especially on the road," coach Mike Brown said. "Right now, it's not happening and I don't know if it's because we don't have the home crowd giving us a little extra energy or what it is."

The Cavaliers, however, also have struggled at home against Philadelphia, shooting 41.5 percent and averaging 88.2 points while losing four of five meetings.

Kyrie Irving, scoring a team-high 16.7 per game, hopes to regroup after finishing with a season-low 10 on 4-of-17 shooting. The star guard has averaged 8.8 points while shooting 17 for 60 (28.3 percent) in five games against the 76ers -- all losses.

Bynum finished with four points and five rebounds in his first game back in Philadelphia since sitting out his only season with the 76ers because of bilateral bone bruises in both knees.

The former All-Star center, who signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the Cavaliers in July, is expected to sit out the return leg of this back-to-back in an effort to preserve those ailing knees.

The Cavaliers also might be without top draft pick Anthony Bennett as they look to bounce back by improving to 3-0 at home. They haven't won their first three home games since LeBron James led them to 23 straight victories in Cleveland to open the 2008-09 campaign.

Bennett, 1 for 20 from the field through six games, is uncertain after going down with a sprained right shoulder in Friday's loss.

[Meticode]

Basically to sum it up. The Sixers whooped our ass in Philly. This is a back-to-back now in Cleveland. Cavaliers are without Bynum (rest) and probably Bennett too I'm guessing (shoulder). I would be surprised if we won this game considering how horrible we played for 36 minutes last night.

[RedBlackAttack]

Hopefully the team's shooting woes end tonight. That especially goes for Kyrie who, with the exception of the last five minutes against Milwaukee, has been pretty horrific when it comes to scoring efficiency. I think when he starts shooting well, the rest of the team will follow.

Lots of growing pains so far this year. I do still think this team has the potential and ability to be good. The question is whether these guys can mesh before they get too far below .500.

I feel like tonight is about as big as it gets for a game in November.

[RedBlackAttack]

Kyrie starts 1-3... 0-1 on 3 tries. :facepalm

Wake UP!

[GOBB]

Lets go Cavs!

[Meticode]

A couple things...

:oldlol: at Varejao on that chase down block. I bet we won't see that again this season.

:oldlol: at the official talking to Varejao when it came back from the TV break. I'm imagining the official say "I didn't call that foul because you're ass flopped hardcore."

Cavs offense is moving, but it's done this the last few games in the first quarter. Can they keep doing it?

[hawkfan]

Lets go Cavs!

Worst fan ever. Don't even try to hide your hope your team is tanking.

:roll:

[Meticode]

Surprising...

Bennett back in the game after spraining his shoulder. I'm curious if he'll score more points this game than he has at all this season...

[Meticode]

I have to say this. Out of everyone Miles had stepped out more than anyone. He's taking jumpers without hesitation and just sinking them.

[Meticode]

Cavaliers score 30 points in the first quarter this game. Let's see how the next 36 minutes go.

[FatComputerNerd]

I'm trying to understand why we had Jack and Dellevedova in at the same time for so long like that.

[RedBlackAttack]

I have to say this. Out of everyone Miles had stepped out more than anyone. He's taking jumpers without hesitation and just sinking them.
I came in the thread specifically to point out how well Miles is playing offensively right now. I doubt many people realize he's averaging 14+ points a game on a red hot 53+% from the field and 40% from range in just 20 minutes a night.

He's been lights-out. Doubt he keeps it up, but then again he's never lived up to his actual talent. Who knows. :confusedshrug:

If he does keep up this kind of consistency, he's got 6th man of the year potential.

[RedBlackAttack]

I'm trying to understand why we had Jack and Dellevedova in at the same time for so long like that.
Early in the season... Trying out different lineups to see who meshes well.

Jack is more of a combo than a conventional PG anyway. I don't mind trying different guys together at this stage.

[RedBlackAttack]

And, we have a Kyrie Irving sighting, offensively. :applause:

[FatComputerNerd]

Nice pass by kyrie there

[Meticode]

Well Kyrie isn't shy from shoot tonight. Although he's heating up that last three looked like it was going to bank in from the wing, but it was waaay off.

[GOBB]

Worst fan ever. Don't even try to hide your hope your team is tanking.

:roll:

The Sixers front office didnt hide the fact they are tanking either. So what is your point?

Sixers traded its best player in Jrue Holiday for a rookie who is shelved the entire season as he comes off a knee injury + a future first rd pick protected. So basically you give up a proven player for two guys who dont help the team this season.

Sixers were warned by the NBA they needed to get to the league minimum payroll or face penalties. The free agents they signed? ALL deals that either end after this season or can be terminated by the team after this season. Darius Morris, Orton, James Anderson are 1 year deals. Anderson is the teams STARTING SG, Darius the teams backup PG and Orton the teams reserve big. Tony Wroten has a deal where its basically team options after this season, next season. No job security and yet he's your teams 6th man. Sixers made a trade then released Royce White because they wanted a euro prospect who probably wont come to America no time soon. YES that trade surely helps this season in pursuit of wins.

Thad Young and two rookies are the only guys signed past next season. The rest are either expirers, 1yr deals, team options and RFA. Sixers didnt even give Evan Turner an extension. They never even negotiated with him.

Sixers Hinkie and you can google this yourself sh!thead has all but said this team is tanking. He doesnt use the term. He basically describes the term by saying this team has to get bad before it gets good.

Sixers have 2 first rd picks next year unless NO drafts top 5 and at least $38mil in cap space. Take this and what I explained how the roster has a bunch of 1 year, team option, RFA, expirers and tell me how the Sixers are TRYING to win this season.

I'm all ears you clown.

Why the hell would I cheer for this team to win games? This team needs a franchise player. But you're a silly Hawks fan that adores being stuck in mediocrity. So no wonder.

Wiggins, Randle, Parker or bust. Smarten up.

[GOBB]

James Anderson
Tony Wroten
Darius Morris
Daniel Orton
Brandon Davis
MCW
Noel (out for season)

Sixers aquisitions this offseason. Yeah man those looks like moves to win NOW.

:roll:

Where is that clown hawkfan at? Get in here you f*cktard

[Meticode]

Cavaliers looking flat to start the second half, against a team trying to tank and a new head coach playing a back-to-back with the second game at home. Not good.

[iggy>]

James Anderson
Tony Wroten
Darius Morris
Daniel Orton
Brandon Davis
MCW
Noel (out for season)

Sixers aquisitions this offseason. Yeah man those looks like moves to win NOW.

:roll:

Where is that clown hawkfan at? Get in here you f*cktard
Hes on espn trade machine, trying to aquire mcw for teague and a 1st.

[Meticode]

Crowd isn't into this sh*t at all.

[Meticode]

Cavaliers get the ball called in their favor 3-4 times in a row and they still can't do anything with it.

[Jailblazers7]

I'm torn between wanting Philly to tank and wanting Turner and Carter - Williams to keep playing well. I'm enjoying watching the team more than I thought I would.

[RedBlackAttack]

The Sixers front office didnt hide the fact they are tanking either. So what is your point?

Sixers traded its best player in Jrue Holiday for a rookie who is shelved the entire season as he comes off a knee injury + a future first rd pick protected. So basically you give up a proven player for two guys who dont help the team this season.

Sixers were warned by the NBA they needed to get to the league minimum payroll or face penalties. The free agents they signed? ALL deals that either end after this season or can be terminated by the team after this season. Darius Morris, Orton, James Anderson are 1 year deals. Anderson is the teams STARTING SG, Darius the teams backup PG and Orton the teams reserve big. Tony Wroten has a deal where its basically team options after this season, next season. No job security and yet he's your teams 6th man. Sixers made a trade then released Royce White because they wanted a euro prospect who probably wont come to America no time soon. YES that trade surely helps this season in pursuit of wins.

Thad Young and two rookies are the only guys signed past next season. The rest are either expirers, 1yr deals, team options and RFA. Sixers didnt even give Evan Turner an extension. They never even negotiated with him.

Sixers Hinkie and you can google this yourself sh!thead has all but said this team is tanking. He doesnt use the term. He basically describes the term by saying this team has to get bad before it gets good.

Sixers have 2 first rd picks next year unless NO drafts top 5 and at least $38mil in cap space. Take this and what I explained how the roster has a bunch of 1 year, team option, RFA, expirers and tell me how the Sixers are TRYING to win this season.

I'm all ears you clown.

Why the hell would I cheer for this team to win games? This team needs a franchise player. But you're a silly Hawks fan that adores being stuck in mediocrity. So no wonder.

Wiggins, Randle, Parker or bust. Smarten up.

I agree, the best way for Philly to become a contender again is to get in the best position possible for this draft, which looks to be loaded.

Still, I always found it difficult to root against the Cavs, especially early in the season, even before we started to rebuild with Kyrie, Tristan, Dion, etc.

Now, by the end of the season when all hope was gone? I was driving the tank.

At this stage? I couldn't do it... as much as I tried.

[sportsfan76]

This Cavs team is A$$


How do you lose to the same team 2 nights in a row and get killed by the same f*cking players....Thaddeus young and turner


Mike Brown is a certified d*ckhead

[GOBB]

Hes on espn trade machine, trying to aquire mcw for teague and a 1st.

:roll:

[GOBB]

I'm torn between wanting Philly to tank and wanting Turner and Carter - Williams to keep playing well. I'm enjoying watching the team more than I thought I would.

Torn? Tank or bust.

[RedBlackAttack]

How is this team so bad?

[Jailblazers7]

Torn? Tank or bust.

Lol I know that it is a must that we get a top 3 pick but I can't help rooting for the underdog. And they are just playing good ball that has been enjoyable to watch.

But yeah, I really want Randle so I hope we go on a 10 game losing streak asap.

[Meticode]

How is this team so bad?
Mike Brown, the best offensive seasons we had is when he has Kuester running the offense. I don't know how many ****ing times I have to tell you this, but no. it's just an "easy' excuse to label him the issue.

[FatComputerNerd]

Mr 4th quarter back???

[Meticode]

Good finish by Irving to put them up by 1, but I hope we don't keep ISOing. Keep the ball moving.

[Meticode]

I don't want Irving pounding the ball to jack up a three. Is it a makeable shot for him? Yes, but it's not efficient or smart basketball. Drives me nuts.

[Uncle Drew]

Well... Kyrie is back. That's for sure.

[FatComputerNerd]

I don't want Irving pounding the ball to jack up a three. Is it a makeable shot for him? Yes, but it's not efficient or smart basketball. Drives me nuts.

U sure?

[Meticode]

When I see Irving pounding the ball for 10+ seconds to jack up a 20 foot jumper my sides hurt. YOu can tell irving is tired.

When Waiters scored that last basket when he drove, Irving was walking towards the corner three spot not even looking at the play.

[Meticode]

U sure?
Yes, very sure.

[FatComputerNerd]

Yes, very sure.

But he made one as you were posting that!

[Meticode]

Cavs pass the ball 4 times. Jack hits the corner shot. There you go, move the damn ball.

[Meticode]

Thank you TT.

[Meticode]

Young owned Thompson.

[FatComputerNerd]

Uncle Drew time!

[FatComputerNerd]

Or not :oldlol:

[Eric Cartman]

so close!

[Meticode]

Start of the OT. Congratulations 76ers. You won the game. There's no way the Cavaliers win this now. They're deflated.

[Meticode]

Calling it now. 76ers win by 3 or more in OT.

[sportsfan76]

How come Mike Brown doesn't tell his team to focus on Thaddeus Young?:confusedshrug:

[FatComputerNerd]

Damn TT

[Rik Smits' Hair]

That dunk :bowdown:

[Uncle Drew]

Woo.

[MP.Trey]

Calling it now. 76ers win by 3 or more in OT.
Just got home in time for OT. The effort is great. :rockon:

EDIT: Can't take a quick shot like that if you aren't gonna make it Andy.

[Eric Cartman]

Double OT give it to me

[tmacattack33]

Ummm...wtf...why did Varejao force that shot. They coulda ran out the clock to around 5 seconds left in the game.

[Eric Cartman]

that doesn't look like a bust to me

31 for Turner :bowdown:

[MP.Trey]

Wow what a finish Evan Turner. Props for that. :applause:

[Eric Cartman]

Double OT give it to me

**** yeah

[MP.Trey]

Two opportunities to close the game, came up empty both times. Double OT.

[B-Easy8]

Dion takes awful shots.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

lol Jack. Vet move. Bitch move. Potato, potato.

[Uncle Drew]

Yes Dion.

[Uncle Drew]

No way he just hit that.

[Eric Cartman]

Open the bandwagon !!!!!!!!!

[inclinerator]

nice shot

[FatComputerNerd]

Wow, mcw is nice

[fiddy]

mcw nice

[MP.Trey]

Two opportunities to close the game, came up empty both times. Double OT.
And we have a third chance. Either we close it out here, or a third OT. What a crazy finish.

[Uncle Drew]

Kyrieeeeee

[Bobcats2013]

Mr 4th quarter!

[MP.Trey]

Kyriiieeeeeeeeeeeee

[FatComputerNerd]

About Ffking time!

Helluva game

[MP.Trey]

Mr 4th quarter!
Mr. Double Overtime :lol

[MP.Trey]

Jeff Green did beat Miami with 0.6 tho didn't he?

[Uncle Drew]

What the hell?

[B-Low]

What the HELL was that?? :roll:

[inclinerator]

wtf

[Young X]

WTF was that???

[MP.Trey]

Nice D.........lol

[fiddy]

i laughed hard :oldlol:

[jamal99]

Wtf did the Sixers try at the end?

[LONGTIME]

:oldlol: Philly

[fiddy]

Wtf did the Sixers try at the end?
not a bad idea, horrible execution

[Uncle Drew]

http://i.imgur.com/0FJUauu.gif

[B-Easy8]

That was a tank move.

Philly didn't even look surprised.

[FatComputerNerd]

That was a tank move.

Philly didn't even look surprised.

What I was thinking actually

[jamal99]

not a bad idea, horrible execution
What was the idea? My stream was bad quality, so I might've missed something.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Philly thought they still had Wilt.

[fiddy]

What was the idea? My stream was bad quality, so I might've missed something.
Alley oop or something like that

[Tmuston Beltics]

What was the idea? My stream was bad quality, so I might've missed something.

They were trying to get mcw one more rebound but he didn't make it in time :(

[Meticode]

That was one of the most unsatisfying Cavs wins I've ever watched. Damn...

[RedBlackAttack]

What a game...

Kyrie with a huge night. Tristan and Dion coming up huge...

This was a total team victory, but man... it didn't feel like it should have been that difficult. :oldlol:

If we have to scrap that hard to get a win at home against the Sixers, I'm not sure I should be overly optimistic going forward.

Then again, Philly has started the season pretty damn well. Tell you what, if that team does manage to get another high draft pick this year and with Noel coming next year...

The league needs to prepare itself.

[RedBlackAttack]

That was a tank move.

Philly didn't even look surprised.
Is .6 seconds enough time to catch and shoot? I was under the impression that anything under .8 has to be basically a tip?

That would make the attempted oop somewhat understandable.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Is .6 seconds enough time to catch and shoot? I was under the impression that anything under .8 has to be basically a tip?

That would make the attempted oop somewhat understandable.

.4 set the standard, no? Fisher shot.

[ProfessorMurder]

Is .6 seconds enough time to catch and shoot? I was under the impression that anything under .8 has to be basically a tip?

That would make the attempted oop somewhat understandable.

Jeff Green tonight .6 catch and shoot game winning 3.

[GOBB]

A team that beat some elite competition having people say something was a "tank move". Comedy hour in here. Thanks for the laughs. Yeah Sixers really are trying to tank even tho the majority of the roster is playing for a got damn career after this season. Meaning most are going to be free agents. Makes sense. I mean you got people writing up the Sixers playing hard, with heart and yeah "tank move". :rolleyes: Shut the hell up.

[RedBlackAttack]

.4 set the standard, no? Fisher shot.
It was definitely .8 at one point. It may be .4 now.

[B-Easy8]

A team that beat some elite competition having people say something was a "tank move". Comedy hour in here. Thanks for the laughs. Yeah Sixers really are trying to tank even tho the majority of the roster is playing for a got damn career after this season. Meaning most are going to be free agents. Makes sense. I mean you got people writing up the Sixers playing hard, with heart and yeah "tank move". :rolleyes: Shut the hell up.

So what you are saying is they can't defend or execute plays at the end of games then?

Cavs looked awful and they still won.

[Droid101]

When was the last healthy number one pick in the draft held out by the coach to only play 9 minutes?

[GOBB]

So what you are saying is they can't defend or execute plays at the end of games then?

Cavs looked awful and they still won.

How many points are the Sixers giving up this season?

Look at the roster and tell me this team should execute plays 100% of the time. Guys are being asked to perform duties new to them. :confusedshrug:

[MP.Trey]

When was the last healthy number one pick in the draft held out by the coach to only play 9 minutes?
Sprained his right shoulder in yesterday's game. Left early, didn't return. Surprised he played tonight at all tbh.

[Droid101]

Sprained his right shoulder in yesterday's game. Left early, didn't return. Surprised he played tonight at all tbh.
Did not know that.

Still... shaping up to be a terrible pick. We'll see.

[RedBlackAttack]

Did not know that.

Still... shaping up to be a terrible pick. We'll see.
Jesus guys... this overreacting over AB's start is getting out of hand.

First, there is no one the Cavs could have taken in this draft that would be starting or playing really significant minutes for this team right now.

Second, Bennett's scoring has obviously been a struggle, but surprisingly his defense has been solid all things considered and he leads all rookies in rebounds per 36 (or did before last game when he was injured early).

Third, we are 7 games into the f#cking season.

[Droid101]

Jesus guys... this overreacting over AB's start is getting out of hand.

First, there is no one the Cavs could have taken in this draft that would be starting or playing really significant minutes for this team right now.

Second, Bennett's scoring has obviously been a struggle, but surprisingly his defense has been solid all things considered and he leads all rookies in rebounds per 36 (or did before last game when he was injured early).

Third, we are 7 games into the f#cking season.
Overreacting? Who are the worst first picks of all time?

Let's post their first seven games... even their first seasons. I'm sure they'll be miles ahead of Anthony Bennett's performances so far.

I guess you're going to make me compile the data aren't you?

[RedBlackAttack]

Overreacting? Who are the worst first picks of all time?

Let's post their first seven games... even their first seasons. I'm sure they'll be miles ahead of Anthony Bennett's performances so far.

I guess you're going to make me compile the data aren't you?
Who cares? Bennett was always viewed as a project and how many No. 1 picks are drafted onto teams expecting to make the playoffs and have a roster of young, high picks already firmly entrenched in the rotation? Again, no one the Cavs could have drafted would be playing the kinds of minutes even Dion Waiters or Tristan Thompson played during the first month of their rookie seasons, let alone a Kyrie Irving.

Go ahead... compile away. See how much it means 2-3 years down the road when we can actually evaluate this draft with any meaningful perspective.

[B-Easy8]

Who cares? Bennett was always viewed as a project and how many No. 1 picks are drafted onto teams expecting to make the playoffs and have a roster of young, high picks already firmly entrenched in the rotation? Again, no one the Cavs could have drafted would be playing the kinds of minutes even Dion Waiters or Tristan Thompson played during the first month of their rookie seasons, let alone a Kyrie Irving.

Go ahead... compile away. See how much it means 2-3 years down the road when we can actually evaluate this draft with any meaningful perspective.

What's your opinion of his role on the Cavs in the long term?

I seem to be one of the few people who think he will be good. He just needs to stop shooting so many 3's.

Obviously TT has the 4 spot locked down and in my opinion AB is definitely a 4. TT to me is a good player but I think AB has more star potential.

Im curious to see what an actual informed fan thinks of the situation.

[Meticode]

To give you some perspective on TT's improved shooting with his right hand I want to throw you some stats. I'm not going to mention FG% becuase he's actually shooting worse this season so far compared to lats season, but I don't think it's because of technique or form, but becuase he's still finding his groove with his right hand and he's taking a lot of harder shots now (15 foot floaters in the lane).

I'd rather look at freethrow shooting...

Last season through the first 7 games?...

17-30 for 57%

This season through the first 7 games?...

26-33 for 79%

Another thing I'm wondering about is Bynum. He said he still gets pain in his knees and he's not going to be as explosive like he's been mentioning. It makes me think, "Will Andrew Bynum ever start and ever get near 30 minutes per game again? Or is he stuck on the bench the whole time getting maybe 15-20 a game all year?"

[Meticode]

What's your opinion of his role on the Cavs in the long term?

I seem to be one of the few people who think he will be good. He just needs to stop shooting so many 3's.

Obviously TT has the 4 spot locked down and in my opinion AB is definitely a 4. TT to me is a good player but I think AB has more star potential.

Im curious to see what an actual informed fan thinks of the situation.
Just to chime in on your question...

I don't know what they're going to do with Bennett long term. His body is clearly built for the power foward position and he doesn't seem like a great fit to me for small foward. Unless by some miracle he loses like almost 15-20 pounds and somehow becomes a little quicker than he is now I don't see it's going to work.

Thompson can play the center position in spurts, but it's not ideal to put him there long term. If Thompson keeps improving and turns into a 15/11 player, there's no way move him from his natural position.

So in reply, "What do the Cavs do with Bennett long-term?"

That's a great question. I wasn't a fan of the pick personally.

[RedBlackAttack]

What's your opinion of his role on the Cavs in the long term?

I seem to be one of the few people who think he will be good. He just needs to stop shooting so many 3's.

Obviously TT has the 4 spot locked down and in my opinion AB is definitely a 4. TT to me is a good player but I think AB has more star potential.

Im curious to see what an actual informed fan thinks of the situation.
It's so early in his development, I try to stay away from making anything resembling a definitive statement. I just really haven't seen enough of him to even compare him to other high picks we've seen come through here recently at the same stage.

Playing 8-12 minutes a night just isn't enough. And, people need to understand that these kinds of minutes are not a surprise. The Cavs' frontcourt is very deep right now and AB is still pretty raw.

With all of that said, I thought he'd step on the floor and be at least an adequate scoring threat right away, but he'd struggle defensively. It has been the exact opposite. His defense for the most part has actually been pretty good.

In fact, I think Brown is on his @ss so much about learning professional defensive principles and keeping his focus so much on competing on that end, it may even be negatively effecting him on the other end. That's just a complete guess on my part, but he really does seem pretty locked in defensively and on the boards.

Like I said, a stat that hasn't been brought up by those saying he's going to he the worst pick ever is that, prior to the game before last when he was injured in the first quarter, he led all rookies in rebounds per 36.

He just looks mentally overwhelmed when he gets the ball in his hands. There is a lot of pressure that comes with being a No. 1 pick and VERY few others if any have been taken in that spot and then asked to be a productive reserve playing 10-15 minutes a night. He's only getting a few opportunities a night and he's pressing instead of just allowing his offense to flow naturally.

There's no doubt in my mind if he were playing 25-30 minutes a night like the other highly chosen rookies, he'd be producing much more efficiently. We just can't afford to take Tristan off the floor much at this stage... he's gotten too good and this team is trying to win now.

Also, and this is an angle that hasn't been talked about much... The Cavs have completely revamped their team with the additions of Jack, Clark and Bynum anyway. Throw in that Kyrie, Dion and Varejao have barely played together in their careers due to injuries at different points and you have virtually a whole team of guys trying to work out the kinks and mesh... And it has shown.

Throw in a relatively raw, very young rookie who missed Summer League and training camp and is just rounding back into shape? I'm a little surprised he hasn't made more of those open shots, but I'm not surprised he's off to slow start, all things considered.

As for my very preliminary predictions going forward...

I'm not sure he'll ever quite live up to being "the No. 1 pick." Then again, not a lot of guys do. And, even fewer step on the floor and are immediately as impactful as Kyrie Irving, who he's going to unfortunately be compared to just based on proximity.

With all of that said, I've been impressed by his work on the boards and pleasantly surprised by his defense. His offense hasn't been there, but it'll come, there's no doubt in my mind. He has too much natural talent and playing with high motor guys like Varejao and Tristan can do nothing but help, imo.

I still expect him to eventually become a 20/10 kind of power forward down the road or close to it. I think it'll take a couple months before he gets his feet under him.

And, I agree... I would tell him he's not allowed to take another 3 until he hits a 2-pointer. If he gets a wide open look, take a step inside the line and then shoot. That is a big adjustment from the collegiate 3 to the professional line. Obviously, he isn't there yet.


^^^Wall of text FTW.