GT #11: Bullets @ Cavs 7 PM (NBCSW/980 AM) [11/10/21]

[Wizardspride]

Its harder to be upset that we didn't tank last year, since not tanking let Westbrook recover his trade value and net the return that's catapulted us into a good team. But damn...Evan Mobley is going to be really good. Tim Duncan or KD level seems probable.

I don’t know if that level is ever probable. Those are both top 10/15 of all time. A lot of good players you skipped. It’ll be fun to watch him develop but I have the same concern about him now that I did during the draft. He’s too small to play the 5 and can’t shoot well enough to space the floor. Having both him and Allen on the floor at the same time limits spacing. They are overachieving now so it seems like credit is due but in the long run success this season will hurt them. They need an elite pg/wing. Garland is solid but he’s not elite. If I’m upper management I’m taking for an elite player to pair with Mobley.

Sexton was out for them. I think they’re more athletic and much bigger. Markaenen was also out. Not sure how much Kevin Love has left but he can rebound and hit threes.

IMHO Cleveland has more talent than the Wizards.

They’ve also got a very good coach. JB Bickerstaff (Bernie was a good coach, better than Big Wes)

I think Cleveland just needs time. They’re a problem.

Perhaps...but we are missing Rui, Davis and Thomas ourselves.

[nate33]

I don’t know if that level is ever probable. Those are both top 10/15 of all time. A lot of good players you skipped. It’ll be fun to watch him develop but I have the same concern about him now that I did during the draft. He’s too small to play the 5 and can’t shoot well enough to space the floor. Having both him and Allen on the floor at the same time limits spacing. They are overachieving now so it seems like credit is due but in the long run success this season will hurt them. They need an elite pg/wing. Garland is solid but he’s not elite. If I’m upper management I’m taking for an elite player to pair with Mobley.

Sexton was out for them. I think they’re more athletic and much bigger. Markaenen was also out. Not sure how much Kevin Love has left but he can rebound and hit threes.

IMHO Cleveland has more talent than the Wizards.

They’ve also got a very good coach. JB Bickerstaff (Bernie was a good coach, better than Big Wes)

I think Cleveland just needs time. They’re a problem.

Perhaps...but we are missing Rui, Davis and Thomas ourselves.

At the moment, I think the Wizards are a little better, but there is no question that Cleveland has a brighter future. Their top 3 players: Mobley, Garland and Allen, are 20, 22 and 23 respectively.

[mhd]

Sexton was out for them. I think they’re more athletic and much bigger. Markaenen was also out. Not sure how much Kevin Love has left but he can rebound and hit threes.

IMHO Cleveland has more talent than the Wizards.

They’ve also got a very good coach. JB Bickerstaff (Bernie was a good coach, better than Big Wes)

I think Cleveland just needs time. They’re a problem.

Perhaps...but we are missing Rui, Davis and Thomas ourselves.

At the moment, I think the Wizards are a little better, but there is no question that Cleveland has a brighter future. Their top 3 players: Mobley, Garland and Allen, are 20, 22 and 23 respectively.

I think they were unlucky in the 2020 draft (which looks awful aside from Edwards and Ball). They would have been better off taking Vessell over Okoro.

[Kanyewest]

Okoro did do a good job on Beal - at least that's what the Cavs announcers were suggesting.

[Dat2U]

Cleveland is legit. I agree with CCJ, they are more talented and Mobley has alot of Duncan traits as I noted the very first time I watched him last year. This was one impressive win. This win confirms to me that we got one the very best coaches in the NBA already. In fact, there is not another coach that I'd want in the league right now... I'm just blown away at how good Wes has been. You tell really tell by the late game execution and plays right after a out of a timeout. We know what to do. We are incredibly well prepared. I've never seen a Wizards team in 40 years of watching the game, as fundamentally sound and disciplined defensively as this team is.

[dckingsfan]

Cleveland is legit. I agree with CCJ, they are more talented and Mobley has alot of Duncan traits as I noted the very first time I watched him last year. This was one impressive win. This win confirms to me that we got one the very best coaches in the NBA already. In fact, there is not another coach that I'd want in the league right now... I'm just blown away at how good Wes has been. You tell really tell by the late game execution and plays right after a out of a timeout. We know what to do. We are incredibly well prepared. I've never seen a Wizards team in 40 years of watching the game, as fundamentally sound and disciplined defensively as this team is.

Are we really tied for first?

[dlts20]

Its harder to be upset that we didn't tank last year, since not tanking let Westbrook recover his trade value and net the return that's catapulted us into a good team. But damn...Evan Mobley is going to be really good. Tim Duncan or KD level seems probable.

I don’t know if that level is ever probable. Those are both top 10/15 of all time. A lot of good players you skipped. It’ll be fun to watch him develop but I have the same concern about him now that I did during the draft. He’s too small to play the 5 and can’t shoot well enough to space the floor. Having both him and Allen on the floor at the same time limits spacing. They are overachieving now so it seems like credit is due but in the long run success this season will hurt them. They need an elite pg/wing. Garland is solid but he’s not elite. If I’m upper management I’m taking for an elite player to pair with Mobley.

Sexton was out for them. I think they’re more athletic and much bigger. Markaenen was also out. Not sure how much Kevin Love has left but he can rebound and hit threes.

IMHO Cleveland has more talent than the Wizards.

They’ve also got a very good coach. JB Bickerstaff (Bernie was a good coach, better than Big Wes)

I think Cleveland just needs time. They’re a problem.

Cavs fans say that they play better without sexton. Love is trash now and Laure isn't far behind. They aren't better than us. Brad hasn't even played well considering

[queridiculo]

Have a look at that Kuz game winner how ridiculous the whole Beal not getting a call issue is getting.

Stevens is clearly attempting to take a foul as Beal turns that corner after breaking open from the pick. Both hands on his back one full hand of his jersey, no call.

It worked in the Wizards favor obviously, but when you have Stevens and Bickerstaff complaining that there was a take a foul after Kuz made that corner three you know something's up.

[prime1time]

Sexton was out for them. I think they’re more athletic and much bigger. Markaenen was also out. Not sure how much Kevin Love has left but he can rebound and hit threes.

IMHO Cleveland has more talent than the Wizards.

They’ve also got a very good coach. JB Bickerstaff (Bernie was a good coach, better than Big Wes)

I think Cleveland just needs time. They’re a problem.

Perhaps...but we are missing Rui, Davis and Thomas ourselves.

At the moment, I think the Wizards are a little better, but there is no question that Cleveland has a brighter future. Their top 3 players: Mobley, Garland and Allen, are 20, 22 and 23 respectively.

I don’t know that. People love to project all we can say is we will see. Tbh, if the Cavs keep on winning I’d be more down on them. They need elite talent to pair with Mobley. Garlands and Allen are solid but that will not get it done. A lot of love for Mobley on this thread but we should point out… Kareem needed Oscar and Magic to win a ship. KG didn’t win in Minnesota. Malone never won anything and he had Stockton. Duncan had Manu and Parker. Shaq needed Kobe and D Wade. Until they get another HOF caliber player on that team I’m skeptical about projections penciling them in to contender status.

And I still believe that the best way forward for them is to have Mobley add weight and play the 5. I think the Cavs are overplaying their performance. The inefficiency of having both Mobley and Allen on the floor hurts their offense. The Wizards played badly but because the Cavs struggle to score we still managed to win because Kuz got hot late. Against elite teams with spacing Cavs will be unable to pack the paint and they will still struggle to score.

That’s why no team plays this style anymore. There is no margin for error. So due to the incompatibility of Allen and Mobley I like the Wizards going forward the next 2 to 3 years than the Cavs. Mobley won’t even be in his prime for another 5 to 7 years…they should trade Allen and tank imo.

[prime1time]

I don’t know if that level is ever probable. Those are both top 10/15 of all time. A lot of good players you skipped. It’ll be fun to watch him develop but I have the same concern about him now that I did during the draft. He’s too small to play the 5 and can’t shoot well enough to space the floor. Having both him and Allen on the floor at the same time limits spacing. They are overachieving now so it seems like credit is due but in the long run success this season will hurt them. They need an elite pg/wing. Garland is solid but he’s not elite. If I’m upper management I’m taking for an elite player to pair with Mobley.

Sexton was out for them. I think they’re more athletic and much bigger. Markaenen was also out. Not sure how much Kevin Love has left but he can rebound and hit threes.

IMHO Cleveland has more talent than the Wizards.

They’ve also got a very good coach. JB Bickerstaff (Bernie was a good coach, better than Big Wes)

I think Cleveland just needs time. They’re a problem.

Cavs fans say that they play better without sexton. Love is trash now and Laure isn't far behind. They aren't better than us. Brad hasn't even played well considering

Markkanen doesn’t fit on the roster and Sexton doesn’t pass. If I’m the Cavs I’m tanking. Mobley is a stud. But I’m going to be honest, there are players coming that will challenge a Mobley for the title of best young big man. Chet Holmgren is a stud and Victor Wembayana is better than both of them. For my money, Wembayana is the best prospect since KD and a player that belongs in the conversation of best prospects ever.

Watch on YouTube

So as good as Mobley is perspective is needed.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Cleveland is legit. I agree with CCJ, they are more talented and Mobley has alot of Duncan traits as I noted the very first time I watched him last year. This was one impressive win. This win confirms to me that we got one the very best coaches in the NBA already. In fact, there is not another coach that I'd want in the league right now... I'm just blown away at how good Wes has been. You tell really tell by the late game execution and plays right after a out of a timeout. We know what to do. We are incredibly well prepared. I've never seen a Wizards team in 40 years of watching the game, as fundamentally sound and disciplined defensively as this team is.

The scary part is Mobley has an ideal "big brother". Jarrett Allen loves the weight room. He has a very strong work ethic that can be emulated. Allen already handles the rough and tough stuff. Evan will gradually fill out and bulk up.

Allen will probably develop range on his shot! I love this Wizards team but I'd take Allen even over Daniel Gafford. (Only because Gaff is a bit frail. Daniel has advantages! He's great, too). I just see Allen and Mobley owning if they stay healthy. They COULD become a Parrish and McHale, all-time great duo in time.

Dat is on point about Evan Mobley having Tim Duncan potential.

I rated Mobley number one in this past draft. No doubt in my mind I had him higher than Cunningham.

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[nate33]

Cleveland is legit. I agree with CCJ, they are more talented and Mobley has alot of Duncan traits as I noted the very first time I watched him last year. This was one impressive win. This win confirms to me that we got one the very best coaches in the NBA already. In fact, there is not another coach that I'd want in the league right now... I'm just blown away at how good Wes has been. You tell really tell by the late game execution and plays right after a out of a timeout. We know what to do. We are incredibly well prepared. I've never seen a Wizards team in 40 years of watching the game, as fundamentally sound and disciplined defensively as this team is.

The scary part is Mobley has an ideal "big brother". Jarrett Allen loves the weight room. He has a very strong work ethic that can be emulated. Allen already handles the rough and tough stuff. Evan will gradually fill out and bulk up.

Allen will probably develop range on his shot! I love this Wizards team but I'd take Allen even over Daniel Gafford. (Only because Gaff is a bit frail. Daniel has advantages! He's great, too). I just see Allen and Mobley owning if they stay healthy. They COULD become a Parrish and McHale, all-time great duo in time.

Dat is on point about Evan Mobley having Tim Duncan potential.

I rated Mobley number one in this past draft. No doubt in my mind I had him higher than Cunningham.

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Agreed. Allen is ideal as a mentor for Mobley. It allows Mobley to play more PF and save the wear and tear on his not-yet-fully-developed frame.

Down the road, it may make sense to trade Allen for a perimeter player of equivalent value and move Mobley to center; but not now.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Perhaps...but we are missing Rui, Davis and Thomas ourselves.

At the moment, I think the Wizards are a little better, but there is no question that Cleveland has a brighter future. Their top 3 players: Mobley, Garland and Allen, are 20, 22 and 23 respectively.

I don’t know that. People love to project all we can say is we will see. Tbh, if the Cavs keep on winning I’d be more down on them. They need elite talent to pair with Mobley. Garlands and Allen are solid but that will not get it done. A lot of love for Mobley on this thread but we should point out… Kareem needed Oscar and Magic to win a ship. KG didn’t win in Minnesota. Malone never won anything and he had Stockton. Duncan had Manu and Parker. Shaq needed Kobe and D Wade. Until they get another HOF caliber player on that team I’m skeptical about projections penciling them in to contender status.

And I still believe that the best way forward for them is to have Mobley add weight and play the 5. I think the Cavs are overplaying their performance. The inefficiency of having both Mobley and Allen on the floor hurts their offense. The Wizards played badly but because the Cavs struggle to score we still managed to win because Kuz got hot late. Against elite teams with spacing Cavs will be unable to pack the paint and they will still struggle to score.

That’s why no team plays this style anymore. There is no margin for error. So due to the incompatibility of Allen and Mobley I like the Wizards going forward the next 2 to 3 years than the Cavs. Mobley won’t even be in his prime for another 5 to 7 years…they should trade Allen and tank imo.

I don't disagree about Mobley at the 5.

KG started out at SF for Sam Mitchell in Minnesota. It didn't prevent him from fully developing. Mobley is a Duncan. Greatest PF potential. Was DUNCAN also a great C when David Robinson retired? Yes, he was!

Mobley definitely won't be as physically overwhelming at C as Joel Embiid. He's not as athletic as Giannis. Nowhere near as explosive. He's not as strong as KG.

But...he's got a COMPLETE game. Evan Mobley is farther along skill wise at 20.

He's up there.

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Sexton was out for them. I think they’re more athletic and much bigger. Markaenen was also out. Not sure how much Kevin Love has left but he can rebound and hit threes.

IMHO Cleveland has more talent than the Wizards.

They’ve also got a very good coach. JB Bickerstaff (Bernie was a good coach, better than Big Wes)

I think Cleveland just needs time. They’re a problem.

Cavs fans say that they play better without sexton. Love is trash now and Laure isn't far behind. They aren't better than us. Brad hasn't even played well considering

Markkanen doesn’t fit on the roster and Sexton doesn’t pass. If I’m the Cavs I’m tanking. Mobley is a stud. But I’m going to be honest, there are players coming that will challenge a Mobley for the title of best young big man. Chet Holmgren is a stud and Victor Wembayana is better than both of them. For my money, Wembayana is the best prospect since KD and a player that belongs in the conversation of best prospects ever.

Watch on YouTube

So as good as Mobley is perspective is needed.

I've got perspective.

Wizards fans just don't want to hear anything good about another team because they get butt hurt or feel threatened.

I speak the truth that I SEE. Why bring up unnecessary negative thoughts when discussing strength of an opponent?

We are ready mentally and have a REAL NICE roster. I was saying 50 wins back in August.

Still feel that way.

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Wembayana is a beast, for sure. French kid.. However, he's almost too tall IMO. Ralph Sampson comes to mind.

Him, the big kid at Duke, and Chet Holmgren are going to be battling Mobley soon enough.

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[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I just watched the game this morning.

I thought Beal played an EXCELLENT game. You heard me. He was honestly pretty damn close to flawless in his decision making. Despite struggling from the field, he didn't take a single bad shot, and he always kept his head up and made the right pass to his teammates. He was also very good on defense and held his own whenever he got switched onto a big. I really think the Beal of the last 2 seasons would have gotten frustrated with all the off-ball hand-checking by Cleveland and he would have forced a ton of bad shots. Instead, Beal drew a bunch of fouls coming off screens, acted as a decoy, and made the right pass when necessary. I'll note that Beal made the assist on those final two Kuzma 3's, and Beal hit a 3 himself down the stretch.

Harrell was obviously a monster this game. He just killed Cleveland in the first half, single-handedly keeping the Wizards in the game. Every once in a while, he needs to realize that when he is surrounded by two 7-footers, that maybe he ought to pass out rather than go for the dunk.

The Wizards outrebounded Cleveland 49-40. They won the turnover battle 14-12. And they hit all 17 of their free throws (while Cleveland went 15-21). Those little things helped them to win a game despite shooting just 41.7% from the floor.

The whole team deserves a lot of credit for never giving up and winning ugly. It's hard to believe that the team was down 87-78 with 6:00 to go, and down 93-89 with :30 to go, but still stole the win. I'm not even sure how they did it.

I really like Cleveland. With their two incredible rim protectors, it allows their guards to play very aggressively, jumping all the screens and fighting over top - knowing the worst shot they'll give up is a floater or a pull up jumper. Mobley and Allen are really impressive, and Garland is a legit starting PG in this league. They have the foundation for a long run as a perennial 50-win team.

The thought just occurred to me that I live in Ohio and should probably start rooting for them

As far as I’m concerned they’re already the Wizards’ cousins…

Jarett Allen was supposed to be at Wizard. Kevin Love has a middle name that was given to him in honor of our Big Wes. Kevin Love's father was a Baltimore Bullets player. JB Bickerstaff, the head coach of the Cavaliers, and Wes Unseld Jr were literally children who played together at Cap Centre. Bernie Bickerstaff was also a Wizards coach.

I’m a Cleveland fan whenever they’re not playing Washington.

[doclinkin]

Trez reminds me a little of John Wall in his interviews. His brain goes so fast that his mouth can barely keep up.

Yeah and both are from round the way in the Carolinas. I always thought in the South people were supposed to talk slow, but it seems like North Cackalacka does it different.

[Ruzious]

Wembayana is a beast, for sure. French kid.. However, he's almost too tall IMO. Ralph Sampson comes to mind.

Him, the big kid at Duke, and Chet Holmgren are going to be battling Mobley soon enough.

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The only one I've seen so far is Chet. He's such a unique player. Not sure I've ever seen a 7 footer with his skill level. Howevuh, he's got the kind of body that's not going to be able to add a lot of muscle - even moreso than Poku of OKC. I just don't know how that's going to work in the NBA. I think - under the right coach, he could be as good or even better than Mobley. But in a bad environment with a bad coach, he'll have major problems.

[payitforward]

Markkanen doesn’t fit on the roster and Sexton doesn’t pass. If I’m the Cavs I’m tanking. Mobley is a stud. But I’m going to be honest, there are players coming that will challenge a Mobley for the title of best young big man. Chet Holmgren is a stud and Victor Wembayana is better than both of them. For my money, Wembayana is the best prospect since KD and a player that belongs in the conversation of best prospects ever.... So as good as Mobley is perspective is needed.

Markkanen & Sexton are both really bad players. No help there. & Love's contract will slow them down.

But, you underestimate Jarrett Allen (by a lot!), & Garland has a chance to be really good. Plus, how does it matter whether Holmgren & Wembayana are terrific? They don't make Mobley any less good than he is!

Still, they are definitely not all the way there. Not nearly. There are a fair number of unknowns (Okoro, Windler, Wade...). If those guys develop well, they can establish themselves.

Plus, now they have nate as a secondary fan!!