NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Speculation Surrounding Cavaliers and More
The NBA rumor mill is such an intriguing topic for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it involves almost every team in the league.
After all, if we are talking playoff scenarios, it only involves those that are serious title contenders. If we are talking individual statistics and potential award winners, it only involves those teams fortunate enough to have individual superstars leading the way.
However, trade talk involves every team from the desperate ones trying to make a move to bolster their short-term title chances to the rebuilding ones that are looking to improve their long-term standing.
There were trade rumors surrounding both types of teams on Monday. Read on to find the latest.
Cleveland Cavaliersย
Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio passed along an update on the Cleveland Cavaliers:
Entering play on Monday, the Cavaliers were 23rd in the NBA in rebounds per game and 25th in points allowed per game. Those are the two basic stats that immediately jump out when a squad doesnโt have enough size or muscle down low on the defensive end, but it gets worse with a deeper look.
The Cavaliers boasted the third-worst opponent shooting percentage inside of five feet entering play on Monday at 64.3, which was narrowly behind only the Charlotte Hornets (65.3) and Minnesota Timberwolves (64.4), via NBA.com. That means opponents have had an easier time converting shots at the rim against the Cavaliers than all but two teams in the entire league.
It is really no wonder that the front office is looking for help along the front line with rebounding and rim-protection numbers like that.
For all of Kevin Loveโs talents, his weight loss and tendency to play outside of the paint donโt help protect the basket, and Anderson Varejao is a health risk at best.
Perhaps it is time for Tristan Thompson, who grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked two shots in the victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday, to see more than his 23 minutes a night if the team canโt make a move in the near future.
The Cavaliers will need to protect the basket if they want to win an NBA title this season, so it will be interesting to see if they make any corresponding moves as the trade deadline approaches.
Philadelphia 76ers
Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv provided an update on the Philadelphia 76ers:
โSeveral NBA sources said Philly could easily trade one of their current bigs if they opt to draft Okafor at No. 1 (assuming they get the No. 1 pick).โ
The Okafor in question is Dukeโs Jahlil Okafor, and he has already made an impression on NBA scouts and front offices with his ability to score on the low block with strength, formidable footwork and a tenacity that helps him crash the offensive glass.
He is the best low-post scorer in the country at the college level and is only a freshman, so there is plenty of improvement in his future, which is a scary proposition for both college and NBA players.
For as immensely talented as Okafor is, though, it is surprising to hear the possibility of Joel Embiid or Nerlens Noel being thrown into trade talks. Embiid is yet to set foot on an NBA floor, and Noel has not had nearly enough time to demonstrate what he is capable of as a low-post threat.
The 76ers still haven't won a basketball game this season and are certainly the odds-on favorite to land the NBAโs top pick when they inevitably finish with the worst record in the league. However, they are far more than just one piece away, and trading one of the young big men to get another one would mean they still havenโt improved in a number of other areas.
Philadelphia must truly think highly of the Duke star if that is its planned course of action.
One person who has certainly taken notice of the losing in the NBA with his future at stake is Okafor himself, via Zagoria:
"โJust when I get on Twitter, I get Sixers fans Tweeting me, Knicksย fans Tweeting me, Lakers fans Tweeting me, soย I see a lot of that stuff when I get on Twitter,โ Okafor told me.
He has his own set of slogans already:
โLose some more for Okaforโ
โForget how to score for Okaforโ
โFall on the floor for Okaforโ
โJust some of the slogans, theyโre all pretty funny,โ Okafor said.ย
"
They may just be amusing slogans but also serve as fairly good advice for teams that arenโt going to reach the playoffs this season. Okafor is worth the losing.
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