Rating the 6 most harmful groups that might derail the Cavs’ Finals run: Wine and Gold Speak podcast

Takeaways:

• Cleveland Cavaliers Projected as Jap Convention Leaders: The Cavaliers are projected to be the primary seed within the Jap Convention and have the second-best report within the NBA behind solely the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. Each hosts agree that Cleveland has “essentially the most gifted roster within the East” and has made good offseason strikes whereas sustaining their core group beneath coach Kenny Atkinson.
• Orlando Magic Emerges as Severe Contender: Each Sands and Watkins rank the Orlando Magic because the second most harmful crew to the Cavaliers. The Magic’s offseason additions of Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane considerably tackle their earlier weaknesses in taking pictures and playmaking. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner anticipated to proceed bettering, and a bodily defensive id already established, Orlando is taken into account a “legit risk” that beforehand took the Cavs to seven video games.
• New York Knicks Stay a Formidable Opponent: Jimmy Watkins ranks the Knicks as the highest risk, citing their convention finals look and Jalen Brunson’s clutch performances. The bodily frontcourt of OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Cities poses matchup issues, whereas new coach Mike Brown is predicted to “modernize the Knicks offense.” The Knicks additionally preserve flexibility with movable contracts ought to they should make midseason changes.
• Milwaukee Bucks Nonetheless Harmful Regardless of Roster Questions: The Bucks stay a risk primarily due to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who each hosts contemplate a top-three participant within the NBA. Whereas they lack a real ball handler after Damian Lillard’s departure, the addition of Myles Turner and shooters like Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., and Kyle Kuzma gives higher spacing for Giannis. Nevertheless, each hosts query whether or not this is sufficient to significantly problem the Cavaliers in a playoff collection.
• Philadelphia 76ers Well being Issues Restrict Their Ceiling: The 76ers’ potential is proscribed by well being issues surrounding Joel Embiid and Paul George. Whereas they’ve promising younger expertise in Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and VJ Edgecombe, Jimmy Watkins expressed skepticism: “I simply don’t belief anybody on this crew that issues within the playoffs to remain wholesome.” Their ceiling could possibly be excessive if wholesome, however each hosts contemplate this unlikely primarily based on current historical past.
• Boston Celtics Stay in Rivalry Regardless of Roster Adjustments: Jimmy Watkins contains the Celtics in his prime three threats regardless of Jayson Tatum’s damage and vital roster modifications. He cites the core of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Anfernee Simons as nonetheless formidable, whereas noting their elevated flexibility may result in midseason additions. Ethan Sands disagrees, pointing to their “abysmal” frontcourt depth with Georges Niang probably beginning at energy ahead as a serious legal responsibility in opposition to the Cavaliers.
• Detroit Pistons Constructing Round Younger Expertise: The Pistons are seen as a growing crew with a promising younger core led by Cade Cunningham. Their offseason acquisitions of Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson tackle taking pictures and playmaking wants, whereas they proceed to develop Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. Nevertheless, each hosts agree they lack the playoff expertise to significantly problem the Cavaliers in a seven-game collection.
• Matchup Issues Key to Playoff Success: A recurring theme all through the dialogue is how particular participant matchups may neutralize the Cavaliers’ strengths. Significantly regarding is the Atlanta Hawks’ Kristaps Porzingis, who traditionally has restricted Evan Mobley’s effectiveness. The hosts emphasize that groups with size, physicality, and defensive versatility pose the best challenges to Cleveland, particularly in playoff settings the place the Cavaliers have “proven for 3 years in a row that they behave in a different way.”
• Playoff Efficiency Stays the Final Take a look at: Regardless of the Cavaliers’ projected common season success, each hosts specific concern about how Cleveland will carry out in high-pressure playoff conditions. The flexibility to execute in late-game situations and reply to adversity stays the most important query mark for Cleveland, no matter their expertise benefit over most Jap Convention groups.

Hear utilizing the participant under:

It’s also possible to hear utilizing your most well-liked podcast app. Subscription data is under.

Subscribe and hear on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

The video model of the podcast is on YouTube as nicely.

Transcript

NOTE: This transcript was generated by synthetic intelligence and will include misspellings and errors.

Ethan Sands: What up Cavs Nation? I’m your host Ethan Sands, and I’m again with one other episode of the Wine and Gold Speak podcast. Becoming a member of me on right this moment’s episode, Jimmy Watkins, cleveland.com’s columnist. And Chris Fedor couldn’t make it right this moment as a result of he’s on his method to summer time league in Las Vegas. Jimmy, there’s a lot happening across the league. We’ve talked in regards to the summer time strikes which have been taking place across the NBA free company, trades and all the good things that comes with it. And now we’re going to get the chance to look at some basketball. Sure, it’s summer time league, however sure, I’m nonetheless excited for the season to be coming across the nook. That’s what summer time league signifies to fulfill. However as I discussed, there have been strikes across the margins which have helped these groups. Clearly the NBA draft might help with that, however I needed to interrupt down a number of the groups that might pose the most important risk to the Cleveland Cavaliers as we’re virtually halfway via the summer time and making an attempt to determine what free company and trades have accomplished for the groups across the Jap Convention. Let’s go along with the highest six. Six I’m gonna allow you to begin. Who do you may have because the sixth finest crew within the Jap Convention relating to difficult the Cleveland Cavaliers and stopping them from reaching the NBA Finals?

Jimmy Watkins: Type of flip a coin between the Bucs and Pistons right here. I feel the Pistons are deeper than the Bucks. I don’t suppose that both of those groups are notably have the Cavs quaking of their sneakers at this level. However it’s a must to respect Giannis in any playoff collection a entrance line of Miles Turner and Giannis is defensively a formidable mixture. Miles Turner just isn’t fairly the all world rim protector he was perhaps in his mid-20s, however he’s nonetheless fairly good there. And Giannis is Giannis and pairing Giannis with a stretch massive. Now we have tons and plenty of knowledge on that from his time with Brook Lopez that that basically works sufficient. I simply don’t know who’s dribbling the ball for that crew for a lot of the yr. And in playoff collection the Bucs mainly introduced their complete crew again in addition to Dame and Brook Lopez. Possibly Pat Connachin too and didn’t exchange Dame actually simply changed Brook Lopez with Miles Turner, which I feel is a marginal as much as marginal plus improve and stated okay Giannis, let’s go win a championship with this or compete for a championship with this. I simply should suppose there’s one other transfer coming from them. I’m wanting on the Kuzma contract 22ish million. I’m a 2032 first spherical choose. I feel the Nuggets are the one crew which have traded a pick that far thus far. However for those who’re making an attempt to retain Giannis, I’d say it’s all arms on deck. I suppose I might go common season I feel it’s Pistons, Bucks in that order be 5, 6 however I feel in a playoff season I nonetheless simply it’s Giannis so I’ll go Bucks, Pistons once more, unsure both. These groups are respectable threats.

Ethan Sands: So Jimmy, I even have the Detroit Pistons as my quantity six crew on this checklist and I’ve gone into the completely different analytics relating to these groups which have already posed completely different points to the Cavs clearly in recent times in Detroit and taking into the notion of clearly the common season and the playoffs, I simply don’t suppose that the Detroit Pistons have the expertise but of playoff performances. Clearly that they had a fantastic collection in opposition to the New York Knicks, however I feel the New York Knicks don’t pose the identical sorts of issues that the Cleveland Cavaliers would for the Detroit Pistons in a seven recreation collection. With that stated, I do wish to go into slightly little bit of their depth chart which I discovered very fascinating with the strikes that they’ve made. Clearly they’ve Cade Cunningham operating the factors as their all star guard Jaden Ivey is about to return after lacking a majority of final season. Asar Thompson, they’re searching for him to have extra of a facilitating position to assist Cade Cunningham get off the ball slightly bit extra coming into this subsequent season. Tobias Harris, Jalen Duran after which clearly additionally they went and bought Caris Lavert and Duncan Robinson, two off season acquisitions that I really feel like work alongside. One, the mandatory taking pictures that they misplaced or could possibly be dropping with Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. And Duncan Robinson and in addition the ball dealing with and facilitation that we talked about in Karis Lavert. In addition they bought Marcus Sassard, Ronald Holland the second and Isaiah Stewart after all and Paul Reed on that backline as nicely. So I feel they’ve completely different items which might be nonetheless working to learn the way they mess collectively. Their beginning lineup has been collectively for an honest minute. It’s about re acclimating Jaden Ivey determining what his position goes to be on this crew out productive he’s going to have the ability to be within the yr getting back from damage. However Jimmy, you talked about your quantity 5 choose and I truly don’t have Milwaukee as my quantity 5 choose. I’ve the Philadelphia 76ers as my quantity 5 choose and seeing how they’ve a number of completely different gamers getting back from damage this coming season. Tyrese Maxey must be wholesome. Joel Embiid, who is aware of, must be wholesome. Paul George must also be wholesome. After which we discuss their potential rookie of the yr who’s taking part in out of his thoughts to begin the season in Jared McCain. Additionally, let me point out that they went and drafted somebody that I’m extraordinarily excessive on out of the NBA draft in VJ who comes from Baylor. A 6 or 5, 180. You possibly can name him a win, you’ll be able to name him a go. I see him as a man who’s hungry and needs to win on the highest degree. He’s the man who had some of the inspirational and emotional tales on draft night time that I feel hits arduous for lots of various individuals who wish to see simply gamers of this caliber win. Additionally, they nonetheless have on their roster Kelly Oubre Jr. Justin Edwards and Andre Drummond at this level. So I feel it’s going to be fascinating, together with Quentin grimes, how this 76ers offense runs if they will preserve their well being. Jimmy, what do you consider the 76ers and do you may have them in your checklist or have been they a forgotten trigger for you?

Jimmy Watkins: I simply don’t belief anybody on this crew that issues within the playoffs. Keep wholesome. I feel Joel Embiid is the needle mover for this franchise. Paul George at this stage, even when Paul George is wholesome, I’m unsure what model of him getting at this stage of his profession. And once more, I’m considering extra playoff risk than common season risk. I feel there’s a world the place the Pacers can get a prime six, prime 5 seed. I don’t suppose there’s a world the place Joel Embiid. I simply am on the level the place I have to see Joel Embiid play 50 video games in a row earlier than I’m going to imagine it occurs once more. Paul George season final yr was very regarding, and what’s left over is an intriguing group of younger gamers, however I. I’m unsure that tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe. I don’t know the place that’s taken me essentially, notably not subsequent yr. Yeah, I’m excessive on all three of these guys individually, however how they mesh collectively is a query. Jared McCain was so spectacular final yr, however for such a short flash, we don’t know the way he’s going to come back again. How do you incorporate Vijay Edgecomers? I imply, are you able to play these three on the similar time in opposition to Sure groups, sure lineups perhaps, however in playoff settings I’ve my questions. It’s simply. I simply have an excessive amount of unknown happening. The perfect model of the Sixers? The pie within the sky model of the Sixers. Certain man. Like I may see it, however I. The opposite factor is I can’t see them being. Being the very best model of themselves as a result of it’s just isn’t a enjoyable factor to speak about. However I simply don’t belief them to remain wholesome in any respect.

Ethan Sands: All proper, Jimmy, transferring on to your quantity 4 choose. Who’s the fourth finest crew to problem the Cleveland Cavaliers within the general scheme of the NBA?

Jimmy Watkins: So I feel I’ll most likely shock the individuals with this one. I’m decrease on the Hawks than I than it feels like consensus tends to be they’re quantity 4 for me. We’ll discuss the way in which I’ve forward of them. I used to be simply doing a little fast analysis earlier than we bought on the pot right here. This isn’t the identical roster they’ve had and there have been extenuating circumstances in a few of these instances. I get it. However since Trey Younger bought to Atlanta, the Hawks have by no means received 50 video games. Their finest season was a 41 and 31 Covid shortened marketing campaign that the yr they made the convention finals run. I feel it was the second yr of the of the bizarre Covid scarcity. They have been on a 47 win tempo that yr, which is nice they usually had a fantastic yr that yr. However I feel all of us perceive simply a number of bizarre stuff taking place throughout that point and we’re taking these, a few of these outcomes with a grain of salt. They’ve additionally solely had a successful report twice in seven years since Trey Younger bought there. This may most likely be the third time that they’ve a successful report. That is their finest probability to win 50 video games. This appears just like the strongest roster that they’ve had round Trae Younger. And I just like the Nikhil Alexander Walker version as you understand somebody who may take some perimeter defensive stress off Trey. Groups are nonetheless going to hunt the crap out of him within the playoffs. It’s an unavoidable however yeah, I like that. I like the concept of Kristaps Porzingis subsequent to Trey Younger. A choose and pop massive who can defend on the perimeter, defend the rim. I imply they’ve referred to as him the unicorn for a cause. Will we simply overlook that Kristof Sporzingis had a bizarre respiratory sickness for just like the final 4 months of the season? I’ve heard that he could possibly be taking part in in. I don’t know if it’s Euro basket this summer time, however Taking part in abroad together with his nationwide crew. That’s nice. That’s. That’s encouraging to listen to. I wish to see how he appears. I would like. That’s one other man that, you understand. The subsequent time he stays wholesome for a complete season would be the first time. I imagine it. And Jalen Johnson. I really like Jalen Johnson. I feel Jalen Johnson could possibly be this all star wing that Trey has. Has wanted for his complete profession. He has performed greater than 56 video games as soon as in 4 years. So once more, it’s damper. It’s. It’s not a enjoyable basketball factor to speak about. The Hawks definitely have the type of wing depth that might give the Cavs and has given the Cavs issues previously. They’ve bought good positional measurement. I like that. Their skill. Like if the Cavs wish to attempt to bully, ball them with two bigs. Onyeka Kongu and Kristof Porzingis. Once more, assuming they’re each there, that’s a pleasant pairing proper there. I feel the Hawks have accomplished a pleasant job, however I do like this. This unprotected choose that they bought. Even the child from. I feel it’s Issa Newell they bought from Georgia within the draft. I like him. I don’t know if he’s going to be proper subsequent yr to contribute at a playoff degree, however I like him. I’m simply not there but on the Hawks. And I do. I additionally suppose that they made a fantastic commerce on draft night time to get this unprotected Pelicans choose that I feel is definitely they. They’ll select between the Pelicans and the Bucks choose subsequent yr, each of which could possibly be in flux given what occurs this season. That’s superior. But it surely’s subsequent yr. Until they attempt to make a transfer with it this yr, which I might advocate not doing, I feel they need to dangle on to that choose. I’m. I’m simply not fairly there on the Hawks, however I. I do acknowledge that they’ve put themselves in the next tier with all of the strikes that they’ve made.

Ethan Sands: My quantity 4 choose is the Milwaukee Bucks. I’ve them right here due to Giannis. Proper. We had this dialog when Jimmy went into his reasoning. I don’t suppose they’ve a real ball handler on this crew. Proper. However for those who can area the ground and have Giannis carry the ball up, I feel that’s a scary factor to take a look at. Proper. Their depth chart. Win wholesome Kevin Porter Jr. Gary Trent Jr. Kyle Kuzma, clearly Giannis on the 4 and Miles Turner on the 5. You additionally nonetheless have AJ Inexperienced and Taurean Prince and Bobby Portis and now you may have the acquisition of Gary Harris and Jericho Sims. I feel these are all gamers which have expertise that might assist the Bucks. It’s nearly who’s going to carry the ball up. It’s type of the same dialog to what we have been speaking about with the Orlando Magic final yr.

Jimmy Watkins: Like.

Ethan Sands: Like outdoors of Jalen Suggs, who’re you giving the ball to? Proper. Are you permitting Paolo to carry the ball up and all this stuff? We’ll get to that slightly bit later. However I feel Giannis clearly drives that that ship and he’s a man that no one can depend out as a result of he’s most likely prime three finest gamers within the NBA nonetheless. And I simply suppose there’s a lot that he can do this makes issues tough for the Cavs that having shooters round him now, which is type of what has been elevated as you talked about, Jimmy Miles Turner, however Additionally Kevin Porter Jr. AJ Inexperienced, Kyle Kuzma, Taurean Prince. The flexibility for him to drive and kick now fairly than driving and simply having be caught within the painted space is a lot extra fluid. There’s so many extra choices than he’s had in years previous, even with having Damian Lillard on his crew as a result of we all know they didn’t make the most of that in addition to they may have. Okay, Jimmy, give me your quantity three. As a result of I used to be shocked slightly bit that you simply had Atlanta so low. So I’m curious to see how your checklist runs out.

Jimmy Watkins: I bought Boston. I simply don’t suppose they’re lifeless. I don’t suppose Boston’s accomplished. I feel that the core they’ve in place, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, now an East Simons, Peyton Pritchard, it’s much less, it’s lesser. It’s nonetheless fascinating to me. They usually’re going to be slightly thinner on depth. I don’t like their heart rotation is type of a head scratcher to me. We’re and I overlook his model of Akita after which now we have. They signed Luca Garza within the off season who wasn’t actually taking part in in Minnesota. Letting Luke Cornett out, Horford and and Christoph Sprzingis stroll out the door. That was fascinating to me. However I do suppose there’s a world once more. Jalen Brown’s been comparatively wholesome most of his profession. Anthony Simons can exchange a number of the scoring punch. Clearly they lose a ton with out having Jayson Tatum. Having two elite wings is their greatest benefit now they solely have one Anthony Simons, however as an 82 recreation participant, I like Anthony Simons. Derek White can cowl a few of his defensive deficiencies. I’ll be inquisitive about. Their protection most likely will slip slightly bit. They’ll most likely should play slightly bit in a different way. It received’t have the ability to change as a lot. There’ll be extra areas to choose on. However I see a situation, I see two situations right here. One, I may see Boston simply Bostoning via the east notching sufficient common season wins to maintain themselves within the prime half of this convention after which perhaps wanting up and deciding on the deadline, like, who is aware of? Like what if there’s an damage on the prime of the one other damage on the prime of the east subsequent yr or one in every of these groups that we expect goes to be a contender subsequent yr doesn’t find yourself. It doesn’t come to fruition for them. What if they give the impression of being round they usually’re like, you understand what we may nonetheless add to this crew. They simply gained a bunch of flexibility by letting quite a bit by eliminating Drew and Kristaps Porzingis and, and, and once more, that is as a lot a commentary on the remainder of the east. How little I consider it as I do my belief within the Celtics. Not saying, simply saying. The Celtics haven’t dominated out a Jason Tatum return sooner or later subsequent season. Brad Steven stated that there’s no expectation on a timetable for him, however they’re not ruling out a return. The Pacers alternatively, who superior two rounds additional is smart, did rule out Tyrese Halliburton earlier this week for the remainder of subsequent season. So once more we’re speaking about, I’m considering playoffs if we attain some extent the place the Celtics one way or the other fiddle and find yourself within the convention finals, which given, given their, the elevated flexibility they’ve now, given what I consider a few of these different groups and even how flimsy like you understand, all these groups that we expect are like pseudo contenders now, they’re an damage away from not being pseudo contenders anymore. Bizarre stuff as we’re studying can occur. And if Jayson Tatum comes again for the convention finals and the Cavs are a semi inventory Boston crew, I don’t need that. I don’t need that up on the Cavs.

Ethan Sands: For everyone listening and to make clear these lists that now we have constructed, these rankings are in thoughts with everybody that doesn’t have a present debilitating damage on their crew being wholesome. Proper. That’s why the Philadelphia 76ers made my checklist. I do not need Boston in my prime six. The reason is is their present scenario. That is once more we’re recording this at 7pm on July ninth. So that is primarily based on the whole lot we learn about free company, about trades, in regards to the present development of those groups rosters, in regards to the well being of those groups rosters at present. Issues change and as Jimmy stated, issues may and can occur to alter our minds all through the season. Once more, that is summertime podcasting. We’re making an attempt to present you as a lot data as we probably can. Once more, Boston just isn’t in my prime six as a result of as Jimmy talked about, their entrance courtroom depth is abysmal. Proper. You may have the choices for the Boston Celtics at any given time on the heart place to play Luke Garza, Neemius Kita, Xavier Tillman or George Niang.

Jimmy Watkins: Yeah, I used to be gonna say we may get some George Niang run. We may actually get some George Niang run subsequent yr.

Ethan Sands: And by ESPN Commonplace on their depth chart breakdown, they’ve George Niang because the Boston Celtics who’s beginning energy ahead. I’m sorry. I loved our time with George in Cleveland. He was a fantastic position participant. He was a fantastic individual. However of the Cavs seed Boston and George Niang within the beginning lineup as at present constructed, it’s meals. Who’s he guarding? DeAndre Hunter? No. Dean Wade? No. These are the again ends of that. You’re not guarding Evan Mobley. You’re not guarding Jared Allen. Who’s he guarding? There’s a cause the Cavs went away from George Yang. As emotionally making an attempt because it was, there was a cause they went away from George Yang. So I don’t suppose Boston as at present constructed and I can’t emphasize that sufficient is making it to the place they’ll take care of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jimmy Watkins: This coming season as at present constructed. Jalen Brown, Derrick White and Bernie Simons. I’m taking that prime three over everybody besides Cabs, Knicks, Orlando and the theoretical model of Philadelphia. That’s wholesome. That doesn’t exist. Possibly Giannis and Giannis and the Yanets.

Ethan Sands: Yeah, I imply, that’s honest. Jimmy and I. And I don’t suppose you’re lacking on that one. I simply don’t know the way these three are going to pair collectively. One, you understand how Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are going to be, but in addition, Jaylen Brown’s getting back from arthroscopic knee surgical procedure. We noticed it with Evan Mobley. Certain, Evan Mobley has one thing in his DNA that permits him to heal quicker and higher than virtually anyone we’ve lined, however I don’t know the way that’s going to have an effect on Jaylen Brown. Jaylen Brown has handled accidents all through his profession that he’s needed to come again from all this stuff. Additionally, how is Anthony Simons going to plug into this after coming from Portland and being one of many greatest gamers over there, how are you going to come back discover your position and be a quantity two, perhaps even a quantity three possibility, relying on what position they provide Derrick White this coming season. However I perceive why you’ll have put them up there. They’re simply not on my checklist. Purchase quantity three for my checklist is the New York Knicks and I’m slightly bit decrease on the New York Knicks relating to contending with the Cleveland Cavaliers, partly as a result of the Cavs have the items to now again up what the New York Knicks have been so good at. Proper? It was the size, it was the physicality. It was the power of OG Anobia of Karl Anthony Townsend, Jalen Brunson and the membership a lot gene that they’ve and the flexibility that Josh Hart has to simply get rebounds over all people although he’s solely 6 foot 4 proper now. You throw in the truth that you added DeAndre Hunter to this combine. You even have guys which might be going to come back in and play a much bigger position. You may have Larry Nance Jr. You may have Lonzo Ball guys who can guard Jalen Brunson. Proper. I simply suppose that the Cavs have extra of what it takes to protect the New York Knicks than they do the opposite two groups on this checklist that I’ve. And even wanting again to final yr, the Cavs weren’t as bothered by a number of the issues that the New York Knicks have been doing. And it’s extra so how the Cavs would react in a playoff setting that has them on the quantity three spot for me. Additionally the truth that they do have a number of all stars on that crew and and Carla and Cities, when he will get going and he isn’t committing gun fouls, he’s a tough guard for nearly all people within the league, perhaps outdoors of Victor Weminyama and Evan Mobley. And clearly the Cavs are house to Evan Mobley. Jimmy, who’s your quantity two on this checklist?

Jimmy Watkins: Give me the Orlando Magic. I really like what Orlando did this off season. Mainly you are taking the 47 win skeleton that that they had two years in the past. They have been on tempo to win about the identical variety of video games final yr with Jalen Suggs within the lineup. You subtract kcp. You subtract Cole Anthony, subtract Gary Harris. Thanks to your contributions. Gary Harris, good. And kcp good mentor, veteran mentorship. Cole Anthony, a pleasant spark plug bench man in sure conditions. I feel Tyus Jones is usually a closing lineup participant for this crew in sure moments. He can arrange their offense in a method that it has desperately wanted for a extremely very long time. He’s been one in every of, if not the very best backup level guards within the league for some time now. He can shoot defensively, groups will go at him, however the Magic have a number of sturdy defensive gamers to place round him to assist protect him. If he’s your solely huntable man within the courtroom, then I feel you’re in fairly first rate form. I really like Desmond Bain. We’ve talked quite a bit once they made the Desmond Bayne commerce about how good of a match that’s, schematically what he can do for his or her offense, how massive of a soar he made as a, as a ball handler and playmaker final yr. Like he can unglue a few of that, a few of that offense as nicely. And he matches their ethos. He matches their, their brawny bodily fashion. He’s bought a, he’s. He’ll speak to you. I imply, I simply suppose the Magicker. And then you definately consider Palo Baincaro simply bought the, the supermax rookie extension consider. And I imply that, that’s the type of man that I belief to get higher yearly. Franz Wagner. It’s the type of man that I, I belief to get higher yearly. Franz, please. If Franz. However for those who’re telling me Franz Wagner may determine his soar shot, I would choose the freaking Orlando Magic to win the east subsequent yr. I, I don’t belief it proper now, however I feel their seam is dangerously shut. It is a legit risk. There’s a crew that took the Caps of seven video games two years in the past. They’re much, significantly better than they have been then. And the Caps nonetheless have, I nonetheless have questions on how they’re going to carry out in a playoff collection once they’re met with adversity. So I feel Orlando will likely be a daily season. We’re assuming more healthy. Jalen Stokes has not at all times been wholesome. Paloma’s time final yr, Franz missed time final yr. That they had a foul damage luck run final yr. However I feel assuming relative well being, I feel the Orlando Magic could possibly be a daily season drawback subsequent yr. And I feel they may, they may do some actual rising up within the playoffs.

Ethan Sands: Yeah, I’ve them as my quantity two on this rating as nicely. Orlando Magic is comfortably the second most harmful crew relating to stopping the Cavs from attending to the NBA Finals. And I clearly have to the touch on the frontcourt depth, which is large in these conversations. You may have Palo, you may have Wendell Carter Jr. You may have Goga, you may have Jonathan Isaac, who was a man who was so good defensively Sneaky good. He’s type of like the identical construct as Evan Mobley. He doesn’t have the identical defensive acumen, however like, he was an issue in opposition to the Cavs two years in the past to the purpose the place they have been beginning Jonathan Isaac to try to decide what the Cavs have been in a position to do offensively. After which clearly, as you talked about, the acquisition of Desmond Bain is large. But in addition having the choice for Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black to be there, I simply suppose it’s so vital so that you can get guys that may play protection that may deal with the ball. And Anthony Black is rising into his personal in addition to a man off the bench. And as you talked about, Tyus Jones, I’ve been excessive on Tyus Jones since he went to Duke College. He’s a man that limits turnovers to no finish and is a man that makes positive that the offense runs easily. And I feel you wanted somebody like that who can run the offense, who can gradual issues down, who can facilitate with the very best of them within the league. And if want be, you’ll be able to relaxation Jalen Suggs slightly bit extra as a result of he doesn’t should carry up the ball. He doesn’t should do this stuff. And Desmond Bain, clearly, as we talked about, is a large acquisition. It’s most likely the most important acquisition of the summer time to date due to his taking pictures acumen and what the Orlando Magic have been missing. And it was precisely that. So, Jimmy, I feel you make a fantastic level relating to Orlando being quantity two. I agree with you. Now we get to the primary most harmful crew to play in opposition to, the Cleveland Cavaliers. If this have been to be the crew that they have been going to face within the Jap Convention finals right this moment, that is the crew that I might be most nervous about. Who do you bought, Jimmy?

Jimmy Watkins: The New York Knicks. Go, New York, Go, New York, go. For a pair causes. One, I feel they’re the second most gifted crew within the Jap Convention behind the Caps. As a lot as I really like Orlando, I simply noticed the Knicks make the convention finals. I haven’t seen Orlando do diddly squat within the playoffs fairly but. So I’m holding off tempering my Orlando enthusiasm slightly bit. I feel we noticed the imaginative and prescient for what the Knicks will be. We noticed OG Anunoby and Mikel Bridges elevate their video games within the playoffs. Mitchell Robinson turned a playoff dude the way in which he was defending on the perimeter and defending the rim in brief spurts. And naturally, Cavs nonetheless have nightmares about Mitchell Robinson on the offensive class. Josh Hart the identical method. I’m not satisfied. I do know that we’ve seen in recent times. Higher efforts from the Cavs. Knicks needed to head within the common season. I don’t care. The Cavs are proven for 3 years in a row that they behave in a different way within the playoffs. We don’t know the way that matchup would look over the course of seven video games. I just like the Mike Brown rent. I feel Mike Brown will modernize the Knicks offense, modernize their strategy to rotations, prolong rotations, have their, have their finest gamers slightly bit extra prepared for the playoffs and is perhaps slightly bit extra. I suppose. I don’t know. What, I don’t know the way a lot I do know. I used to be going to say Mike Brown might need them slightly bit extra able to play chess within the playoffs as a result of he’s been on, you understand, even on the Steve Kerr workers for some time again. Like suggestions is a fairly good playoff, is a fairly good tactician defensively. I simply suppose that Tibbs voice is carrying slightly thinner. So it could possibly be only a new coach clean up as nicely for the Knicks. And Jalen Brunson’s the very best, the most effective, if not the very best late fourth quarter gamers strolling. And we see it each season. We see it each postseason. And once more, I don’t know the way the Cavs react in these conditions. So I’m going, I’m going subsequent. Small, small facet. If the following season begins to have slightly sideways, they’ve strikes, they’ve movable contracts and movable contracts that folks would need. So it’s not this, this crew doesn’t should be. If it goes sideways, they don’t should be caught. Like Karl Anthony Cities, flawed as he could also be, is a man that I feel 20 groups would need Bojan and Obi Mikelpur only for the appropriate man. Like if I’m considering if, if Giannis have been to request a commerce from the Bucks sooner or later through the season or the, the LeBron factor will get bizarre with the Lakers and these groups try to string a needle the place the Bucks don’t have their picks nonetheless. To allow them to’t tank in buying and selling fiance until they commerce them to get their picks again. And the Lakers clearly have Lucas, to allow them to’t get nothing for LeBron. If that have been to come back to fruition, I feel the Knicks could be in line. That’s a small a part of the calculus, however I needed to say that as nicely.

Ethan Sands: Yeah, I feel that’s a superb level. And clearly the LeBron James facet provides a unique type of wrinkle to all people’s map as of proper now with what that scenario is wanting like and clearly him dropping hints that if he may finish his profession, it’s most likely in two completely different locations and it’s New York and Cleveland. So I do suppose that that’s an fascinating one. I don’t have New York decrease as a result of I feel they’re a decrease crew. I simply don’t suppose they’ve what these final two groups that I’ve mentioned have to have the ability to decelerate the Cavs as a lot. Clearly you talked about Mitchell Robinson. It’s nice name. I simply don’t know the way a lot, what number of minutes he’s going to get, particularly in the event that they’re going to go along with the 2 massive lineup or in the event that they’re going to simply have Kat run the 5 man and all these various things as a result of they should have ODN and Obi and Mikhail Bridges on the ground on the similar time. Whether or not or not that provides room for Josh Cart and clearly Jalen Brad runs and must be on the ground. So I feel there’s a number of balancing that they should do and Mike Brown has to determine as nicely. My primary crew, the crew that Jimmy had slightly bit decrease on his checklist. Peace up a city. Atlanta Hawks I bought them as my primary ranked crew to present the Cavs a run for his or her cash in the event that they have been to run into them within the Jap Convention finals right this moment. Atlanta, a crew ran by some of the clutch gamers in Trae Younger, who has a backup now that may be a defensive participant of the yr candidate degree defender on the level of assault. Now we have not seen a number of guards have the ability to defend the identical method as Dyson Daniels has. Then you may have the return of Jalen Johnson, you may have Krista Porzena nonetheless having the ability to play the 4 as a result of you may have Onyeko Okonwu and because the 5 man, I do suppose it’s slightly bit fascinating if you speak in regards to the frontcourt depth and I’ve talked about that quite a bit on right this moment’s podcast relating to the Atlanta Hawks as a result of Kristoffs and Onyeka type of have the identical vibe as Jared Allen, Evan Mobley. They’d be the 4 and the 5 switching out. However you do have Muhammad to play in because the 5. If you must have him seize some further minutes on the ground as nicely. And naturally we don’t even point out the bench. And I feel that’s the place this will get fascinating. After we speak in regards to the Cavs depth, it’s a must to additionally point out the Atlanta Hawks depth, the taking pictures of Luke Kennard, the protection of Nikhil Alexander Walker, the protection within the taking pictures and the scoring acumen of Zachary Richochet. After which as you talked about, the primary spherical choose in Newell, who’s a man that could possibly be within the rotation to begin the season relying on how he works, I simply suppose the size, the velocity, the taking pictures and also you add some guys who’ve added protection and naturally Kristoff Porzingis is mainly the Evan Mobley stopper. After we look again to final yr when guarded by Christoph Porzingis, Evan Mobley in round eight minutes of matchup knowledge made simply three of 12 subject objectives tried and for 25% he was.04 from deep and he was blocked. He had 4 turnovers and Evan Mobley had simply seven. So once we discuss matchups being null and void, once we discuss night issues out, Evan Mobley and Chris Os Porzingis, once they go face to face, they often cancel one another out and that may’t occur. If you discuss Evan Mobley being most likely on this roster for the Cavs, the second most vital participant, if not the primary most vital participant on the crew. So I feel when you may have any individual, clearly when wholesome, if wholesome, Christophs Porzingis poses issues for Evan Mobley, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson pose issues for Donovan Mitchell, Lonzo Ball and Darius Garland. After which it’s a must to look across the margins and see are the Cleveland Cavaliers going to have belief of their bench unit, of their wing gamers, of their youthful guys to step up in these moments? It’s a giant query mark for me. That’s why I’ve the Atlanta Hawks as essentially the most harmful crew for the Cavs to face on this coming season. Once more, reiterating if all are wholesome 1, 2 with this being the whole lot that has occurred in free company and trades as of now July ninth. Jimmy, earlier than we get out of right here, any remaining feedback on our checklist or what you consider these groups and what you consider the Cavs heading into the 2025, 2026 marketing campaign?

Jimmy Watkins: I feel the Cavs are in good condition in opposition to the backup, wins in opposition to a number of these groups within the common season. Playoffs have their very own beast. They’ve my opinion, nonetheless essentially the most gifted roster within the East. The very last thing I’ll say is that trae Younger shoots 40% profession within the playoffs. That’s all. I simply don’t suppose that man’s a successful participant.

Ethan Sands: I do know you may have your vendetta in opposition to Trae Younger and Lamelo Ball for his or her playstyles in this stuff. I simply suppose we’ve seen Trae Younger carry out within the playoffs. He had arguably the most effective postseason runs in basketball, and that clearly was a number of years in the past, however I feel it’s a must to have that in your pedigree. You need to have that in you to have the ability to carry it again out. It’s not prefer it’s international to him. Certain, general his numbers could be slightly bit lackluster, however I feel if you discuss somebody who can carry out within the late recreation situations, now we have Jalen Brunson, you may have Trae Younger, you may have Donovan Mitchell, all of those gamers who’re able to doing that, able to stepping up when the lights are brightest, I feel these are the type of guys that it’s a must to be careful for. However as Jimmy was mentioning, and I feel it’s some, I feel the Cavs are in a fantastic standing and we’re making this rankings as a result of we imagine of how good the Cavs will be and what they should do to beat a few of these groups. And it has been projected that the Cavs are going to be the primary seed within the Eastman Convention. They’re projected to have the second finest report within the N B A behind solely the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. So this isn’t saying that we imagine that the Cavs would lose these contests. It’s simply these are the groups that might pose the most important risk to them. As of now, the Cavs, as we all know, have made some key acquisitions, they’ve made some key strikes, they’ve made some good strikes they usually nonetheless solely rising beneath Kenny Atkinson with this core group that’s seemingly going to stay intact. Jimmy so we’ll should maintain ready and watching to see how the summer time arms out. However for now, that’ll do it for right this moment’s episode of the Wine and Gold Speak podcast. However bear in mind to turn out to be a Cavs insider and work together with Chris, me and Jimmy by subscribing to subtext. Join a 14 day free trial or go to cleveland.comcavs and click on on the blue bar on the prime of the web page. In the event you don’t prefer it, that’s wonderful. All it’s a must to do is is textual content the phrase cease. It’s straightforward, however we are able to inform you that the individuals who enroll stick round as a result of that is the easiest way to get insider protection on the Cavs from me, Chris and Jimmy. This isn’t simply our podcast, it’s your podcast. And the one method to have your voice heard is thru subtext. Y’ all be protected. We out.

Be aware: Synthetic intelligence was used to assist generate this story from the Cleveland Wine and Gold Speak Podcast by cleveland.com. Guests to cleveland.com have requested for extra textual content tales primarily based on web site podcast discussions.