Kyrie to Boston rumors heating up. Deal nearly complete

[gordontrue]

ummmm...

really...?

Relative to himself, absolutely. Relative to other shooters in the NBA, its still a weakness in his game.

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

I'll say this. I'm a little worried about the likely inevitable Cavs-Celtics playoff matchup.

Similar to when LeBron came back to CLE, when I had a little bit of fear for when they played the Heat. There's something about the added pressure and spotlight of facing the recent friend turned enemy - especially when you are the one that's supposed to win.

I think the Cavs are still the better team on paper - but when both teams are that fired up with something personal to prove, the paper sort of goes out the window, and it becomes about who can use the fire to their advantage and who crumbles under the heat of the fire.

Id say Tatum and Browns development will give us a better feel for that series

if those guys are stars, the Celtics may very well be a strong favorite in that series

 

[Gman]

I was just surprised Boston did nothing to acquire a front court player


question-

if you could sign any of these guys long terms- what order would you choose?

1. Jimmy Butler
2. Paul George
3. Kyrie Irving

?

I hear ya... However, I think a compelling factor for Boston in this scenerio is that they have 2 up and coming wings (Brown, Tatum) alongside Hayward...

... and, clearly, Boston doesn't see IT as part of their long term plans.

So, for Boston, Irving seems like the best choice.

 

[Black Adam]

I'll say this. I'm a little worried about the likely inevitable Cavs-Celtics playoff matchup.

Similar to when LeBron came back to CLE, when I had a little bit of fear for when they played the Heat. There's something about the added pressure and spotlight of facing the recent friend turned enemy - especially when you are the one that's supposed to win.

I think the Cavs are still the better team on paper - but when both teams are that fired up with something personal to prove, the paper sort of goes out the window, and it becomes about who can use the fire to their advantage and who crumbles under the heat of the fire.

as someone said earlier it'll make for some interesting T.V...

and let's face it, the NBA is all about ratings...

 

[WiggyRuss]

I'll say this. I'm a little worried about the likely inevitable Cavs-Celtics playoff matchup.

Similar to when LeBron came back to CLE, when I had a little bit of fear for when they played the Heat. There's something about the added pressure and spotlight of facing the recent friend turned enemy - especially when you are the one that's supposed to win.

I think the Cavs are still the better team on paper - but when both teams are that fired up with something personal to prove, the paper sort of goes out the window, and it becomes about who can use the fire to their advantage and who crumbles under the heat of the fire.

depends on what subsequent moves Boston makes.

Cavs front court is still a major advantage--- and the Celtics lost their best 2 perimeter defenders in Crowder and Bradley---- who guards LeBron? A 19 year old Tatum? 20 year old Brown?

 

[gordontrue]

as someone said earlier it'll make for some interesting T.V...

and let's face it, the NBA is all about ratings...

With Kyrie, IT, PG13, Butler, CP3, Hayward, Dwight, Millsap, and maybe Melo all changing teams... there's going to be no shortage of storylines for the tv networks this season.

 

[gordontrue]

depends on what subsequent moves Boston makes.

Cavs front court is still a major advantage--- and the Celtics lost their best 2 perimeter defenders in Crowder and Bradley---- who guards LeBron? A 19 year old Tatum? 20 year old Brown?

Agreed. The Celtics changed so drastically (which is pretty crazy considering they were a #1 seed with so much youth) that it'll be hard to know what to expect from them until well into the season, I think.

4 starters gone.

 

[larryjohn]

No question.
Kyrie is gone in 2 years.
Danny just set the franchise back 4 years, easy.
And any of the top 5 or 6 players in next years draft are better than Tatum or Brown.

I think that a lot will depend on Kyrie's attitude & team play. If he plays for the good of the team -- gets Hayward & Horford & young guys involved -- and if he acts like the team leader -- this could work great for him. (and starts having more pride on D end) It will be interesting to watch his assists/game. Having Stevens should really help.

But ... if Kyrie tries to be the Russell W or Harden in Boston ... tries to win MVP by himself ... it may not go well. Ironically, if he really learned how to be a leader from Lebron -- it could really help him in Boston.

Y2011 draft ... #1 pick traded for #60 & other stuff.

 

[WiggyRuss]

“when did kyrie start wearing a headband?” “jr, that’s isaiah thomas.”

 

[tducey]

The Cavs won the deal. Thomas is better than Irving. Also the Cavs got Crowder, a high 1st and another player. The Celtics will still be good but they took a step back in this deal.

 

[trojanfan12]

Agreed. Lots of people saying the Celts got slightly worse but I just dont see it.

Yeah, I don't either. Kyrie is every bit as good offensively, if not slightly better than IT, and while Kyrie may have graduated from the James Harden School of Defense, he's still a little better than IT on that end of the floor.

Plus, Kyrie can work on his defense and while IT can do the same, his size is always going to put him at a disadvantage.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

 

[Gman]

Thomas is better than Irving.

That's seriously your opinion?

 

[trojanfan12]

I'll say this. I'm a little worried about the likely inevitable Cavs-Celtics playoff matchup.

Similar to when LeBron came back to CLE, when I had a little bit of fear for when they played the Heat. There's something about the added pressure and spotlight of facing the recent friend turned enemy - especially when you are the one that's supposed to win.

I think the Cavs are still the better team on paper - but when both teams are that fired up with something personal to prove, the paper sort of goes out the window, and it becomes about who can use the fire to their advantage and who crumbles under the heat of the fire.

The trade moves the Celtics closer to the Cavs, I doubt it gets them past the Cavs. It does give them a better shot than they had last year though.

The Celtics still need to address their rebounding issues and the Cavs still have Lebron.

 

[Blotch]

when you've continuously botched those picks....and it's the most top heavy draft of them all....yes it's the key.

Are you a Celtics hater or is the Debbie Downer schtick your thing?

 

[Blotch]

Id say Tatum and Browns development will give us a better feel for that series

if those guys are stars, the Celtics may very well be a strong favorite in that series

Unless LeBron falls back to earth, no team in the East will be a strong favorite against Cleveland until he stops going to the Finals.

Right now, the Celtics have more talent. Quite a bit more talent, honestly.

But they don't have James and that's all that matters until someone proves otherwise.

 

[Blotch]

LOL......Agreed, but Hayward was born to play in Boston.......He will be more popular than anyone that steps in that city during his time

If he approaches KG/Pierce levels of popularity, I'll be thrilled.

 

[Blotch]

Its been reported here that the Cavs would absolutely do Irving for Porzingas

I think they did far far better here

No... No... Nooooooo...

 

[The Q]

Are you a Celtics hater or is the Debbie Downer schtick your thing?

Just bring some real honesty to the discussion.

Neither Brown nor Tatum was the 3rd best player in their draft.

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

Unless LeBron falls back to earth, no team in the East will be a strong favorite against Cleveland until he stops going to the Finals.

Right now, the Celtics have more talent. Quite a bit more talent, honestly.

But they don't have James and that's all that matters until someone proves otherwise.

Cant wait for the Lebron haters to try and defend him going to another NBA Finals while this Cavs team will be clearly weaker than last season