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.
What’s to Love About the Cleveland Cavaliers Start
Welcome to today’s newsletter where we’re diving into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ impressive start to the NBA season. With the team already a quarter of the way through their games, there’s plenty to discuss about their standout performances and what lies ahead.
- Cavs’ Strong Start: The Cavaliers have kicked off the season with an 18-3 record, positioning themselves as a top contender in the league. Their performance metrics indicate they are among the best, if not the best, in basketball right now.
- Darius Garland’s Resurgence: Darius Garland has emerged as a key player this season, bouncing back from a challenging previous year. His per 36-minute stats are surpassing those from his All-Star season, with averages of 24 points and eight assists, and a career-low in turnovers.
- Three-Point Shooting: Garland’s three-point shooting has been a highlight, with a 45% success rate and increased attempts per game. This improvement is a testament to his growth and the team’s strategy to maximize his shooting potential.
- Evan Mobley’s Development: Evan Mobley has shown significant progress, particularly in his offensive strength and free throw shooting. Defensively, he’s a force, consistently challenging top players like Trae Young and Jason Tatum, who often avoid attacking him.
- Kenny Atkinson’s Coaching Impact: Atkinson’s coaching style has brought a fresh approach to the Cavs, particularly in managing player minutes and utilizing the bench. This strategy not only preserves the starters’ energy but also builds confidence among bench players.
- Defensive Challenges: Despite their offensive success, the Cavs need to tighten their defense. Currently ranked 11th, they aim to climb into the top five to solidify their championship aspirations.
- Upcoming Games: The Cavs face Washington and Denver next, providing opportunities to test their defensive improvements and maintain their winning momentum.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
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 The Cavaliers have shown they can both win and lose against any team. (Fear The Sword)
Preview The Cavs host the Wizards in the latest NBA Cup group stage matchup. Read the preview.(NBA)
Preview Breaking down the NBA Cup: Here’s a primer for the final night of group-stage games. (The Athletic)
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Cavs podcasts.
The Comeback The Cavs were down by 12 points early in the fourth quarter before Donovan Mitchell came to the rescue with a huge performance. That, plus Darius Garland’s defense is why the Cavs were able to beat the Celtics on Sunday night.
No More Vegas Dreams Tough sledding in Atlanta for the Cavs as they struggled to shoot the basketball against the Hawks on Friday afternoon, eliminating themselves from NBA Cup contention.
Clunker at Home Wednesday night’s loss at home to Atlanta was the Cavs first true clunker of a game this season.
