January 2010
42 posts
ABJJ #1 - Darnell Jackson
I’ve decided to start a new series - for as long as it’s necessary - called ABJJ (Anybody But JJ). Yes, it’s my respectful plea to anyone who will listen, to get JJ Hickson out of the starting lineup. I just can’t take it anymore.
At the start of this year, while discussing the new additions to the roster, I told M that any roster minus Wally and Sasha had to be more...
December 2009
54 posts
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Cavs-Hawks Bazooka Point
Not a bazooka but this pic comes to you via request … although my effort at fulfilling the request was tainted by the holiday season, much like the effort of the Cavs during the first 30-40 minutes of tonight’s game.
This was a fun game to watch in the living room of my parents, complete with commentary by AC, who spoke incessantly about a psychological wall that was preventing the...
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Cavs / Hawks Bazooka Point
Midway through the Cavs’ disgustingly fun-to-watch 4th quarter ambush of the Hawks’ offense, I couldn’t help but think that I’d seen this movie before.
If you didn’t catch the game itself, the Cavs entered the fourth quarter with a one-point lead. They then proceeded to literally shut out Atlanta for the next 8:48 of game time. This span included three missed...
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WP48 Through 32 Games
Courtesy of Holland. Remember .100 is average. Also, Holland only does a 3 position adjustment (centers, guards, and forwards) while Dave Berri - the originator - does a 5 position adjustment. So take that into consideration.
WP48 (32) WP48 (26) WP48 (18) WP48 (9) WP48 (5) WP48 (4) WP48 (2) LeBron .366 .377 .387 .412 ...
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J.J. Hickson College Scouting Report
A brief multi-functional post. I was talking to one of the best lawyers in Florida earlier about J.J. “Glitch” Hickson’s game, and I came upon this scouting report while doing some research:
Strengths: Strong finisher – can absorb contact and still score. Nice hands. Long wingspan. Strong, thick frame. Nice post moves. Great shot-blocker. Great rebounder – had 10...
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Don't Forget the Big Picture
After Sunday’s win over the Raiders, the Browns are officially on a 3-game winning streak. They now have the potential to finish out the season with 4 straight wins and actually top the ‘W’ total from last season.
In the midst of this, it seems like everyone in Cleveland has changed his tune about the quality of PAD’s (Post-Alpha Dog) coaching and the fate of his job...
Shaq Effect (or is it Affect)?
I have a problem with the difference between affect and effect, but I don’t want to waste time trying to figure out the real answer. The purpose of this post is to describe what my eyes see when I’m watching the Cavs.
Now, M and T can supply all those stats which prove a player’s +/- (or is it -/+) and their ORtg vs. DRtg, even their net. I understand the importance of...
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And It Continues: ESPN puts the Cavs at #1 →
Power Rankings - The Cavs Leap ... As Predicted →
…and the Cavs are now second in point differential, behind Boston.
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Cavs-Rockets Bazooka Point (Holiday Edition)
The Cavs are clearly working hard to hype Anderson Varejao for Sixth Man of the Year - the Rockets are doing the same with Carl Landry. Look at the stats … you tell me who you think is more valuable:
Landry on …
Basketball Reference
Hoop Data
82 Games
Varejao on …
Basketball Reference
Hoop Data
82 Games
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Cavs-Lakers Bazooka Point
Amazing game today by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were so good that they brought the dark underside of Hollywood out of the crowd. Two quick things that I’ll write about in one bullet point to make it seem like a bazooka point (I’m using special effects):
Everyone has complained about the Cavs lack of focus this season against sub .500 teams … well, they are now 2-1 against...
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The Cavaliers Frontcourt
Kevin Pelton of Basketball Prospectus broke down the Cavaliers frontcourt pairings using +/- data, as part of a preview for tomorrow’s game against the Lakers.
I think this is pretty interesting.
Frontcourt ORtg DRtg Net ---------------------------------------- Hickson-Ilgauskas 102.8 109.4 - 6.6 Varejao-Ilgauskas 113.5 98.6 14.9 Hickson-O'Neal 105.6 ...
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Cavs | Kings Bazooka Point
Tim and I were out last night, so we only saw bits and pieces of the game … it was difficult to push myself into social interaction instead of basketball watching, but I did it for the greater good … I fully intend to fully watch all 53 minutes at some point today (I am not ashamed of doing this), but I have this to say now —
There are few pleasures in life that equate with...
Banished From The Pack
I have to agree with everything M wrote in his column titled “The Walrus, The Big Show, The White Ale”. (Big shout out to M for referencing The Beatles - the greatest band of all time). However, I’d like to add another piece to the discussion — the fact that Alpha Dog may decide to leave on his own.
Now, let’s review. AD took this job because he would be The Top...
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LeBron vs. Kobe: A Tipping Point →
I’ve sensed the tide turning recently in the endless Kobe versus LeBron debate regarding who’s the better player. It came largely when people (finally) began to pick on the blanket statement that Kobe is the best player in the world in the clutch. Henry Abbot, I thought, did the most damage to Kobe. John Schumann jabbed him a couple times.
But this article from scout David Thorpe...
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The Walrus, The Big Show, The White Ale
I’ve already shared my basic thoughts on Mike Holmgren. I have no real idea what to expect from the man they call “The Walrus” and “The Big Show” and whose name I could not get out of my head yesterday while Tim and I discussed the Belgian white beer Hoegaarden. I believe it was wise for him and the Browns to come to the realization that the President position, and...
Cavs / Suns Bazooka Point
Before my quick analysis, there’s something I have to address.
Seeing as it was a road game, I got the Suns’ announcers on the NBA TV feed. Another city, yet another color commentator who clearly has not been doing his homework. Eddie Johnson of Phoenix’s commentating team made the following statements tonight:
“Grant Hill should be offended that [Delonte West] is...
DWest Loves This Game
Or should I say, Beware of the Elf — Again.
Yes, Delonte was back with a vengence tonight and it was great to see. He was playing tough defense, driving to the hoop, passing to his teammates — generally playing like the Delonte of last year.
At one point, after getting knocked to the floor on a driving layup — he was fouled and had the presence of mind to look into the...
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Cavs-Mavericks Bazooka Point
This is going to be an abbreviated post tonight because I feel as if my effort should match the effort that the Cavs put forth a few short minutes ago.
LeBron had three rebounds. He was 9-23 from the field. Shaq was 1-7. Mo missed two free throws in a row. The team had only 17 assists.
To me, it looked like the Cavs played the first three quarters figuring that all they’d have to do was...
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Plugged Z for Maggette & Randolph...
…into the ESPN NBA Trade Machine.
And the salary numbers on that deal work.
Cavs could also throw in JJ.
Yea or Nay?
So...
…if Mike Holmgren has really been contacted by another team besides the Browns, why can’t a single reporter identify that team?
Fussball-Bundesliga is a Good Thing in America,...
Wasn’t today’s Browns game fun to watch? I thought it was enjoyable, a lot of laughs, and just a good time here with Mikey. Both teams were equally bad, couldn’t tackle, with semi-potent offenses —- mostly because of some bad defenses.
In other words, two equally lousy teams playing each other made it competitive and fun to watch. In other words — Second...
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Windhorst On Trade Options: JMID Stat Analysis →
To steal a line from Ric Bucher, here’s my snap analysis - via advanced stats - on the stretch power forwards the Cavs are at least talking about attempting to trade for…
Anthony Randolph, Golden State Warriors (20 years old, 6’10”)
‘08-‘09 WP48: .137
‘08-‘09 RAPM: -1.498
Randolph is only 20 years old and already producing at an above average...
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Cavs / Bucks Bazooka Point: Widen the Lens
One thing that drives me crazy about most sports analysts is their ignorance or unwillingness to discuss context. I’m eyeing a more in-depth post about this early next week, but for now, let’s take a step back from micro-analyzing this one Cavs’ game to see how their competitors in the East have been doing.
After tonight’s win, the Cavs are 20-7 and have sole possession...
Henry Abbott on Kobe's Clutch →
Apparently, all I do is link to stories written by other people … but this is a good one, and it implicitly stresses the idea that mainstream opinions of players are determined far too often by highlights.
Good High IQ Interview With Mike Brown →
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Wayne Winston: APM on the Addition of Shaq →
Link to a Wayne Winston post about the impact his (somewhat noisy) model of Adjusted Plus Minus shows Shaq is having on the Cavs.
The bottomline is that the Cavs are amazing with Bron, Andy, Mo, and Delonte on the floor simultaneously … doesn’t even matter who the 5th guy is … but that Shaq, overall, is holding the team back.
What this can’t account for is specific...
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Mike Holmgren ... We May Need A Nickname →
It appears that all signs point to the hiring of Mike Holmgren as “football czar” of the Cleveland Browns, perhaps as early as Friday.
I’m wary about this decision, to say the least.
It strikes me as a “safe hire,” the kind that is often made by people in executive decision-making positions who lack conviction. These types of individuals are most attracted to name...
ESPN Fan Contest
I’m sure you’ve all seen the lastest gimmick on ESPN. In their infinite wisdom - and I’m sure to the delight of Flip Saunders - they are asking NBA fans to diagram an inbounds play on their website. If you are the winner(?), then the website says “the Wizards will try to use the play during a game.”
Wow, now that is really something - I wonder what genius on the...
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Cavs | 76ers Bazooka Point
The Cavs beat the Philadelphia 76ers earlier tonight, with a score of 108-101. Bron had 37 / 6 / 7 and 3 TO in 40:17 (note: 2.9 TO per 36 is his career average). His 37 points came a little dirty, on 12-26 shooting.
What everyone’s been talking about recently is the Cavaliers seeming lack of focus and minimal exertion of energy. The team has now won four straight by 5, 13, 10, and 7....
Cavs / Nets Bazooka Point
Another day, another bad opponent, another fairly uninspired win….
We’ve already written about the Cavs’ Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde performances when it comes to playing some of the worse teams in the NBA. The past week has really revealed that a lack of intensity is becoming habitual for this team any time they believe they don’t completely have to get up for a game. An...
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1.3 Billion Chinese Can't Be Wrong →
Of course, moments after finishing that hot stove post, I find this article from Brian Windhorst on entrepreneur Kenny Huang, the key man in the group of Chinese investors set to take over a 15% stake in the Cavs. Great insight into how this affects Bron’s inroads into the world’ most populous nation of basketball fans, with the implication being that staying with the Cavs actually...
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Hot Stove: Economics vs. Titles
Considering that the Cavs play 3 games in the next 4 days, I figured I’d try to post about one of the other sports tonight. And while it’s not technically Cleveland-related, I saw the ESPN update that the Phillies are on the verge of completing two simultaneous but separate deals: 1) shipping Cliff Lee to Seattle for prospects, and 2) nabbing the much sought-after Roy Halladay as...
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Cavs-Thunder Bazooka Point: Ferry Wins Again
Very good road win over the rising Oklahoma City Thunder today, despite a lackluster performance from Shaq. Lebron went off for 44 points on 16 of 29 shooting, and the team clamped down to allow only 35 points total in the final two quarters after giving up 54 in the first half.
Here’s the thing about Oklahoma City: as a team in a vacuum, I think there’s a lot to like about them....
Alpha Dog is a Genius?
I tried to submit this after the Browns game — but, somehow screwed it up. I still think it’s worthwhile — but, obviously a little dated by now.
Anyway …… here goes
So, last night was my first experience watching a game on NFL TV or whatever it’s called. I have to tell you — I’m not paying money for that crap.
I’ve never heard an announcer use the word “sucker”...
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Cavs-Blazers Bazooka Point
The things you can accomplish on a basketball court giving maximum effort are really pretty incredible, as those of us who watched the Cavs-Blazers game tonight couldn’t help but realize.
Exhibit A: Anderson Varejao, who had a vaunted 20-10 game (22-10 game to be exact) while irritating LaMarcus Aldridge to no end on defense.
After the Cavs had two bad losses in Memphis and Houston, we...
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Dave Berri On The Cavs Through 22 Games →
You’ve seen us write about Wins Produced Per 48 Minutes (WP48) previously, now read what the man who created the advanced stat has to say about the Cavs performance through 22 games.
The big headline is that Shaq and Z are under-producing big-time.
The smaller headline is that practically every other player on the Cavs roster, besides Varejao, Moon, and Boobie, is under-producing as well.
...
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Every (Alpha) Dog Has His Day
After 12 weeks of fans’ calling for the head of Alpha Dog, it took the man with the plan one night to deliver the most absurdly effective comeback possible: a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
I’m not going to do much commenting on the game itself, because I was reduced to watching a confusing ESPN.com Gamecast in my apartment. But after basically declaring that Rob “Golden...
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The Diminishing Returns of Rebounds →
Just came across this … an article on how teammates effect a player’s defensive rebounding. I was pretty sure I’d read something in the past that claimed an individual’s rebound rate wasn’t affected by other rebounders, i.e. if Da-wight “Butterscotch” Howard was playing next to Ben Wallace instead of Rashard Lewis, he’d get the same amount of...
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Cavs-Rockets Bazooka Point: Shoot Me in the Brain
How ugly was tonight’s Cavs game? Ugly enough that I started thinking about whether there’s some kind of blue-moon chance for the Browns to beat the Steelers Thursday night.
20 turnovers for the second straight game. 6 technical fouls. Bron shoots 8 of 21, including a nearly Satanic number of misses in the paint (but what else is new against Houston). Mo shoots 2 of 10, including 1...
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NBA Playoff Odds
John Hollinger’s latest NBA playoff odds are listed here. What’s interesting is that the computer is projecting the Cavs to finish third in the Eastern Conference, but giving them the best shot of any team in the conference - 7.6% - of winning the title.
The Lakers are first at 8.8%
And yeah, the team with the best statistical probability of winning a championship, via...
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What Happens When You Lose
Here’s a link to a story about disciplinary problems in New England, involving Bill Belichick and some tardy players, including Randy Moss.
Notice that this stuff is happening now - or at least becoming issue enough to make it to the press - that the Patriots have lost two games in a row and are winless on the road this season.
It’s something we talked about earlier in regards to the...
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Cavs-Grizzlies Bazooka Point
Super-ugly-broken-game. The loss highlighted a few things:
-The trouble with Delonte when he doesn’t produce (1-5 from the floor with no rebounds).
-The unfortunate absence of Jamario Moon, whose length and rebounding from the perimeter were missed, especially in light of Delonte’s largely empty minutes.
-The issue with turnovers.
Ultimately though, we saw the worst of the...
Fear the Elf - DC Style
I always thought Delonte was a good player. I’ve been a fan of his, especially during these recent tough times. I’ve read M and T’s comments about how vital he was to the Cavs and shook my head in agreement. I’ve been watching basketball for a long time, so I get it.
However, after his game against the Bucks last Sunday — I am now a true believer. In fact,...
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Dear Terry: Losses Are Not Progress
After the Browns managed to masquerade as an actual professional football team against the Chargers on Sunday, luminary journalist Terry Pluto wrote an article titled “Forget Wins; a reasonable goal for the Cleveland Browns — don’t be boring in defeat.” I’m going to put aside the fact that the article itself is primarily a play-by-play of fans’ reactions to...
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Efficiency Differential Update
The Cavs are now 5th in efficiency differential at +6.7
The last time I bothered to look this number up they were 11th.
Remember, top 3 is the goal.
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Cavs-Bucks Bazooka Point
The Cavs obliterated the Bucks earlier today in Milwaukee, at one point going on a 29-0 run, during which Delonte West abused several opposing players, scoring at will on multiple And-1’s. One of these And-1 baskets ended with LeBron James jumping off the bench shouting something to the effect of, “That’s my f—-ing boy! … Motherf—-er!”
What Tim and I...
Heads Up!
Just a heads up that we redesigned the layout of the site to give it more style and make it easier to read. Also, rather importantly, there’s now a search field at the bottom of the page in case you want to look up any of our classic posts.
We’ll continue looking for a function that will allow us to create a nicknames database, too.
You may notice as well that we’ve taken an...
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"I Don't See How the Browns Can Score a Point in...
—Tony Grossi on Browns v. Chargers tomorrow
Thankfully, it’s televised here in L.A.
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Cavs-Bulls Bazooka Point
We got one half of competitive basketball tonight before the Cavs stopped turning the ball over, the Bulls stopped making contested shots, and the Cavs ran the Chicagoans into the ground. As a result, I’ve been inspired to take tonight’s Bazooka Point in a new direction by making it about the opposing team.
The obvious target would be Joakim Noah, since he got into a shouting match...