raptorlife4
Long Time Member
Look at the criticism the Raptors face.To be fair, I think ALL top teams that get bounced early in the post season have been criticized. What are the odds GS isn't criticized if they lose in round 1 or 2? Very low.
Look at the criticism the Raptors face.To be fair, I think ALL top teams that get bounced early in the post season have been criticized. What are the odds GS isn't criticized if they lose in round 1 or 2? Very low.
The Cavs were much better than all challengers the last 2 years. The only way they weren't winning the East was injury to LeBron, or major injury to 2 or more other key players. THey we're hands down better. It isn't revisionist history because everyone here said they were going to the Finals before the season started.
This year is much different.
LOL at you saying 100% from '16 is way too high and 55% too low for this year. 55% might be too high. They were stone cold locks in '16. Last year they were darn close to it. They aren't nearly as good this year.
By the way, I had the Warriors at 100% last year. Obviously that assumes avoiding catastrophic injuries.
I think for the latter comparison they will largely be criticized because of the fact so many consider them capable because of LBJ. It is pretty much expected that he will carry the team throughout the first couple of rounds - even quite possibly through the ECF as well. But, I think this season more teams are stepping up & sayin, no way. You will have to strategize to beat us.Oh sure. And that is to be expected. If the Cavs get bounced in the 1st round they deserve to be criticized.
If they lose to the Raptors in the 2nd round? Do they really deserve to be criticized because they lose to a 59 win team that is the #1 seed?
Yea, but rightfully so in the Raps case. They literally were at the top of their conference the last few seasons, played really well against all the other teams but literally wet the bed every time they faced the Cavs.Look at the criticism the Raptors face.
I think for the latter comparison they will largely be criticized because of the fact so many consider them capable because of LBJ. It is pretty much expected that he will carry the team throughout the first couple of rounds - even quite possibly through the ECF as well. But, I think this season more teams are stepping up & sayin, no way. You will have to strategize to beat us.
I'm not complaining or criticizing.
I'm just stating the facts of what the narrative always is before and after the playoffs.
Its not that complicated and I don't think its deniable.
I really don't care what people think about the Cavs or their chances.
Its just funny to see the same thing repeated year in and year out and people acting like its a completely new situation every year.
The situation is different and the narrative is probably more warranted than ever. But at the end of the day its the same narrative, and I guarantee that if the Cavs make the Finals, that narrative will largely disappear, just like it always does.
In place of credit for the Cavs getting the job done, it will turn to a disparagement of the eastern conference. I'd love to be wrong (and if the Cavs get bounced we'll never know), but I'm not.
What are the odds GS isn't criticized if they lose in round 1 or 2? Very low.
@ Gordon---Yeah, trust me, I know you aren't a hater. I'm not arguing that the Cavs aren't in a different situation this year. Its definitely different with Kyrie being gone and all the knew Cavs players and the improvement of the Raptors and emergence of the Sixers.
The situation is different and the narrative is probably more warranted than ever. But at the end of the day its the same narrative, and I guarantee that if the Cavs make the Finals, that narrative will largely disappear, just like it always does.
In place of credit for the Cavs getting the job done, it will turn to a disparagement of the eastern conference. I'd love to be wrong (and if the Cavs get bounced we'll never know), but I'm not.
just out of curiosity
does anyone actually think anyone but the Cavs are coming out of the East?
thats what im saying.I don't. Until Lebron is no longer on the team or someone in the East actually beats them...I expect the Cavs to make it out.
thats what im saying.
I mean- even as #2's go.....I am looking at the East- and what team has a better #2 than Kevin Love?
Maybe Simmons/Embiid if Embiid is healthy? Maybe Lowry to DeRozan's #1?
if anyone out there wants to take the field against the Cavs I will gladly bet them.
@gordontrue
You'll get a kick out of this. I fully expected to be pulling for the Pacers yesterday. Yet, I don't know if it's because of everything that the Cavs have been through...or if it's because of Clarkson and Nance Jr. being on the team...or some combination of the 2.
But I was surprised to find myself kind of pulling for the Cavs yesterday.
Hood is def. the 3rd most talented Cav but he needs to grow a pair and get aggressive.I've really grown fond of both of those guys. They've been better than billed, imo, while Rodney Hood has been slightly disappointing.
I've really grown fond of both of those guys. They've been better than billed, imo, while Rodney Hood has been slightly disappointing.
just out of curiosity
does anyone actually think anyone but the Cavs are coming out of the East?
as far as i can tell I have not seen 1 person go to the wall predicting anyone but the Cavs.
coolNope.
Still picking Cleveland.
But I won't be shocked if they lose this year. I would have been shocked if they lost last year. I know I said they were a bit vulnerable, as did others. To me, Being vulnerable means there is a chance the team could lose. This year, I think the Cavs are a bit more than vulnerable.
Saying they are 55% means they are still prohibitive favorites. They are. Last year the talent gap was large. The gap isn't there this year. The reason everyone, including me, is still picking Cleveland is because of LeBron.