After Love trade, Vegas has Cavs as favorite to win it all

[Sarcastic]

http://sports.bovada.lv/sports-betting/basketball-futures.jsp

Cavs are 5/2
Spurs are 4/1
Bulls are 11/2


Cavs are 4/5 to just win the Eastern Conference.*


I'm kinda surprised by this. I would've thought the Spurs would still be favorites to win it, considering the way they dismantled the Heat last year.

[ArbitraryWater]

Are you being Sarcastic?

[Jlamb47]

why wouldnt they be the favorite, they are stacked as ****

Irving
Waiters
Lebron
Love
Varerjo

wtf

[robert de niro]

5/2 you say?

[ThemBombs]

no way they don't win it all. none. inexperience may be an issue at first but I don't see this team losing in a 7-game series to anybody- way too stacked, so much depth...

[imdaman99]

Stacked as fck. I'd give them about 2/5 chance of winning it all. If they don't win, next year should be a good chance for them to win with the added experience. I'd say next should be around 2/6 or 33% chance. Good thread OP :applause:

[JimmyMcAdocious]

West:
1. Spurs
2. Thunder
3. Clippers
4. Rockets
5. Mavericks
6. Warriors
7. Blazers
8. Grizzlies
9. Lakers
10. Nuggets
11. Pelicans
12. Suns
13. Wolves
14. Kings
15. Jazz

East:
1. Cavs
2. Bulls
3. Wizards
4. Pacers
5. Heat
6. Knicks
7. Raptors
8. Nets
9. Hornets
10. Hawks
11. Celtics
12. Pistons
13. Magic
14. Bucks
15. 76ers

[DukeDelonte13]

i think this is the thunder's year to make it out of the west.

[J Shuttlesworth]

This honestly might be a smart time to put some money on the Spurs.

It's the Cavs first year together. They have tons of talent, but a completely unproven coach, and lots of players who don't have playoff experience. I think they are a lock for the East, but it's still unlikely that they could beat a team like the Spurs, assuming the Spurs play like they did 2014.

[stalkerforlife]

5/2 you say?

:lebronamazed:

[stalkerforlife]

This honestly might be a smart time to put some money on the Spurs.

It's the Cavs first year together. They have tons of talent, but a completely unproven coach, and lots of players who don't have playoff experience. I think they are a lock for the East, but it's still unlikely that they could beat a team like the Spurs, assuming the Spurs play like they did 2014.

The excuses are starting. :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Le Shaqtus]

Bron Stan: "Making the playoffs will be good enough for this team"

[J Shuttlesworth]

The excuses are starting. :roll: :roll: :roll:
So you really think a team that's never played together before is a lock to beat the Spurs or the Thunder?

Put your money where your mouth is. Let's see you put a big bet on the Cavs

[stalkerforlife]

Bron Stan: "Making the playoffs will be good enough for this team"

Bron himself - "No way we win the title this year."

By lowering expectations, Bron and his stans have the pressure removed from the situation. As we all know, handling pressure is not their strong point.

:roll:

You can't fool basketball enthusiasts with this BS.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Bron himself - "No way we win the title this year."


I know you're a known troll (and a bad one at that), but you do know that he said that before the Cavs picked up Love, Miller, Marion, etc?

And if he had said "We're going to win it all this year", you would be saying "He's a cocky arrogant bastard"?

[stalkerforlife]

So you really think a team that's never played together before is a lock to beat the Spurs or the Thunder?

Put your money where your mouth is. Let's see you put a big bet on the Cavs

The point is, they should be a lock. They are stacked and everyone acknowledges it, excluding Bron and his stans.

They will not win the title because Lebron is a choker, but they should.

[dubeta]

Cavs shouldn't be the favourites

Heck on paper thunder, spurs, clippers, and maybe the bulls are all better, especially when you factor in defense


I'd bet against the Cavs in a heartbeat and make a few bucks

[SouBeachTalents]

Bron himself - "No way we win the title this year."

By lowering expectations, Bron and his stans have the pressure removed from the situation. As we all know, handling pressure is not their strong point.

:roll:

You can't fool basketball enthusiasts with this BS.

So you crucify him for saying "not 5, not 6, not 7", yet bash him for also saying they probably won't win the title this year?

[Lebronxrings]

We still haven't had much playing time together plus our bench is very thin. I think the Spurs, thunder, clippers, bulls have an edge over us because of this. Kyrie and Love both also haven't proven their post season skills.

[stalkerforlife]

I know you're a known troll (and a bad one at that), but you do know that he said that before the Cavs picked up Love, Miller, Marion, etc?

And if he had said "We're going to win it all this year", you would be saying "He's a cocky arrogant bastard"?

:roll: :roll:

Lebron stans think we believe their BS. Lebron and the entire world knew Love was going to Cleveland before Lebron even made it official he was leaving Miami. He knew Miller would follow him anywhere. The "coming home" sentiment doesn't fly with basketball enthusiasts. :roll: He went back to Cleveland to make sure his superstar support had fresh legs.

[J Shuttlesworth]

The point is, they should be a lock. They are stacked and everyone acknowledges it, excluding Bron and his stans.

They will not win the title because Lebron is a choker, but they should.
If LeBron is a choker, then why should they be favorites to win it all? If he is a choker, that means that his teams have been underdogs every year due to his choking, and he has 2 rings as an underdog :eek: Impressive stuff. Thanks for this insight.

[J Shuttlesworth]

:roll: :roll:

Lebron stans think we believe their BS. Lebron and the entire world knew Love was going to Cleveland before Lebron even made it official he was leaving Miami. He knew Miller would follow him anywhere. The "coming home" sentiment doesn't fly with basketball enthusiasts. :roll: He went back to Cleveland to make sure his superstar support had fresh legs.
Can you provide proof of this?

[stalkerforlife]

So you crucify him for saying "not 5, not 6, not 7", yet bash him for also saying they probably won't win the title this year?

Where did you get this lie, your ass? Stinky lies, bub.

The fact that he quit before trying to get 5, 6, and 7 is the issue.

[stalkerforlife]

Can you provide proof of this?

No proof for common sense.

[BigTicket]

I can understand the Cavs being the favorites in the East, but they certainly would not be the favorites against the Spurs in a potential finals matchup.

I guess Vegas bookmakers feel like the Cavs have an easier path to the finals than anyone in the West, and that the Spurs and Bulls are likely to have injury issues. That's the only possible argument I can see.

[J Shuttlesworth]

No proof for common sense.
So you're saying your whole argument is based on conjecture? Why am I not surprised?

[J Shuttlesworth]

I can understand the Cavs being the favorites in the East, but they certainly would not be the favorites against the Spurs in a potential finals matchup.

I guess Vegas bookmakers feel like the Cavs have an easier path to the finals than anyone in the West, and that the Spurs and Bulls are likely to have injury issues. That's the only possible argument I can see.
Pretty much this. I'd have the Cavs over OKC, but not the Spurs, unless the Spurs are having injury issues.

[fpliii]

Spurs should still be the favorites, but I think Cleveland is better than any other team at the moment.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Spurs should still be the favorites, but I think Cleveland is better than any other team at the moment.
Agreed. Would be interested to see how Cavs/OKC would play out, but I'd take Cavs.

Spurs, when healthy, are pretty damn unbeatable.

[jbryan1984]

I thought we were winning no question in 09 and 10 so I'm not even going to comment about we are winning it all. I do think the odds of us winning at least the east, is pretty good. On paper, really nobody should touch us other than Chicago. That is a big IF though. It depends on what kind of player Derrick Rose is now and if he can even stay healthy. The big problem (no pun intended) is Pau and Noah. We have Andy and Haywood. Andy can battle with one of them but he can't take both of them on. Love is not known for his defense. We need another big body to battle those two. With Indiana literally deflated in one off season, nobody else in the east is really a threat. Washington is probably the closest thing.

In the west. The Spurs will be tough again. Its like, it don't matter how much older they are. Those guys have played side by side for so many years, they know what to do in about any situation. The Spurs with Pops and Tim Duncan have never missed the playoffs since they came to the team..... and that was 18 seasons ago!

Other than the Spurs, I like OKC and the Clips. Golden State too. Its a shame Mark Jackson was never given the chance to coach them while 100% healthy. Houston ain't winning anything. They have no bench at all. They're 7th, 8th, 9th men off the bench would be sitting for most contending teams in the playoffs.

[fpliii]

Agreed. Would be interested to see how Cavs/OKC would play out, but I'd take Cavs.

Spurs, when healthy, are pretty damn unbeatable.
Cleveland has more talent than OKC. They would be heavy favorites IMO.

The Cavs against SA depends on two things...

1) Do Timmy and Manu fall off?
2) Does Cleveland mesh under Blatt?

If the answer to both of those is yes, the Cavs should be favored over SA. If it's zero or just one of the two, SA is still the better team.

[Dbrog]

The point is, they should be a lock. They are stacked and everyone acknowledges it, excluding Bron and his stans.

They will not win the title because Lebron is a choker, but they should.

Kyri/some dude??
Waiters/Miller
Bron/Jones
Love/Marion
Varajao/Thompson

:eek:

QUITE serviceable depth. Maybe not for the regular season but in the playoffs where you basically just run 8, their top 8 are sick. Easily better than everyone in the east. Chicago maybe only ones who could have a chance but that is if EVERYONE is 100% AND Gasol regains his old self.

[Meticode]

Odds don't really matter, they will change constantly as the season goes.

[J Shuttlesworth]

Cleveland has more talent than OKC. They would be heavy favorites IMO.

The Cavs against SA depends on two things...

1) Do Timmy and Manu fall off?
2) Does Cleveland mesh under Blatt?

If the answer to both of those is yes, the Cavs should be favored over SA. If it's zero or just one of the two, SA is still the better team.
I think Cleveland would be favorites, but only slightly, and really only because of Brooks... and that's assuming Blatt is good and the team meshes well. Obviously if Blatt can't hang in the NBA and the team doesn't find a good balance, they won't be favorites.

I think OKC is a bit more top heavy since they have two of the top 3-4 players in the league (IMO) but Cavs have a deeper bench. Thunder got Morrow though which will help and have former 6th man of the year candidate and good role players. Put a competent coach behind them and they could definitely get a ring.

[aj1987]

East:
1. Cavs
2. Bulls
3. Wizards
4. Pacers
5. Heat
6. Knicks
7. Raptors
8. Nets
9. Hornets
10. Hawks
11. Celtics
12. Pistons
13. Magic
14. Bucks
15. 76ers
The Pacers might not even make the Playoffs this season. They lost PG AND Lance. The Heat might surprise a few people. I expect them to win ~50 games. The Raptors and gonna be better than the Knicks.

[BigTicket]

Only one team in the past 30years has gone from the lottery to a title, that was the 08 Celtics. I love the new Cavs lineup, and I really want them to win, but that Celtics big three had a lot more experience than the Cavs big three.

I do think the Cavs will win a title, but I think it's a lot more likely next year than this year.

[Meticode]

Only one team in the past 30years has gone from the lottery to a title, that was the 08 Celtics. I love the new Cavs lineup, and I really want them to win, but that Celtics big three had a lot more experience than the Cavs big three.

I do think the Cavs will win a title, but I think it's a lot more likely next year than this year.
This, and I think the Celtics big three complimented each other perfectly.

Garnett was the mid-range/defensive specialist.
Pierce was the closer and was able to break down his man in ISOs.
Allen moves without the ball and shoots those open threes.

I'm not saying the Cavs trio don't compliment each other, but I think the Celtics are the best complimenting trio to each other because all of them did something different for the team, and they all did it well.

[TylerOO]

That's cause they know you shouldn't bet against the best player in the sport. Are they really the favorites? Probably not to most. But they don't wanna give out decent odds against the best player. Pretty simple.

[JT123]

How are the Cavs the favorites? :biggums: Other than Lebron all they have are a bunch of washed up vets like Miller and Marion, and 2 unproven stars who have shown they can't make the playoffs without Bron's help.
Just making the playoffs and getting to the second round should be enough to move Lebron up a few spots on the all time list.

[Unbiased_one]

Spurs should still be the favorites, but I think Cleveland is better than any other team at the moment.

The odds are based on who is most likely to win, not on who is the best team. Cleveland plays in the east.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

The Pacers might not even make the Playoffs this season. They lost PG AND Lance. The Heat might surprise a few people. I expect them to win ~50 games. The Raptors and gonna be better than the Knicks.

I was just posting the rankings based on the Las Vegas odds. Vegas seems to know all, more often than not.

But yeah, I don't expect the Pacers to do much of anything. Not a team built around Hibbert, West, and freaking George Hill.

[AirGauge23]

Thinking at throwing 100 bucks on the Clips.

[Derka]

They're gonna do well, but the West is winning the ring again.

[KG215]

Cleveland has more talent than OKC. They would be heavy favorites IMO.

The Cavs against SA depends on two things...

1) Do Timmy and Manu fall off?
2) Does Cleveland mesh under Blatt?

If the answer to both of those is yes, the Cavs should be favored over SA. If it's zero or just one of the two, SA is still the better team.
I don't think you can go as far as saying the Cavs would be "heavy" favorites over the Thunder. OKC has continuity and chemistry on their side. OKC's best players have also been a part of multiple deep playoff runs whereas Kyrie and Love have never even been in the playoffs. And the talent disparity between OKC and Cleveand isn't that big.

[RedBlackAttack]

The Spurs are the favorites until I see otherwise. The team that won The Finals last season was one of the best I have ever seen. If they're on that level again, I honestly don't see anyone beating them.

[poido123]

http://sports.bovada.lv/sports-betting/basketball-futures.jsp

Cavs are 5/2
Spurs are 4/1
Bulls are 11/2


Cavs are 4/5 to just win the Eastern Conference.*


I'm kinda surprised by this. I would've thought the Spurs would still be favorites to win it, considering the way they dismantled the Heat last year.


The casual fan will look to who looks good "on paper"

Spurs are underrated in betting every year.

They were 12 to 1 from memory the start of last season.

[TheMan]

Another huge hit on LeBron's legacy if he can't lead this stacked as **** Cavs team to a title this year.

2/6 is just pathetic for a GOAT wannabe...:facepalm

[poido123]

Another huge hit on LeBron's legacy if he can't lead this stacked as **** Cavs team to a title this year.

2/6 is just pathetic for a GOAT wannabe...:facepalm

Dude, they are already doing damage control. If Cavs lose its because its their first year :rolleyes:

Lebron could go 2/10 and his followers will always make excuses for him.

The usual one is, "Give Lebron Jordan's team and see how much he wins"

:D

[RedBlackAttack]

Dude, they are already doing damage control. If Cavs lose its because its their first year :rolleyes:

Lebron could go 2/10 and his followers will always make excuses for him.

The usual one is, "Give Lebron Jordan's team and see how much he wins"

:D
Come on, poido. It's not just LeBron stans you're bantering with now. Let's maintain some level of intellectual civility among the better posters, here. All Cavs threads don't have to revolve only around LeBron and his fans.

[Jameerthefear]

Poido isn't a 'better poster' stop trolling.

[poido123]

Come on, poido. It's not just LeBron stans you're bantering with now. Let's maintain some level of intellectual civility among the better posters, here. All Cavs threads don't have to revolve only around LeBron and his fans.


Yeah, I can see how what I said would bait the wrong crowd into posting here. I need to be aware of that.

And yes, Cavs deserve to be the betting favourite on personnel alone. Simple as that.

Perhaps anything Lebron related I should just not say anything :lol

[Soundwave]

The Spurs are the favorites until I see otherwise. The team that won The Finals last season was one of the best I have ever seen. If they're on that level again, I honestly don't see anyone beating them.

They almost lost to Dallas in the first round and probably would have had to have gone to 7 vs. OKC if Ibaka was healthy, I wouldn't say that's even one of the ten best teams ever, lol.

Miami just quit when playing against them got too hard, but they did a similar thing against Dallas in 2011, so it's not like we should be gobsmacked and shocked.

That just says a lot about the character of the Heat players and their so-called chemistry/leadership.

Duncan is turning 39 freaking years old. Ginobli is turning 38. Parker is 32 with the mileage of a 34-35 year old on his legs. If these in their prime "superstars" can't figure out how to beat this team, to me it says more about the 20 year-olds than it does the old guys.

[poido123]

Poido isn't a 'better poster' stop trolling.


You really didn't need to comment.

[WindmiLL]

Come on, poido. It's not just LeBron stans you're bantering with now. Let's maintain some level of intellectual civility among the better posters, here. All Cavs threads don't have to revolve only around LeBron and his fans.


Lol what? poido is just as bad as Lebron stans except he's ''on the other side''. That's it, as a good poster he equals 0.

As much as he talks about the Cavs now, you should know that already.

[navy]

Lol what? poido is just as bad as Lebron stans except he's ''on the other side''. That's it, as a good poster he equals 0.

As much as he talks about the Cavs now, you should know that already.
True. At least he wont be in Heat threads anymore.

Talking bout rivalries and shit. :oldlol:

[poido123]

I don't think you can go as far as saying the Cavs would be "heavy" favorites over the Thunder. OKC has continuity and chemistry on their side. OKC's best players have also been a part of multiple deep playoff runs whereas Kyrie and Love have never even been in the playoffs. And the talent disparity between OKC and Cleveand isn't that big.


I mean I'd be heavily disappointed if the Bulls got knocked out, but that would be a hell of a series.

OKC v Cavs would be epic.

[poido123]

Lol what? poido is just as bad as Lebron stans except he's ''on the other side''. That's it, as a good poster he equals 0.

As much as he talks about the Cavs now, you should know that already.


Let's keep to the topic.

I have no interest in derailing this thread with the people who don't like me for whatever reason.

[Meticode]

Another huge hit on LeBron's legacy if he can't lead this stacked as **** Cavs team to a title this year.

2/6 is just pathetic for a GOAT wannabe...:facepalm
Yes, because if you throw players together that have never played together, it's an automatic win. :facepalm

[poido123]

Yes, because if you throw players together that have never played together, it's an automatic win. :facepalm


Let's keep to topic, going down this road will only provoke trolling.

And yes, I think the Cavs have legit excuses for not winning this year. Us Bulls fans are mainly giving Lebron grief, not the Cavs...

[Meticode]

And yes, I think the Cavs have legit excuses for not winning this year. Us Bulls fans are mainly giving Lebron grief, not the Cavs...
:applause:

[poido123]

Not sure on the betting market everywhere else, but the Cavs are 4-1 and I'd say a pretty fair price.

If this was next year, I'd have them a lot shorter.

I thought 9-1 for the Bulls was good value.

[Legends66NBA7]

And yes, I think the Cavs have legit excuses for not winning this year.

No they don't.

[poido123]

No they don't.


They have rearranged nearly their entire team. They have a coach who has never coached an NBA game. They have two stars who have never played in the playoffs.

If you look at what the Heat went through back in 2010-2011, you will know that superteams with that much change take time to develop chemistry.

[Legends66NBA7]

They have rearranged nearly their entire team. They have a coach who has never coached an NBA game. They have two stars who have never played in the playoffs.

Having LeBron James helps out on all of that. Best player in the world and he's got players that will better fit offensively.

If you look at what the Heat went through back in 2010-2011, you will know that superteams with that much change take time to develop chemistry.[/QUOTE]

Sure it took time, but once they started clicking... it resulted in a finals appearance and 2 wins away from a chip. Then repeated with 3 more finals trips and 2 titles. Whatever adjustment period they go through shouldn't be hard.

[Cocaine80s]

The biggest issue will be Lebron and Kyrie trying to fit together. Love fits perfectly with them and waiters would be great coming off the bench. If Lebron and Kyrie can get their chemistry down like Wade+Bron then they are winning it all this year

[Meticode]

The biggest issue will be Lebron and Kyrie trying to fit together. Love fits perfectly with them and waiters would be great coming off the bench. If Lebron and Kyrie can get their chemistry down like Wade+Bron then they are winning it all this year
I'm pretty certain Waiters won't come off the bench, but it wouldn't surprise me either.

[TheMan]

Let's keep to topic, going down this road will only provoke trolling.

And yes, I think the Cavs have legit excuses for not winning this year. Us Bulls fans are mainly giving Lebron grief, not the Cavs...
LeBron fans are the most arrogant shit talkers here, all I'm doing is setting them up for some major trolling when the Cavs fall short this season.

They love trolling so I'm giving them a taste of their own medicine.

[dubeta]

LeBron fans are the most arrogant shit talkers here, all I'm doing is setting them up for some major trolling when the Cavs fall short this season.

They love trolling so I'm giving them a taste of their own medicine.

1-9

[poido123]

LeBron fans are the most arrogant shit talkers here, all I'm doing is setting them up for some major trolling when the Cavs fall short this season.

They love trolling so I'm giving them a taste of their own medicine.


I know man.

There are some good posters here who don't deserve this thread to go into full retard mode is all I'm sayin.

[RedBlackAttack]

They almost lost to Dallas in the first round and probably would have had to have gone to 7 vs. OKC if Ibaka was healthy, I wouldn't say that's even one of the ten best teams ever, lol.

Miami just quit when playing against them got too hard, but they did a similar thing against Dallas in 2011, so it's not like we should be gobsmacked and shocked.

That just says a lot about the character of the Heat players and their so-called chemistry/leadership.

Duncan is turning 39 freaking years old. Ginobli is turning 38. Parker is 32 with the mileage of a 34-35 year old on his legs. If these in their prime "superstars" can't figure out how to beat this team, to me it says more about the 20 year-olds than it does the old guys.
You can throw all of the numbers out there that you like... watch them play. They really didn't "almost" lose to Dallas, and the Mavs were no joke of a playoff team either. That is as difficult a first round opponent as a top seed is ever going to get.

It went seven games... just barely (the Mavs eeked out a two-point win at home in Game 6) and then the Spurs destroyed them in Game 7 by 25 points. Even when the Spurs limped out to a 1-2 start, it never really felt as if the Mavs were going to win that series.

The Western Conference was historically stacked last season, so the fact that they had a couple of "near misses" is no major blemish.

Here's what we know about the 2013-14 Spurs... they won 62 games in an insanely stacked Western Conference. They made it through the meatgrinder of a Western Conference playoff. They annihilated the defending champions who also happened to have the best player in the NBA on its roster in one of the more lopsided Finals matchups in recent history.

And, they did it all, not by relying on one or two guys, but with some of the most beautiful basketball you'll ever see with different pieces stepping up at different points during the season/playoffs/finals.

I can't imagine watching that team play and thinking, "this is because the Heat have no heart/character." The Spurs were the far superior team and it wasn't even close. They were also an absolute miracle shot away from winning back-to-back, fwiw.


Lastly, I didn't say "they're one of the best teams of all-time." I said they were one of the best teams I have ever seen.

Personally, the 1986 Celtics were the best team I've ever seen. After them probably comes a couple of the Bulls teams (1992 and 1996, probably), the mid-80s Lakers (say, 1987), 1989-90 Pistons, early-2000 Lakers and the 2014 Spurs in some order.

I'm only speaking for myself. You can feel free to disagree, but I'm entitled to my opinion.

[poido123]

You can throw all of the numbers out there that you like... watch them play. They really didn't "almost" lose to Dallas, and the Mavs were no joke of a playoff team either. That is as difficult a first round opponent as a top seed is ever going to get.

It went seven games... just barely (the Mavs eeked out a two-point win at home in Game 6) and then the Spurs destroyed them in Game 7 by 25 points. Even when the Spurs limped out to a 1-2 start, it never really felt as if the Mavs were going to win that series.

The Western Conference was historically stacked last season, so the fact that they had a couple of "near misses" is no major blemish.

Here's what we know about the 2013-14 Spurs... they won 62 games in an insanely stacked Western Conference. They made it through the meatgrinder of a Western Conference playoff. They annihilated the defending champions who also happened to have the best player in the NBA on its roster.

And, they did it all, not by relying on one or two guys, but with some of the most beautiful basketball you'll ever see with different pieces stepping up at different points during the season/playoffs/finals.

I can't imagine watching that team play and thinking, "this is because the Heat have no heart/character." The Spurs were the far superior team and it wasn't even close. They were also an absolute miracle shot away from winning back-to-back, fwiw.


Lastly, I didn't say "they're one of the best teams of all-time." I said they were one of the best teams I have ever seen.

Personally, the 1986 Celtics were the best team I've ever seen. After them probably comes a couple of the Bulls teams (1992 and 1996, probably), the mid-80s Lakers (say, 1987), 1989-90 Pistons, early-2000 Lakers and the 2014 Spurs in some order.

I'm only speaking for myself. You can feel free to disagree, but I'm entitled to my opinion.


I think the West has gotten even deeper this season.

Yeah, Houston has all but disappeared, but a team like Pelicans are a real darkhorse if healthy.

I don't think the warriors threat has gone away at all, I expect OKC and Golden State to throw a huge challenge and the Mavs who I think significantly improved on last years roster.

OKC only needs to improve marginally to overcome the Spurs. They will have a second year Adams who I feel will be a big factor.

I don't know, but I just get this feeling that the Spurs have had their time. Call it a hunch.

[3ball]

the Cavs have the most talented team itl.... good job Lebron.

[3ball]

Lebron is the GOAT ring-chaser.

[aj1987]

Let's keep to topic, going down this road will only provoke trolling.

And yes, I think the Cavs have legit excuses for not winning this year. Us trolls are mainly giving Lebron grief, not the Cavs...
Fixed.

[Nash]

Dude, they are already doing damage control. If Cavs lose its because its their first year :rolleyes:

Lebron could go 2/10 and his followers will always make excuses for him.

The usual one is, "Give Lebron Jordan's team and see how much he wins"

:D
Why would anybody have an excuse for somebody making the finals 10 times? Only in crazy ISH-land is going to the finals a bad thing.

[JohnFreeman]

Clippers and Thunder should be above the Cavs.

[DaSeba5]

The Spurs were on another level in the Finals. I'm not sure we're going to see that again. I'm not saying they won't be great and shouldn't be the favorites, but I'm not expecting them to play on that level again. The Cavs shouldn't be the favorites IMO. At least not yet.

[BoutPractice]

Usually I'm very cautious, with a list of 4-5 contenders, but next year it's either going to be the Cavs or the Spurs (barring injury). Basically, if the Spurs make the Finals, it's going to be them, if they don't, it's going to be the Cavs.

I'm ready to bet against whoever's the underdog against OKC (at some point I realized that their offense was a structural problem that prevents them from going all the way), and other Eastern teams than Cleveland don't have a realistic chance.

The only wild cards are the Clippers and the Mavs, but I see them as paper tigers more than anything.

[BigTicket]

Clippers and Thunder should be above the Cavs.

Clippers and Thunder have a much harder path to the finals than the Cavs do, which obviously lowers their chances of winning a title.

[Uncle Drew]

As of right now, I'm not even sure if we're the favorites in the east. Since 66% of our so called ''big-3'', hasn't even played in a playoff game yet. That said, the Spurs are the runaway favorites to win it all.

[AnaheimLakers24]

these fakkit bitch bran stans alreadu crying an making excuses :lol

[AnaheimLakers24]

As of right now, I'm not even sure if we're the favorites in the east. Since 66% of our so called ''big-3'', hasn't even played in a playoff game yet. That said, the Spurs are the runaway favorites to win it all.
Heat fans making excuses like crazy. you fakkits are pathetic :roll:

[JohnFreeman]

Heat fans making excuses like crazy. you fakkits are pathetic :roll:
He is a Cavalier fan..

[Paul George 24]

they won't stop spurs :banana:

[chips93]

The Spurs were on another level in the Finals. I'm not sure we're going to see that again. I'm not saying they won't be great and shouldn't be the favorites, but I'm not expecting them to play on that level again. The Cavs shouldn't be the favorites IMO. At least not yet.

they were playing at that level for months though

[chips93]

so as a cavs fan, if you predict they are gonna win it all, your arrogant, but if you think they wont, you're making excuses for them

:rolleyes:

[dubeta]

LeBron makes any team instant favourites. :bowdown:

[Sarcastic]

LeBron makes any team instant favourites. :bowdown:


Didn't happen until AFTER the Love trade

:lebronamazed:

[RedBlackAttack]

I think the West has gotten even deeper this season.

Yeah, Houston has all but disappeared, but a team like Pelicans are a real darkhorse if healthy.

I don't think the warriors threat has gone away at all, I expect OKC and Golden State to throw a huge challenge and the Mavs who I think significantly improved on last years roster.

OKC only needs to improve marginally to overcome the Spurs. They will have a second year Adams who I feel will be a big factor.

I don't know, but I just get this feeling that the Spurs have had their time. Call it a hunch.
Thing is, people have been saying that for about 10 years. :oldlol:

[dreamwarrior]

Cavs are only a 56 winshare team. They probably will win right around 55/56 games, but it's not going to be that easy in the playoffs.

[RedBlackAttack]

Cavs are only a 56 winshare team. They probably will win right around 55/56 games, but it's not going to be that easy in the playoffs.
Only 56 games? Terrible.

[BigTicket]

Thing is, people have been saying that for about 10 years. :oldlol:

Yes, but some time soon it will actually be true.

Noone can keep it up forever, and Duncan will be 39 by the time the playoffs start next year. He might well have another year left, but then he might not.

I think the Spurs are the best team if healthy, and therefore the favorites. But I don't know if they will be able to stay healthy.

[Lebron23]

They still need to develop a team chemistry before the all star game, but they are playing with Lebron who already have plenty of playoffs and championship experience.

I think they are going to win 60 games this season. Cavs needs to be healthy this year.

[Lebron23]

Yes, but some time soon it will actually be true.

Noone can keep it up forever, and Duncan will be 39 by the time the playoffs start next year. He might well have another year left, but then he might not.

It reminded me of the 1987 Lakers. The Spurs were 100% motivated last season after the Heat beat them in game 6 and 7 of the 2013 finals.

[DaSeba5]

I don't think there's any excuse for them not to win the East. I think it's a failure if they don't win the East. I know Cav fans are going to tell me they are young and need to develop chemistry, but they have more than enough talent and depth to win. Their "young" players are top prospects in the draft.

Now beating the west in the Finals is another story.

[oarabbus]

Has an assembled team EVER won it all their first year?

I predict a finals loss.

[DaSeba5]

they were playing at that level for months though

They played very good basketball, but they were on a whole other level. Their FG% was higher than their FT% in game 3 in the first half. It was ridiculous. That team was very motivated. They will be great again, but I wouldn't assume if they make the Finals again they are going to rape the East winner again. We may not see a performance like that again for a while.

[RedBlackAttack]

Has an assembled team EVER won it all their first year?

I predict a finals loss.
I don't know what you mean by "assembled" team. Every team is theoretically "assembled."

The closest example I could think of regarding James' return to Cleveland and the addition of Love is the 1995-96 Bulls, which was the first full season after MJ's "return" to Chicago. He did play the end of the '95 season, but he was obviously still working out the kinks.

The Bulls also added Dennis Rodman that offseason, an absolutely enormous acquisition. He may not have been arguably a Top 5 player in the NBA like Love, but he may have been as important a piece for them.


This is a pretty unique situation... unlike anything we've really seen in the NBA before. I'm not putting a floor/cap on it.

[Springsteen]

How can someone sit there with a straight face and tell me the Hornets are not making the playoffs this season?

[DaSeba5]

How can someone sit there with a straight face and tell me the Hornets are not making the playoffs this season?

The SE division seems like it sucks every year and yet 4 of the 5 teams in it made the playoffs last year. I think the same thing will happen this year.

[FLDFSU]

:roll: :roll:

Lebron stans think we believe their BS. Lebron and the entire world knew Love was going to Cleveland before Lebron even made it official he was leaving Miami. He knew Miller would follow him anywhere. The "coming home" sentiment doesn't fly with basketball enthusiasts. :roll: He went back to Cleveland to make sure his superstar support had fresh legs.


So why didn't Melo attempt to go to the Cavs?

[PJR]

So why didn't Melo attempt to go to the Cavs?

Citing this as some sort of example that there wasn't some prearrangement is pretty stupid(not that it matters anyway). Carmelo didn't try to go to Cleveland......because there is a salary cap. :facepalm

[red1]

Has an assembled team EVER won it all their first year?

I predict a finals loss.
08 celtics bruh

[RedBlackAttack]

So why didn't Melo attempt to go to the Cavs?
Melo is one of those rare cases where the market does still matter, mostly because his wife is a diva who wants to be in the media spotlight. I think that weighs heavily in all the choices he makes. Most NBA players don't have famous/diva wives, though. In fact, Savanna James couldn't wait to get back to NE Ohio.

Not to mention having Irving, James, Melo and Waiters on the same team would be incredibly poor roster building.

[FireDavidKahn]

So why didn't Melo attempt to go to the Cavs?
Because Melo doesn't care about winning. He cares about money and being in New York.

[Meticode]

Windhorst Interviews Love (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11414952&ex_cid=espnapi_public)

[Meticode]

Melo is one of those rare cases where the market does still matter, mostly because his wife is a diva who wants to be in the media spotlight. I think that weighs heavily in all the choices he makes. Most NBA players don't have famous/diva wives, though. In fact, Savanna James couldn't wait to get back to NE Ohio.

Not to mention having Irving, James, Melo and Waiters on the same team would be incredibly poor roster building.
Not only that, they didn't want to go to Miami in the first place. The only reason they ever went is becuase LeBron felt it was his best chance to win right then and there. As you may know LeBron's first year in Miami his family wasn't even with him that whole year. They were still living in Ohio because that's where the family wanted to be.

[RedBlackAttack]

Not only that, they didn't want to go to Miami in the first place. The only reason they ever went is becuase LeBron felt it was his best chance to win right then and there. As you may know LeBron's first year in Miami his family wasn't even with him that whole year. They were still living in Ohio because that's where the family wanted to be.
But, but, but... who in the world would choose to live in Cleveland over Miami?! That's what we've been hearing for the past four years. Turns out, the James family would rather be in Cleveland.

Truth be told, I despise the weather in South Florida. I'd have to be making a hell of a lot more than I'm earning now in NE Ohio to relocate down there. Nothing against the people or anything else... but I find the heat to be flat-out unbearable and I don't like not having seasons. Plus, the transient population would get old really quickly. :confusedshrug:

[Meticode]

But, but, but... who in the world would choose to live in Cleveland over Miami?! That's what we've been hearing for the past four years. Turns out, the James family would rather be in Cleveland.

Truth be told, I despise the weather in South Florida. I'd have to be making a hell of a lot more than I'm earning now in NE Ohio to relocate down there. Nothing against the people or anything else... but I find the heat to be flat-out unbearable and I don't like not having seasons. Plus, the transient population would get old really quickly. :confusedshrug:
:cheers:

[FLDFSU]

Melo is one of those rare cases where the market does still matter, mostly because his wife is a diva who wants to be in the media spotlight. I think that weighs heavily in all the choices he makes. Most NBA players don't have famous/diva wives, though. In fact, Savanna James couldn't wait to get back to NE Ohio.

Not to mention having Irving, James, Melo and Waiters on the same team would be incredibly poor roster building.

Forget Melo (And I was talking about Melo replacing James-not Melo/James on the same team). If everyone knew that Love was going to the Cavs this off-season, why didn't Wade or Bosh immediately start trying to get to Cleveland? Or why was Deng so quick to get away from Cleveland?

How is it possible that everyone in the world knows that Love is going to the Cavs (the funny thing is that not even Love knew he was going to the Cavs) yet not one free agent (prior to LBJ) is knocking down the Cavs doors to sign up?

[FLDFSU]

Citing this as some sort of example that there wasn't some prearrangement is pretty stupid(not that it matters anyway). Carmelo didn't try to go to Cleveland......because there is a salary cap. :facepalm

How is it possible for the Cavs to sign Lebron then?

Is there some special provision in the CBA that allows Lebron max deal to be taken off the books?

So I will ask again...why didn't Carmelo (or any other free agent) ATTEMPT to go to the "super team in waiting" Cavs?

He looked at the Mavs, the Rockets, and Bulls as destinations because of their roster potential. Why wouldn't Carmelo look at a "super team in formation" Cavs?

[RedBlackAttack]

Forget Melo (And I was talking about Melo replacing James-not Melo/James on the same team). If everyone knew that Love was going to the Cavs this off-season, why didn't Wade or Bosh immediately start trying to get to Cleveland? Or why was Deng so quick to get away from Cleveland?

How is it possible that everyone in the world knows that Love is going to the Cavs (the funny thing is that not even Love knew he was going to the Cavs) yet not one free agent (prior to LBJ) is knocking down the Cavs doors to sign up?
It sounds like you're asking rhetorical questions, but I"ll answer them anyway. Why would Wade and Bosh try to get to Cleveland? They play together in Miami. The Cavs didn't have the cap space to sign all three as free agents even if they wanted to, which I'm sure they didn't when other options (like trading for Love) were very possible.

As for Deng, that parting of ways was completely mutual. The Cavs had no interest in bringing him back after watching him limp through 30 games and complain to the media about his new teammates/franchise a couple weeks after arriving. He burned that bridge to a crisp, not that he ever wanted to come back... but if he did, he couldn't have.

He looks like a shell of his former self and he actually turned down $10 million a year from Chicago. The Cavs wanted nothing to do with him (and vice versa). If the LeBron thing hadn't happened, they probably would have tried to play for Gordon Hayward and then talk to Atlanta about Horford. Those were two other pretty loud rumors at one point before the LeBron madness started.


I'm really not even sure who you're arguing with. No, Love didn't "know" he was coming to Cleveland. However, anyone could see that, after the LeBron trade happened, the Cavs became instant front-runners for Love. And, I'm sure it had been explained clearly to LeBron, prior to his decision, that the Cavs had the assets to make such a deal. Maybe they didn't specifically say Kevin Love's name, but when you have expendible assets like Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, multiple firsts and cap space, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to deduce that the team can make moves.

If the question is collusion, I seriously doubt there was any. If the question is whether or not LeBron understood the potential the Cavs had to make this kind of trade, I'm sure he knew and it was explained in great detail to him by Gilbert and Co.

[Inferno]

West:
1. Spurs
2. Thunder
3. Clippers
4. Rockets
5. Mavericks
6. Warriors
7. Blazers
8. Grizzlies
9. Lakers
10. Nuggets
11. Pelicans
12. Suns
13. Wolves
14. Kings
15. Jazz

East:
1. Cavs
2. Bulls
3. Wizards
4. Pacers
5. Heat
6. Knicks
7. Raptors
8. Nets
9. Hornets
10. Hawks
11. Celtics
12. Pistons
13. Magic
14. Bucks
15. 76ers

Warriors too low

[SpecialQue]

Vegas staying retarded as fvck, as always.

[3ball]

the vegas guys must have forgot that lebron's brand of basketball has proved quite beatable.

[aj1987]

the vegas guys must have forgot that lebron's brand of basketball has proved quite beatable.
Yeah, because LeBron has been to more Finals in a row than MJ, right? Truly beatable.

Inb4 3ball essay with 97248972987289 excuses.

[3ball]

Yeah, because LeBron has been to more Finals in a row than MJ, right? Truly beatable.

Inb4 3ball essay with 97248972987289 excuses.
jordan never underachieved, so why would i make excuses?

every year vegas had Jordan as the favorite, he won.

otoh, lebron's brand of basketball has not only proven to be beatable, but like, destroyable.

[aj1987]

jordan never underachieved, so why would i make excuses?

every year vegas had Jordan as the favorite, he won.

otoh, lebron's brand of basketball has not only proven to be beatable, but like, destroyable.
True. LeBron shoul've played in the '90's. With retarded iso offenses and garbage defenses. Not to mention playing with the GOAT perimeter defender and a top 25 GOAT, the GOAT coach, multiple DPOY/rebounding champ, etc.. Extremely stacked teams.

Thanks to Phil-ball, MJ was able to average 30+ PPG and win 6 rings with STACKED teams.

Wow! This trolling shit is pretty ****ing easy!

[3ball]

Wow! This trolling shit is pretty ****ing easy!


except i wasn't trolling - show me something in my post that wasn't true.
.