Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters say they're cool. (USATSI)
More NBA: Power Rankings | Expert Picks | Seasons in Review | Playoff Picture
You could not have made up what happened with the Cleveland Cavaliers this year. They struggled out of the gate. Kyrie Irving has dealt with constant questions about whether he likes it in Cleveland and intends to stay. Andrew Bynum was a non-factor and a locker room cancer. Anderson Varejao's been hurt. They traded for Luol Deng in an emergency "pull the parachute" move to try and sail to the playoffs and that didn't work. They fired their GM.
And the hits just keep on coming.
On Monday, after practice, Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters held their post-practice availability together. The two have faced repeated questions about the relationship in the media this year, with the implication being that the two don't get along. The source of frustration is said to be Waiters' alpha dog mentality and a desire to be "the man" in Cleveland.
And it somehow involves Josh Gordon, wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns:
On "First Take," Gordon was asked about the perceived rift between Irving and guard Dion Waiters, both top-four picks in the NBA draft.
"I talked about it with Dion," Gordon told anchor Skip Bayless. "He's my neighbor in my building, so we hang out all the time. I'm aware of the rift in the locker room. That's just alpha males and supreme athletes trying to share the spotlight."
He said he hoped the two got along but supported the idea that one of the two would have to be traded.
"I'm not opposed to that," Gordon said. "It might play out better."
via Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Browns' Josh Gordon trade barbs - ESPN.
That touched off a firestorm which resulted in Kyrie Irving telling media that Gordon needs to mind his own business. So the mini-press-conference at Cavs practice Monday was an attempt to put the rumors to bed, to make fun of them a little bit, and try and end the beef with Gordon.
"Honestly on the court, off the court, with the best of friends," Irving said.
The two joked about how they actually spoke to each other at practice before discussing the Gordon situation.
"(Outside sources and media) don't know what we do. There will be times when we don't get along on the court," Waiters said. "But that doesn't mean we don't get along."
You have to respect the two for making the appearance. You can't talk about how they won't address an issue and then deride them when they do. They wanted to try and end the constant speculation about it.
Now, do I believe them? When one outlet reports on dischord between two players, even a reputable one, you take it with a grain of salt. But when multiple outlets have alleged the same situation, and it's part of a greater pattern pertaining to Kyrie Irving's attitude towards Cleveland, it's hard to believe everything's fine.
Maybe trying to get out above the situation and squash it was the play. Maybe acknowledging the reports, creating posts like this one, is counterproductive. Either way, as much of a good faith effort as it may have been, it's unlikely it helps end the specuation that the two are doomed for a break-up at some point, especially with the Cavs' unraveling after a playoff charge with Irving out.
Basketball Hot News
Marcus Smart declares for draft, hires agent
Marcus Smart became the first player to declare for the 2014 NBA Draft, doing so last July.
Ever since Smart made the surprising decision to return to Oklahoma State for his sophomore season, the plan had been to leave after it. Now, he’s making it official.
Smart, via John Helsley of The Oklahoman:
“I’ve told my teammates and my coaching staff, this year was my last year here and I am declaring for the NBA Draft,” Smart said. “I have picked an agent, with the Wasserman Group, a great group of guys.
I truly hope Smart enjoyed his extra college season, and if he did, that would justify his decision.
But from a purely Machiavellian standpoint, it’s difficult to see the gains.
Smart’s most-likely draft slot last year would have been No. 2 to the Magic. This year, he’s in the top six of prospects with Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker, Dante Exum and Julius Randle – but toward the bottom of that group. Plus, by delaying the start of his rookie deal, it’ll take longer until he gets his lucrative second contract.
His 3-point percentage barely changed at Oklahoma State (29 as a freshman, 30 as a sophomore), leaving increased doubt whether he can develop into an NBA-level outside shooter. And even beyond his most-serious on-court concern, general managers will have questions about him pushing a fan.
All that said, Smart is an excellent prospect. He’s a 6-foot-4, 220-pound force of a guard, and he just turned 20 years old. There’s plenty of upside left in Smart, who has already shown leadership and passion every team should covet.
Smart is a lock for the top 10, and No. 8 is probably a more-realistic floor. Soon, Smart will get the millions of dollars he deferred when returning to Oklahoma State.
His future is bright, about as bright as it appeared at this time last year. The NBA just had to wait a season for it, but the league will still welcome him with open arms this June.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment