Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson could return to action as soon as Tuesday but he’s lost his starting job, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Joe Vardon. Thompson has missed 19 games with a strained left calf. Kevin Love was moved to center in his absence and coach Tyronn Lue wants Love to remain there. Lue also told reporters that Channing Frye would stay in the rotation, which could also cut into Thompson’s playing time, Vardon notes. Lue said that the staff needs to “figure out how we got to use him,” referring to Thompson. At least publicly, Thompson doesn’t want to make waves about his role. “If I don’t play, that’s fine,” Thompson told Vardon and other media members. “As long as we’re winning I’m going to cheer my teammates on. If I play two minutes, three minutes, 20 minutes, it don’t matter to me. As long as we win.”
In other news regarding the Cavs:
- LeBron James‘ ability to defy the aging curve has been a rare and remarkable feat, as ESPN.com’s Kevin Pelton details. His true shooting percentage of 65.8% this season is a career high, boosted by another career-best, his 3-point shooting (41.7%). That’s likely to decline as the season continues but he’s also taking more shots within three feet of the basket and converting a career-best 5.3 layups per game, Pelton continues. Additionally, he’s posting a career best in defensive block rate, something else that normally declines with age, Pelton notes. However, his overall defensive value has declined and his athleticism will also start to dip in his mid-30s, which could eventually become an issue for James, Pelton adds.
- Combo guard Dwyane Wade knew from the beginning of the season he was more suited to a sixth man role with the club, USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt writes. Wade is averaging 12.3 PPG, 4.0 APG and 3.8 RPG when he comes off the bench this season and Zillgitt points out that the Cavs have a net efficiency rating of plus-10.8 with Wade on the court as a reserve. “I knew for me to be successful and for me to come to this team and bring what I can to this team, the starting unit just wasn’t a unit for me,” he told Zillgitt. “So, I decided to go to the unit that was for me.”
- Handing shooting guard Kyle Korver a contract extension over the summer drew criticism but now seems like a wise investment, Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer opines. Korver, 36, signed a three-year, $22MM contract. He’s shooting 43.3% from long range and leads the team in plus-minus rating.
Cavs have a system. Love and LeBron do scoring in 1st quarter. LeBron goes to bench with 5 minutes to go in 1st quarter through 5 minutes into 2nd quarter. Wade takes over and does scoring. Love and LeBron do scoring in 3rd. LeBron and Korver take over the 4th. Calderon and Crowder are in for defense. When Smith scores, it’s in 1st and 3rd quarters.
You lost me at Calderon playing defense
^
Calderon took 2 charges and hit 2 3″s in first half tonight. That’s all they want. They want IT back for Warriors game Xmas Day.
I’m impressed with Jose. I thought he was dead weight only to be used during the last minutes of a blowout with the kiddies on the team. But he’s been impressive from beyond the arc and as you pointed out, on defense.
Local television said IT practiced without pain last week.
Nerlens Noel had his thumb surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Hope that’s a sign. They could offer one of their own first picks, send Zizic to G League1
LeBron said he won’t discuss his future until after the season.
IDK who criticized the Korver signing. I never saw or heard of it. As someone in the Cleveland comment boards daily, I have heard some wild and frequently unfair putdowns of almost every Cav on a regular basis, but signing Korver pissed nobody off (or attracted trolls). He just didn’t get mentioned much at all, or put into who-Lue-should-start lists, which I guess could be a form of dismissal, but, the signing was not opposed. I would call the prevailing sentiment, you can’t complain about Korver for $7mil.
Once Reddick was signed Korver looked like a beneficial bargain. And is– highest +/- on the team and has great movement.
D-Wade and Jeff Smith are also in the no-heat category, except broadly as nubies who did not make the team younger.
Pluto is more of a football & baseball columnist I think.
Darn it, again, It is Jeff GREEN not Smith. I don’t even know of a jeff smith! Y
I think Jeff Smith works for AT&T.
I do that a lot. The brain works faster than the hand!
The Cavs are a far better team this season. And to think they’ll get IT, Shump, DRose and Tristan back should only make this team deeper. This team suddenly buying into and playing outstanding defense at this point in the season is something we cavs fans aren’t use to. Usually they turn it up after the season. I also like the all around play of Cedi (may the force be with you) Osman. He’s an upgrade over Jefferson.
The CAVs need Demarcus Cousin and Demarcus Cousin needs the CAVs. Why? He wants to win and display his talent for the world to see! He would help to extend Lebron life as a quality player! Lebron wants 3 more rings! Give me your thoughts!
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says his sources say LeBron is staying in Cleveland. I’d like to see Cousins in Cleveland if he’s willing to sign an extended contract. Cousins, Love, and LeBron would be best frontcourt in the NBA. They still need backcourt help though.
I agree with you 100%. IT is good for now! What about Chris Paul 2018-19? He wants a ring! LeBron future for now and in the future with the CAV’s
ESPN says Chris Paul likes Houston, but LeBron will stay with Cavs. Gilbert has money to pay up for LeBron, Wade, and IT.