NBA Power Rankings week 8 – OKC Thunder cling to middle, trade market opens up
6-20. Previous: 27th. Cleveland Cavaliers. 29. team. 156.
Offense: (104.0) 27th
Defense: (114.1) 28th
Net: ( minus -10.0) 30th
Games Week 8: (1-3) Won vs. Spurs in OT, Lost to Celtics, Rockets, Bucks
Games Week 9: (3 games): Mon at Raptors | Weds vs. Hornets | Fri. vs. Grizzlies
When the one player who was on your side ends up yelling at you during a game you know the losing is taking a toll. The situation in question was Tristan Thompson yelling at Head Coach John Beilein during a game this week.
Kevin Love sure doesn’t look happy either as he is standing in the paint awaiting a touch and getting away with 10 seconds of standing there – hey maybe even the refs feel bad for him. Love had a strong week and posted his first 30 point effort of the season in the win over the Spurs (although it did go into an extra frame) along with 17 rebounds.
In the four games of week eight Love was inconsistent scoring a low of seven points versus the Celtics who ironically could be a trade partner for him. The problem is the Cavaliers are reportedly asking for a first-round pick and existing talent but not too many teams are going to be willing to bite on the price.
Love’s $113.9 million contract was signed for five seasons with $28,9M this season ($31,3M 2020-21/ $31,3M 2021-22 and $28,9M 2022-23). It’s a pretty steep price for most teams to feel comfortable paying let alone what teams would need to give up to get him.
Ironically, the big man who could end up moving in Cleveland is Tristan Thompson. Although he doesn’t shoot the 3-ball numerous teams covet rebounding and strong defensive effort which TT has in spades. That and the fact Thompson is in the final season of his contract so if the Cavs can get anything for him they should try.