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.
Cavs Trade Rumors: Potential Moves and Playoff Matchups
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in an enviable position. With a 26-4 record, we’re not just looking to make moves for the sake of it – any trade would be to get better and push for a championship.
The areas where we could potentially improve are clear. First, we need more depth behind Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. While Tristan Thompson is great for the locker room, I’m not sure we can rely on him for extended minutes if one of our star big men goes down. A versatile big who can play both center and power forward would be ideal.
Secondly, adding wing depth could be beneficial. Our current rotation has been hit by injuries, with Isaac Okoro, Max Strus, Dean Wade, and Caris LeVert all missing time this season. Having another reliable option could provide valuable insurance.
However, making a trade isn’t as simple as identifying needs. We have to consider what we’d be giving up. Georges Niang and Jalen Tyson are often mentioned in trade scenarios, but their value goes beyond the stat sheet. Niang’s locker room presence is crucial, and the organization remains high on Tyson’s potential despite limited playing time.
Looking ahead to potential playoff matchups, the Boston Celtics are obviously the team to beat in the East. But we shouldn’t overlook the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks as potential tough outs.
The Magic, despite injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, are still sitting fourth in the conference. Once healthy, they could be a formidable opponent. The Knicks, with their star power in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, plus wing defenders like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, present a unique challenge.
Interestingly, I’m less concerned about the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite having Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, their lack of secondary creation and health concerns for players like Khris Middleton make them less intimidating.
For more insights and a deeper dive into potential trades and playoff matchups, tune into the Locked On Cavs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Cavs Podcast:
• The importance of Christmas Day games for NBA visibility
• Favorite Christmas Day game memories
• Predictions for Cavs’ upcoming West Coast road trip
Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) talk before the game at Chase Center. | Darren Yamashita/Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The ‘Things NBA fans get themselves worked up about’ category got a new entry this month, and it reached a fever pitch over the Christmas Day slate of games —ratings. Specifically, broadcast ratings.
It’s a subject Commissioner Adam Silver is often asked about in his pressers, especially those that precede the NBA’s tent-pole events like the In-Season Tournament, All-Star Weekend, the Finals, and Summer League. It also comes up around the annual Board of Governors meeting in early September. It makes sense for Silver to talk about it, given that he’s the league Commissioner, and because he’s been at the helm for broadcast contract negotiations and renegotiations. If this is all making your eyes cross, good, that helps to prove my point.
Silver, team owners, and broadcast executives are the only people who should care about the NBA’s broadcast ratings. It’s their job. Whether numbers are up or down should be of no concern to fans, casual or die-hard, because they ultimately have no bearing on the viewing experience, nor is it up to fans to “fix” anything.
Traditionally, this would’ve been self-evident, but in the contemporary era of fandom — especially NBA fandom — there’s a desire to critique and cosplay as team or league executives. Everything from down to the decimal point salary analysis in trade machinations, on-court performance and ways to improve athlete “production”, concerns for whether front offices are over-spending (they’re billionaires, they can afford it), and now, worries over marketing of the league.
Broadcast ratings are just one metric. The decline in “traditional” television ratings has more to do with how younger fans find and interact with basketball than with some phantom threat of malaise or disinterest. Cable is expensive, and younger audiences almost exclusively stream their sports. Case in point ESPN’s announcement on Christmas Day of an 84% spike in viewership, a day when many, many people head to their family home and have cable television to watch and plenty of free time on their hands.
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
Replay The Cavaliers managed to secure a victory over the Jazz with a final score of 124-113. Key highlights from the game can be explored through the detailed recap. (Fear the Sword)
Analysis The Cavaliers are focusing on playing with pace after their opponents score, emphasizing this strategy in their recent games. Delve into the team’s approach and tactical insights. (Fear the Sword)
Rumor Brandon Ingram is being considered a top trade target for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Explore the potential deal and its implications. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Cavaliers will face off against the Nuggets at the Ball Arena at 9:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Friday, Dec. 27 | 7:00PM | Ball Arena, Denver, CO | Get Tickets
Cavaliers @ Warriors
Monday, Dec. 30 | 7:00PM | Chase Center, San Francisco, CA | Get Tickets
Cavaliers @ Lakers
Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 6:00PM | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Christmas Day Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Spectacular: Must-Adds and Droppable Players
Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (right) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita/Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
As we celebrate Christmas Day, it’s time for a fantasy basketball waiver wire spectacular. Let’s dive into the most added players, must-roster options, and those you can consider dropping.
The most added player over the last 48 hours is Trayce Jackson-Davis. With two solid games in a row and increased minutes, he’s a no-brainer add for now. Keep an eye on his playing time, as anything over 22 minutes makes him worth rostering.
Noah Clowney is another intriguing addition. His shooting has improved from his college days, and he’s getting significant minutes due to injuries. While I’m not sure he’ll provide top-70 value, he’s worth a look in most leagues.
When it comes to must-roster players (under 50% rostered on Yahoo), consider these options:
1. Goga Bitadze: Despite a recent ankle sprain and ejection, his floor has risen significantly.
2. Ben Simmons: Roster him now and worry about potential issues later.
3. Yves Missi: While I’m skeptical about his role when the Pelicans are fully healthy, he should be rostered for now.
4. Bilal Coulibaly: After a cold streak, he’s regained his form and confidence.
5. Ayo Dosunmu: Although I have limited faith in his long-term upside, he’s a must-roster player for the time being.
On the flip side, there are some players you can consider dropping. Remember, “droppable” doesn’t mean you must drop them, but rather that it’s acceptable to do so if needed. These include Gradey Dick, Dennis Schröder, Onyeka Okongwu, Rui Hachimura, Jaden McDaniels, and Jaden Ivey.
Looking at hot players, Larry Nance Jr. has been impressive lately, ranking 40th over the last week. While I don’t expect this to hold long-term, he’s worth rostering for now. Other notable hot players include Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jake LaRavia, and Dean Wade.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Cavs podcasts.
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