RR9 wrote:R-DAWG wrote:Djh7475 wrote:
Kevin Love is younger, but I certainly don't think he's better. He's certainly the better rebounder, but if you play Horford at the 4 which he should be playing, that isn't as big of a concern. Horford has rated out much better according RPM and VORP the last 3 years, and he is FAR better suited to play alongside Lebron and Kyrie than Love is. If Love isn't your primary or secondary scorer giving you 24+ PPG, his defensive limitations offset his value tremendously. On the other hand, Horford thrives as a 3rd or 4th option who spreads the floor, is elite in the pick and roll/pop, offers defensively versatility and rim protection at the 4, and offers elite passing from several positions.
I would much rather Kyrie and Lebron taking shots than Love, so adding a guy who takes fewer shots but provides similar floor spacing and much better ability in every other aspect of the game outside of rebounding (where Tristan and Lebron are both great regardless) would be an upgrade for the Cavs in my opinion. The fact that we add in Smart, Rozier, and a 1st would make it an absolute no brainer for the Cavs. Smart is already one of the best and most versatile perimeter defenders in the NBA. He's also an incredible playmaker to have off the bench who impacts the game in every way (is a good rebounder, passer, defender, ball handler, etc.) other than shooting the ball well. He's precisely the type of player who helps the Cavs match up with the Warriors.
Rozier is another 2 way guard who is extremely underrated. You are massively underselling those 2 by calling them backup guards. Smart plays starter minutes for the 2nd best team in the East and is essentially a 6th starter on a team that is deep in the backcourt. The fact that Rozier carved out a role at all with Jaylen playing a lot at the 2 was impressive to me, and just like last year, he shined big time in the playoffs. Just because we have the luxury of having the #1 overall pick doesn't mean those 2 have less value to a team like the Cavs.
I don't see how this isn't a no brainer for the Cavs, but I'm not a Cavs fan. Sure they get older, but their window is NOW. Replacing almost all of what Love gives you with Melo and replacing Shumpert (also a poor shooter, but not a great playmaker and he's far more expensive while providing a lesser impact) with Smart, but then drastically upgrading from Rjeff/Frye to Horford would be an amazing offseason for the Cavs. They add 3 players that are better suited to match up against the Warriors (one of which still has a lot of untapped upside), and they also upgrade at several spots across the board.
Love would become Boston's secondary scorer, a role at which he is far superior than Horford at. Additionally, in Cleveland, Horford becomes the 3rd option/stretch 5 that is a more ideal fit.
In a lot of ways a straight Horford for Love swap makes sense. Boston might need to add a little value since Love is younger and the back end of Horford's deal could be scary. But in terms of basketball fit, the trade makes a lot of sense.
Does Love play center for us? OMG...a Love/Olynyk frontcourt would be hilarious given their history!!!
No, you use your resources to acquire a center as you continue to build your team. This trade actually opens up additional cap space for your team.