Game 42: Cavs @ 76ers 1/14/2026

[JujitsuFlip]

CP3 looked worse than Ball when we played the Clippers. I think you try to get Hayes or Proctor there by the playoffs. Of course, I've thought that for a while now, but I think you've got try to roll a hard six and get someone with the requisite heighth and athleticism to defend the position.

Hayes can't even make a NBA roster and has zero playoff games of expierence, that's not the move.

Cavs gambling their entire season on him or a rookie as their starter next to Mitchell the rest of the season is just some terrible GMing.

CP3 is old as dirt and might break the locker room but we know that guy can command an offense, in the playoffs.

Ben Simmons gonna pass up on layups but hey, he has the size you want, in bunches. With the way the Clippers seem to be getting away with paying Kawhi off the books, I'd have Dan give Ben a little wink wink deal.

Edit: i did just see someone mention Kyle Lowry but i find it hard to believe the 76ers are going to help us with a starting PG to close the season, when we're right next to them in the standings.

If we need a replacement PG I'd talk to Sacramento about Strus or Hunter for Schroder. Or just Westbrook.

I'd consider Garland to POR for Holiday if Garland is out for the year.

If Garland is out for the year then he makes an interesting outgoing trade piece for a rebuilding team who wants to be good next year (i.e. Brooklyn).

Yeah, i think I'd try to duck the 2nd apron too.

Hunter for Kuminga so we can just waive him this summer, he can ball hog off the bench, Kenny already knows him from his GSW days.

For sure salary dump Ball into the Jazz or Nets cap space.

Probably waive + stretch Nance, he's useless.

I really don't think Garland is moveable but agreed, i would look at a Strus for Coby White, Gabe Vincent, Mike Conley type. They won't be able to replace Garland but if we're getting CP3 into our 15th spot, it'll be a bandaid on the year.

[toooskies]

Hayes can't even make a NBA roster and has zero playoff games of expierence, that's not the move.

Cavs gambling their entire season on him or a rookie as their starter next to Mitchell the rest of the season is just some terrible GMing.

CP3 is old as dirt and might break the locker room but we know that guy can command an offense, in the playoffs.

Ben Simmons gonna pass up on layups but hey, he has the size you want, in bunches. With the way the Clippers seem to be getting away with paying Kawhi off the books, I'd have Dan give Ben a little wink wink deal.

Edit: i did just see someone mention Kyle Lowry but i find it hard to believe the 76ers are going to help us with a starting PG to close the season, when we're right next to them in the standings.

If we need a replacement PG I'd talk to Sacramento about Strus or Hunter for Schroder. Or just Westbrook.

I'd consider Garland to POR for Holiday if Garland is out for the year.

If Garland is out for the year then he makes an interesting outgoing trade piece for a rebuilding team who wants to be good next year (i.e. Brooklyn).

Yeah, i think I'd try to duck the 2nd apron too.

Hunter for Kuminga so we can just waive him this summer, he can ball hog off the bench, Kenny already knows him from his GSW days.

For sure salary dump Ball into the Jazz or Nets cap space.

Probably waive + stretch Nance, he's useless.

I really don't think Garland is moveable but agreed, i would look at a Strus for Coby White, Gabe Vincent, Mike Conley type. They won't be able to replace Garland but if we're getting CP3 into our 15th spot, it'll be a bandaid on the year.

Hunter/Kuminga doesn't work straight up for GSW, we'd need a minimum from them and might be able to get Melton or GPII from them. They probably want to free up a roster spot for Pat Spencer and more PT for Will Richard.

Nance was in a slump and then got hurt. Not saying he's going to get better (especially in the short term) but there was optimism about his addition earlier in the year, so I'd give him another chance when Tomlin's two-way eligibility expires. You also can't stretch money from this season-- maybe you can buy him out, but that's the only relief the Cavs might get without trade dumping him.

CP3 is, more or less, Lonzo Ball with less height and upside at this point. I feel similarly to Killian Hayes except Hayes can at least drive and has more potential upside than Lonzo and is cheaper than either of them, if we're looking for replacement-level PG play. Ball has never played in the playoffs either.

My guess is Ball gets PT while Garland (and Merrill) are out the next few weeks, he gets another chance to perform, and we make a deadline decision on him.

[JujitsuFlip]

If we need a replacement PG I'd talk to Sacramento about Strus or Hunter for Schroder. Or just Westbrook.

I'd consider Garland to POR for Holiday if Garland is out for the year.

If Garland is out for the year then he makes an interesting outgoing trade piece for a rebuilding team who wants to be good next year (i.e. Brooklyn).

Yeah, i think I'd try to duck the 2nd apron too.

Hunter for Kuminga so we can just waive him this summer, he can ball hog off the bench, Kenny already knows him from his GSW days.

For sure salary dump Ball into the Jazz or Nets cap space.

Probably waive + stretch Nance, he's useless.

I really don't think Garland is moveable but agreed, i would look at a Strus for Coby White, Gabe Vincent, Mike Conley type. They won't be able to replace Garland but if we're getting CP3 into our 15th spot, it'll be a bandaid on the year.

Hunter/Kuminga doesn't work straight up for GSW, we'd need a minimum from them and might be able to get Melton or GPII from them. They probably want to free up a roster spot for Pat Spencer and more PT for Will Richard.

Nance was in a slump and then got hurt. Not saying he's going to get better (especially in the short term) but there was optimism about his addition earlier in the year, so I'd give him another chance when Tomlin's two-way eligibility expires. You also can't stretch money from this season-- maybe you can buy him out, but that's the only relief the Cavs might get without trade dumping him.

CP3 is, more or less, Lonzo Ball with less height and upside at this point. I feel similarly to Killian Hayes except Hayes can at least drive and has more potential upside than Lonzo and is cheaper than either of them, if we're looking for replacement-level PG play. Ball has never played in the playoffs either.

My guess is Ball gets PT while Garland (and Merrill) are out the next few weeks, he gets another chance to perform, and we make a deadline decision on him.

That sucks, didn't realize the Warriors were hard capped. Then I'd just pull the trigger on Vando + Gabe for Hunter.

Ah, right, then I'd just buy Nance out, we need to give his roster spot to Tomlin.

Hayes or Ball are not the answer, might as well just go full fire sale if that's the plan at PG with Garland out for the year.

I wouldn't risk Ball getting injured and holding yet another roster spot hostage, I'd salary dump him today to the Jazz or Nets to get me a roster spot, that guy sucks.

[JonFromVA]

This is also rather contradictory, when Garland is your favorite Cavalier...

Well, if we can't replace Garland's offense, the least we can do is try to find some defense and shooting.

And while counting on a rook like Proctor to become something by playoff time that he isn't right now is a gamble we can't afford, I do believe we should keep finding him minutes and developing him because you never know. Wouldn't hurt to get him some minutes with the Charge. I wouldn't elevate him over CPJ like jbk1234 would prefer, but we're an injury plagued team and everybody needs to be as ready to step in as possible.

I like Proctor but he's a year away from playing time just like Tyson last season.

Game 2, round 2 we were decimated by injuries and Tyson didn't get in. With Garland out for the season, i expect similarly Proctor doesn't get a shot.

Hayes does not have a consistent jumper, so i agree defense and shooting but idk what player that would be.

Sure, but there's a difference between what we think our head coach will do and what we'd personally prefer to see that's always fun to discuss. I for one always thought CPJ could have helped us out in the playoffs at times, but these guys do need to be prepared for the opportunity. If you throw them to the wolves, more often than not ... it's not going to go well.

[JujitsuFlip]

Well, if we can't replace Garland's offense, the least we can do is try to find some defense and shooting.

And while counting on a rook like Proctor to become something by playoff time that he isn't right now is a gamble we can't afford, I do believe we should keep finding him minutes and developing him because you never know. Wouldn't hurt to get him some minutes with the Charge. I wouldn't elevate him over CPJ like jbk1234 would prefer, but we're an injury plagued team and everybody needs to be as ready to step in as possible.

I like Proctor but he's a year away from playing time just like Tyson last season.

Game 2, round 2 we were decimated by injuries and Tyson didn't get in. With Garland out for the season, i expect similarly Proctor doesn't get a shot.

Hayes does not have a consistent jumper, so i agree defense and shooting but idk what player that would be.

Sure, but there's a difference between what we think our head coach will do and what we'd personally prefer to see that's always fun to discuss. I for one always thought CPJ could have helped us out in the playoffs at times, but these guys do need to be prepared for the opportunity. If you throw them to the wolves, more often than not ... it's not going to go well.

Well, i watched Proctor in the NCAA tournament last season, the guy shrank in big moments, i wouldn't pin the hopes of my season on him, personally. I'm swinging to get 1 or 2 vets in here so the season isn't a waste.

If I'm a betting man, with Garland, Merrill, Strus, and Wade out for who knows how long, CPJ is about to start and get big minutes.

Now that is probably gonna make jbk spazz out but until a vet walks through that door, i don't see a lot of other options.

[JonFromVA]

I like Proctor but he's a year away from playing time just like Tyson last season.

Game 2, round 2 we were decimated by injuries and Tyson didn't get in. With Garland out for the season, i expect similarly Proctor doesn't get a shot.

Hayes does not have a consistent jumper, so i agree defense and shooting but idk what player that would be.

Sure, but there's a difference between what we think our head coach will do and what we'd personally prefer to see that's always fun to discuss. I for one always thought CPJ could have helped us out in the playoffs at times, but these guys do need to be prepared for the opportunity. If you throw them to the wolves, more often than not ... it's not going to go well.

Well, i watched Proctor in the NCAA tournament last season, the guy shrank in big moments, i wouldn't pin the hopes of my season on him, personally. I'm swinging to get 1 or 2 vets in here so the season isn't a waste.

If I'm a betting man, with Garland, Merrill, Strus, and Wade out for who knows how long, CPJ is about to start and get big minutes.

Now that is probably gonna make jbk spazz out but until a vet walks through that door, i don't see a lot of other options.

If we want to be real, we know if the 14th/15th man on the roster is playing anything more than garbage time in the playoffs we're in deep trouble ... either way we're just hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.

[JujitsuFlip]

Sure, but there's a difference between what we think our head coach will do and what we'd personally prefer to see that's always fun to discuss. I for one always thought CPJ could have helped us out in the playoffs at times, but these guys do need to be prepared for the opportunity. If you throw them to the wolves, more often than not ... it's not going to go well.

Well, i watched Proctor in the NCAA tournament last season, the guy shrank in big moments, i wouldn't pin the hopes of my season on him, personally. I'm swinging to get 1 or 2 vets in here so the season isn't a waste.

If I'm a betting man, with Garland, Merrill, Strus, and Wade out for who knows how long, CPJ is about to start and get big minutes.

Now that is probably gonna make jbk spazz out but until a vet walks through that door, i don't see a lot of other options.

If we want to be real, we know if the 14th/15th man on the roster is playing anything more than garbage time in the playoffs we're in deep trouble ... either way we're just hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.

True but I'd rather try to find the next Rafer Alston 2009 type trade and make a run.

Vs just folding the season, which to me is just settling and rolling with any of CPJ, Ball, Proctor, or Hayes as our starting PG for the final 40 games.

Garland's injury happened before the deadline, we have options. Koby just has to put the bottle down long enough to make some smart trades.

[HMFFL]

What is Jaylon Tyson's ceiling?

[jbk1234]

What is Jaylon Tyson's ceiling?

A better shooting Josh Hart who still gets in trouble when he tries to do things outside of his wheel house.

[JonFromVA]

What is Jaylon Tyson's ceiling?

A better shooting Josh Hart who still gets in trouble when he tries to do things outside of his wheel house.

Jaylon Tyson would like you to revisit that after game #43.

fwiw, Hart was supposed to be a shooter coming out of college, but never shot as well as Tyson has so far this season; plus figuring out how to do things at the NBA level that don't initially go well is a common growth area for young players.

[jbk1234]

What is Jaylon Tyson's ceiling?

A better shooting Josh Hart who still gets in trouble when he tries to do things outside of his wheel house.

Jaylon Tyson would like you to revisit that after game #43.

fwiw, Hart was supposed to be a shooter coming out of college, but never shot as well as Tyson has so far this season; plus figuring out how to do things at the NBA level that don't initially go well is a common growth area for young players.

I'm the one who advocated for starting Tyson since before the season started. It helps when the opposing team begins a possession by putting itself in rotation because it's blitzing Mitchell, especially because there's only so much rotating Embiid is going to do.

It's not a coincidence that Hunter and Proctor also had pretty good games. Nurse made the anyone but Mitchell bet and it blew up on him.

[JujitsuFlip]

Nurse made the anyone but Mitchell bet and it blew up on him.

In a 7 game series, it's not a bad strategy though.

If Tyson or even the collective did that 4 of 7 times, you just tip your cap.

Cavs 100% need vet ball handlers in here with no return date for Garland and Strus + Ball being mostly useless on offense.

[mcfly1204]

Well, i watched Proctor in the NCAA tournament last season, the guy shrank in big moments, i wouldn't pin the hopes of my season on him, personally. I'm swinging to get 1 or 2 vets in here so the season isn't a waste.

If I'm a betting man, with Garland, Merrill, Strus, and Wade out for who knows how long, CPJ is about to start and get big minutes.

Now that is probably gonna make jbk spazz out but until a vet walks through that door, i don't see a lot of other options.

If we want to be real, we know if the 14th/15th man on the roster is playing anything more than garbage time in the playoffs we're in deep trouble ... either way we're just hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.

True but I'd rather try to find the next Rafer Alston 2009 type trade and make a run.

Vs just folding the season, which to me is just settling and rolling with any of CPJ, Ball, Proctor, or Hayes as our starting PG for the final 40 games.

Garland's injury happened before the deadline, we have options. Koby just has to put the bottle down long enough to make some smart trades.

So by Rafer Alston type trade, do you mean trading for a below average veteran PG with the hope he overperforms in a playoff series or two?... I realize that's not the intention, but I'm struggle to see any potential targets out there. If anything, you might as well just hold on to Ball with the hope that he can stay healthy, and catch a hot shooting streak at some point.

[JonFromVA]

A better shooting Josh Hart who still gets in trouble when he tries to do things outside of his wheel house.

Jaylon Tyson would like you to revisit that after game #43.

fwiw, Hart was supposed to be a shooter coming out of college, but never shot as well as Tyson has so far this season; plus figuring out how to do things at the NBA level that don't initially go well is a common growth area for young players.

I'm the one who advocated for starting Tyson since before the season started. It helps when the opposing team begins a possession by putting itself in rotation because it's blitzing Mitchell, especially because there's only so much rotating Embiid is going to do.

It's not a coincidence that Hunter and Proctor also had pretty good games. Nurse made the anyone but Mitchell bet and it blew up on him.

I'm just reminding you his skill set coming out of college was not that of a 3&D player even if that's what we think we need at the SF spot. The knock on him was that he had a methodical dribble and wasn't very quick but they pointed out, he still had a knack for getting the job done.

Here's the strengths nbadraft identified about Tyson in college:

Versatile, crafty, strong offensive minded player with a good all around game … A nightmare to defend, because he is always moving and a remarkably smart and tricky offensive weapon … Good and controlled on the drive… Effective and willing passer and playmaker, a bit of a point forward… Has a nice, soft touch in the lane including a polished floater … Does not blow away with vertical leap. But has nice hang time, stays controlled, and does well on the delayed finish after absorbing contact in the air … Can hit the pull up mid-range off the dribble … Excellent set of simple but effective dribble moves, hesi-stops opponents in their tracks… Relatively strong guard who keeps position on the drive by out-muscling his opponent … Excellent at getting a half-step past the defender and holding his ground via the Chris Paul offensive “box out”… Can mix it up in the post, hit a drop step and finish with the slam in a halfcourt set … Faster in the open floor and on the fast break than he appears … Prolific offensive player

Of course young players can struggle replicate their strengths at the NBA level, but when looking at his ceiling it's important to note he hasn't had much of a chance to develop them and how he plays against other young players or in special circumstances is very relevant when judging his progress.

Surely nothing about 3pt shooting or defense in his list of strengths ... so keep an eye on things like how he uses his passing, strength, movement, and smarts. If he can improve so much in one area, surely he can keep improving in others.

[JonFromVA]

Nurse made the anyone but Mitchell bet and it blew up on him.

In a 7 game series, it's not a bad strategy though.

If Tyson or even the collective did that 4 of 7 times, you just tip your cap.

Cavs 100% need vet ball handlers in here with no return date for Garland and Strus + Ball being mostly useless on offense.

Well, let's face it ... after our injuries in the playoffs the Pacers started blitzing our ball handlers and it worked - so Nurse won't be the first or last coach to try it, especially if we keep turning the ball over like we did against the Pacers and the Sixers.

Hopefully we see more opposing coaches test us before the playoffs.

[JujitsuFlip]

Nurse made the anyone but Mitchell bet and it blew up on him.

In a 7 game series, it's not a bad strategy though.

If Tyson or even the collective did that 4 of 7 times, you just tip your cap.

Cavs 100% need vet ball handlers in here with no return date for Garland and Strus + Ball being mostly useless on offense.

Well, let's face it ... after our injuries in the playoffs the Pacers started blitzing our ball handlers and it worked - so Nurse won't be the first or last coach to try it, especially if we keep turning the ball over like we did against the Pacers and the Sixers.

Hopefully we see more opposing coaches test us before the playoffs.

Well, that was because Ty Jerome turned into a pumpkin and Garland had 1 foot lol

At least now we can try to stockpile a couple vets.

[JujitsuFlip]

If we want to be real, we know if the 14th/15th man on the roster is playing anything more than garbage time in the playoffs we're in deep trouble ... either way we're just hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.

True but I'd rather try to find the next Rafer Alston 2009 type trade and make a run.

Vs just folding the season, which to me is just settling and rolling with any of CPJ, Ball, Proctor, or Hayes as our starting PG for the final 40 games.

Garland's injury happened before the deadline, we have options. Koby just has to put the bottle down long enough to make some smart trades.

So by Rafer Alston type trade, do you mean trading for a below average veteran PG with the hope he overperforms in a playoff series or two?... I realize that's not the intention, but I'm struggle to see any potential targets out there. If anything, you might as well just hold on to Ball with the hope that he can stay healthy, and catch a hot shooting streak at some point.

Actually, yeah lol

The sit on our hands and hope useless Ball can become useful is punting on the season, in my estimation. Especially with his terrible injury history.

We have an open roster spot. Hunter should be traded. Ball should be traded or salary dumped (to create another roster spot), and Nance should be salary dumped or bought out (for another roster spot).

Garland's injury is pre trade deadline, we have an opportunity to at least try to get other ball handlers in here.

Mitchell was getting blitzed and doubled all night, last night. That's gonna be a rough last 39 games if we stand pat.

[toooskies]

Sure, but there's a difference between what we think our head coach will do and what we'd personally prefer to see that's always fun to discuss. I for one always thought CPJ could have helped us out in the playoffs at times, but these guys do need to be prepared for the opportunity. If you throw them to the wolves, more often than not ... it's not going to go well.

Well, i watched Proctor in the NCAA tournament last season, the guy shrank in big moments, i wouldn't pin the hopes of my season on him, personally. I'm swinging to get 1 or 2 vets in here so the season isn't a waste.

If I'm a betting man, with Garland, Merrill, Strus, and Wade out for who knows how long, CPJ is about to start and get big minutes.

Now that is probably gonna make jbk spazz out but until a vet walks through that door, i don't see a lot of other options.

If we want to be real, we know if the 14th/15th man on the roster is playing anything more than garbage time in the playoffs we're in deep trouble ... either way we're just hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.

Our 14th man signing last year that we didn’t trust enough to use is a rotation player for the #1 seed in the east.

[JujitsuFlip]

Well, i watched Proctor in the NCAA tournament last season, the guy shrank in big moments, i wouldn't pin the hopes of my season on him, personally. I'm swinging to get 1 or 2 vets in here so the season isn't a waste.

If I'm a betting man, with Garland, Merrill, Strus, and Wade out for who knows how long, CPJ is about to start and get big minutes.

Now that is probably gonna make jbk spazz out but until a vet walks through that door, i don't see a lot of other options.

If we want to be real, we know if the 14th/15th man on the roster is playing anything more than garbage time in the playoffs we're in deep trouble ... either way we're just hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.

Our 14th man signing last year that we didn’t trust enough to use is a rotation player for the #1 seed in the east.

I think Green was probably more like 11.

15. Okeke
14. Kardashian
13. Tyson (last season)
12. CPJ (last season)
11. Green
10. Okoro
9. Wade
8. Merrill
7. Hunter
6. Jerome
5. Strus
4. Allen
3. Garland (1 foot)
2. Mobley
1. Mitchell (1 ankle)

[JonFromVA]

If we want to be real, we know if the 14th/15th man on the roster is playing anything more than garbage time in the playoffs we're in deep trouble ... either way we're just hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.

Our 14th man signing last year that we didn’t trust enough to use is a rotation player for the #1 seed in the east.

I think Green was probably more like 11.

15. Okeke
14. Kardashian
13. Tyson (last season)
12. CPJ (last season)
11. Green
10. Okoro
9. Wade
8. Merrill
7. Hunter
6. Jerome
5. Strus
4. Allen
3. Garland (1 foot)
2. Mobley
1. Mitchell (1 ankle)

Yep, Green, CPJ, Tyson, Okeke, and TT all played 39 minutes or less total in the playoffs.

Tyson was 28-8-8 (per36) and 68% TS in the playoffs in his 31 minutes. Green showed some savvy and toughness, but maybe playing the rookie more would have been smart. Likely helped them let Okoro go.