NBA Daily Dribbles: Cavs Content with Hands on Hips at Deadline

Countdown to NBA Trade Deadline: 9 Days

What I’m Reading

• The Cavs might be satisfied just standing pat at the deadline. After all, they do have the best record in the NBA.

• Boston has reportedly shown interest in Sacramento’s Kevin Martin for Ray Allen . Quite the contrary to what Danny Ainge said all last week .

• “Inexcusable Rudeness” — the hot new NBA behind-the-scenes documentary featuring Ty Thomas .

• Apparently T-Mac would love to come to Philadelphia but can’t because the Sixers don’t have the parts required to pull off any sort of deal that would benefit the team. Surprised?

• The Spurs feel that the six new players they brought in over the summer haven’t gelled well enough so far and won’t be looking to add anybody else before the deadline.

What I Think About It

Cavs

For a team that was in the middle of so many heavy trade rumors just last week, that sure is an odd message to send.

It’s either, “Yes, we are that freakin’ good,” or, “You’re out of your mind. Varejao and Ilgauskas for WHO?”

Might be the best thing for them in the long run, though. If a deal was to be made at this point in the season, there’s no guarantee that whoever joins the squad will pick up what the Cavs are putting down. Although I’m pretty sure that even a person who has this would fit in with the friendliness of this team.

But it’s kind of strange that the Cavs would get the word out to other GMs that unless they’re absolutely wowed by an offer, they’re not anticipating any deals.

We’ll wait and see, though, because I have a sneaking suspicion that in the next nine days we might hear a different story come out of Cleveland.

Celtics

Well, I can’t exactly specify the reasoning behind the Celtics potentially pursuing Kevin Martin after denying any interest in Monta Ellis. It seems to me that Monta would not only be the better fit for the style of play the Celtics run (and maybe even spice it up a bit), but he’s just a more dynamic player overall. He’s younger and far superior defensively as well.

But after all, these are the “hush-hush” Celtics. Seems as if every move they’ve made since Ainge came around has blindsided everyone when the news broke. So there’s really no reason to count them in or out of trade deadline activity until 12:01 AM on February 19th.

I do, however, think that any deal involving Boston won’t be as significant as an Allen for Ellis/Martin deal would be.

Ty Thomas

I’m not sure that I’ll ever understand players like Tyrus Thomas. All the talent and potential in the world along with a “rude”-itude (made-up word) and a “me against the world” mentality.

Regardless of if his numbers are more productive in per-minute basis in games where he starts, he has to accept his coach’s decision and try to contribute in whatever role he is put in. Sulking and blowing up is not going to get him back in the first unit. He has to suck it up and play his way back there.

This shifts the momentum of the Bulls trade rumors now. We’ve been hearing about Kirk Hinrich possibilities, but it seemed that most rumors involving the guard were efforts to improve the team. Now, it’s very possible that he’ll be dealt in an effort to get expiring contracts to then include in any deal that will be sending the unattractive Thomas packing.

He’s been a problem for the Bulls since he came into the league so they’re going to be trying desperately to rid themselves of the former LSU star before the deadline.

Sixers

The Sixers have a few “Titanic”-sized contracts that they’d like to sink to the bottom of the sea. Or at least deal. This year alone they dished out about $39 million to Brand, Iguodala, and Dalembert alone. That figure breaks the $40 million mark next year.

It should ring a (Liberty) bell that these are the three players that they’ve been looking to deal for expiring contracts.  However, it’s no coincidence that they’ve had a remarkably tough time unloading them upon willing teams, because other than maybe Iggy, none of those players live up to their bloated contracts.

I wouldn’t exactly rule them out of the running for McGrady, but I certainly wouldn’t put them near the top. They will still make a deal before everything is said and done, but it won’t be one that swings things in their favor.

Side note: somebody stop me from making any more boat jokes.

Spurs

“We've never had a group like this that didn't gel, as far as being consistent night after night,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “I think if we change this person for that person, we'd still have the same problem.”

While he is technically right, if the Spurs were to trade mediocre-off-season-addition player X for above-average-trade-deadline-acquisition player Y, if player Y is better, they’re going to get better. It’s as simple as that.

And who’s to say that a new face around the locker room and on the floor isn’t what the Spurs need to pull things together and make a run?

Deadline deals either make or break a team’s season. If the new guy(s) is/are a perfect fit for the team’s chemistry and style of play, it only increases the likelihood of a deep playoff chase.

Popovich clearly isn’t pleased with his team’s play, so why not mix things up? He can’t believe that the team he currently has will win a title this year. Time is running out for Father Duncan and the gang, so I see no reason not to take some risks here and move some of the Spurs dead weight.

‘Til Wednesday…

PD

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