Danny Cunningham here, the host of the daily Locked On Cavs podcast, with your daily Locked On Cavs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Cavs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Breaking Down Darius Garland’s Resurgence
Welcome to today’s newsletter, where we dive into the remarkable resurgence of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland. We’re joined by Dan Devine from Yahoo Sports to explore Garland’s impressive comeback and the Cavs’ promising start to the season.
- Darius Garland’s Comeback: After a challenging previous season marred by injuries, Garland has emerged stronger and more confident. His offseason focus on health and strength has translated into a more aggressive and decisive playing style, particularly in driving to the basket and shooting from beyond the arc.
- Underrated Star: Despite being an All-Star, Garland often flies under the radar. Dan Devine highlights how Garland’s shooting prowess and playmaking abilities make him one of the most underrated players in the NBA. His ability to adapt and excel in both complementary and leading roles is a testament to his versatility.
- Cavs’ Roster Continuity: The continuity of the Cavs’ roster has been a significant factor in their success. Despite calls to break up the core four, the team has stuck together, and the results are evident. The synergy between Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has been crucial in their impressive start.
- Kenny Atkinson’s Impact: New head coach Kenny Atkinson has played a pivotal role in the Cavs’ early success. His strategies have maximized the team’s strengths, particularly in shooting and defense, allowing players like Garland to thrive.
- Cavs’ Playoff Potential: The Cavs’ strong start has sparked discussions about their potential to contend for the NBA Finals. With a top-tier defense and a dynamic offense, they have the ingredients to compete at the highest level. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges will be key as they aim for postseason success.
- Challenges and Opportunities: While the Cavs have been impressive, they face skepticism about their ability to maintain this level of performance. The team’s unique roster construction, with two small guards and two bigs, defies conventional wisdom but has proven effective so far.
- Looking Ahead: As the season progresses, the Cavs will need to continue building on their early success. The upcoming games, including a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, will be crucial in maintaining their momentum and proving their legitimacy as contenders.
Thank you for tuning in to Locked On Cavs. We appreciate your support and encourage you to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Stay connected for more insights and updates on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ exciting journey this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo improves on greatness, again
Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez lead the way for the Bucks in 2024
Our modern relationship with the concept of greatness is a strange thing. Certainly in NBA basketball, but even more broadly, we like to hold greatness up to its lack. Less readily do we accept greatness at face value, or allow for greatness to simply stand on its own. It needs a backdrop of failure, and maybe because of that, it is failure we’ve become better at discussing. When greatness persists, or proves to have staying power, it feels almost dull. We want greatness to come with persistent conflict, and we want our greats to prove it, again and again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a prime modern example.
Over the weekend, Antetokounmpo made history. He became the NBA athlete to record the most 30-point games in a decade, beating out the obvious candidates of Steph Curry and LeBron James. That’s over 262 games with 30-plus-points. So far this season, he’s been averaging 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and shooting field goals at a 60.8% accurate clip. These numbers are staggering and yet, at a glance around discussion on the season, you’d think they were hum-drum.
Truth be told, conversation about the Bucks and Antetokounmpo seemed more engaged when both struggled early in the season. Those favourite, swirling questions of will-he-or-won’t-he be traded, or force a trade, rose with aplomb. A championship calibre team doing badly is always news, sure, but when its championship calibre superstar pushes through the struggles to virtually carry the team, we tend to turn our attention elsewhere.
Maybe it’s because the thing that’s given Antetokounmpo another gear this season — rediscovering the mid-range — is a part of the floor not as exciting as the three-point range teams like the Celtics are bombing from, but the bump has been drastic. Last season Antetokounmpo shot 35.1% from the mid-range and thus far this season he’s converting 47.8% of his mid-range attempts (of which he’s doubled, 2.4 to 4.3).
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Assessing Ty Jerome’s impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers, this article delves into his performance metrics and potential role within the team’s strategic framework. (Fear The Sword)
Must Read Exploring Donovan Mitchell’s MVP candidacy and his standing in the current conversation, highlighting his significant contributions and performance. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview Emirates NBA Cup play continues this week — here’s what lies ahead for all teams. (NBA)
Roster Before the 2025 NBA Draft, get familiar with 10 international prospects. (ESPN)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s Fantasy Basketball Recap - Hamstrings Strike In Orlando
Nov 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters/Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action brought a whirlwind of performances, injuries, and strategic moves that could significantly impact your fantasy basketball lineup. Here are the major takeaways from the day, focusing on what’s most relevant for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Player Returns
- Devin Vassell is expected back on Wednesday, which is great news for those who have been patient with his knee issues. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson is out for Utah, creating opportunities for players like Colin Sexton and Isaiah Collier to step up. Keep an eye on Johnny Juzang as a potential deep-league add.
- Gary Harris suffered a hamstring injury, which could open up more minutes for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. With Jalen Suggs also dealing with a hamstring issue, these players could see increased roles.
Waiver Wire Trends
- Moussa Diabate has become a hot commodity following Grant Williams’ injury. While Diabate’s scoring is limited, his defensive stats make him a valuable short-term add.
- Malcolm Brogdon is worth considering for streaming, though his long-term value remains uncertain. Similarly, Ty Jerome had a standout performance, but his shooting percentages are unlikely to be sustainable.
- Naji Marshall and T.J. McConnell are sensible additions given the current absences in their respective teams. McConnell, in particular, could provide solid assists and steals with several key players out.
