RealGM

Assuming a season of course.

Who do you see stepping up? Who might be stepping down? Anyone look to be ready to bust out?

Honestly, I don't think anyone will really be stepping up because frankly this team doesn't have much non-rookie young talent. Maybe Eyenga but aside from him....don't really see anyone.

As far as stepping down, I think Baron will be up there. He was playing pretty well here in the second half of the season but I don't think it's really sustainable given his age/history/etc. AV stepped down last year and I expect him to mirror last season - less efficient than he was in the LBJ era while missing quite a few games.

Irving is going to bust out. At least, that's what every Cavs fan is hoping for at the moment haha. Problem is his supporting cast sucks which puts more pressure on him to score and gives him less options as far as assists go, but I think he should have a good season.

I actually think Baron will step up. He was playing on one leg while in Cleveland last season, so if he comes into "camp" healthy and not too overweight, I think he will surprise some people.

I would not say that I have high hopes for Erden, but I am very interested to see what he can do while healthy and playing extended minutes.

I think Irving is going to blow people away.

I actually think Tristan is going to suprise people, which is funny since he was the 4th pick in the draft afterall.

I think that the young guys will all come out swinging this year...we have some nice young pieces that compliment each other quite well... The trio I'm thinking will put up nice numbers will be Irving-Thompson-Casspi. Irving's inside-out game and playmaking, Casspi's perimeter shooting, and TT's inside game will make for a nice amount of offensive spacing...and of course Baron Davis will continue his quality play, IMO.. I think being with an owner and team that actually respects him (unlike Sterling) and having a #1 pick to mentor will motivate him a bit. And than throw in the role players like Eyenga, Varejao, hell, even Alonzo Gee was showing some upside last year...all of these guys will flourish with Irving and Davis distributing, much as Varejao flourished alongside LBJ (only Irving and Davis are better playmakers and shooters, IMO). But like I said, my young trio to watch is Irving-Thompson-Casspi, three young guys whose skill sets compliment each other and have the potential to develop some nice chemistry. If we can get a guy like Drummond or Lamb in the draft, we'll have a great young core to build on. I for one will remain optimistic

B Mac wrote:I actually think Tristan is going to suprise people, which is funny since he was the 4th pick in the draft afterall.

I really hope so. The guy was getting killed in the national media. Apparently he is a hard worker and a good guy. Should do well here with the fans if true

Tristan is a very good defensive player but is offensively challenged and cannot shoot free-throws. I just hope Gilbert did not think he had the next Ben Wallace thinking back to his piston days and use the 4th pick on the draft on this premise.

shazam wrote:Tristan is a very good defensive player but is offensively challenged and cannot shoot free-throws. I just hope Gilbert did not think he had the next Ben Wallace thinking back to his piston days and use the 4th pick on the draft on this premise.

Our rotation is going to be absolutely loaded with guys lacking offensively. They all move well (Tristan, Andy, Eyenga....) so it will really be up to Irving to make this all go. Our proven scorers (Davis, Jamison) are old and inefficient. Wouldn't be shocked to see a bunch of games where we struggle to get into the 80's.

shazam wrote:Tristan is a very good defensive player but is offensively challenged and cannot shoot free-throws. I just hope Gilbert did not think he had the next Ben Wallace thinking back to his piston days and use the 4th pick on the draft on this premise.

Hes got a killer first step, pretty good handles, and can play above the rim and on pick and rolls very well. The main concern is his foul shooting, because his playing style on offense will lead to a very high % of fouls drawn.