MLB Rumors: Indians could be “center of trade activity” at GM meetings
November 7, 2012Indians trades need to look like more than cost cutting
November 7, 2012While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.
“Last but not least, the two-headed monster that Byron Scott has dreamt about since the draft finally came to fruition last night: Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters combined for 52 points on 18-of-40 shooting, including 11-of-19 from distance. Irving was red-hot in the first quarter, scoring 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting and three 3-pointers. When he began to slow down, Waiters steadily contributed difficult 3-pointers, and did so with flair.
At one point in the third quarter, Waiters was knocking home contested, off-the-dribble bombs and running the other way with a competitive smile that Cavaliers fans should begin to relish; the competitive streak of this combo guard along with the ability to hit difficult, clutch shots is what sets him apart from other players, as he showed throughout the course of his two-year career at Syracuse. Despite being maligned by the press for “being out of shape” at NBA Summer League, Waiters has continued to work hard to learn from coach Scott and staff and should continue to emerge alongside the multi-dimensional offensive talent of Irving.” [Bauman/Sheridan Hoops]
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“That future inclues an “exciting young backcourt” evolving into the “nastiest backcourt tandem” in the NBA. That’s what I’m feeling like this morning at least. What I saw last night was everything I had hoped for coming into this year.
The 28 points he scored weren’t really that important. Dion played like a guy that Meek Mill would be proud to shout-out in a song for the remainder of his Maybach Music Group contract. He hit those big shots while playing opposite guys like Chris Paul and Caron Butler. He wasn’t scared of the moment, he looked like he belonged on stages like that, and he was spectacular.” [Bowers/Stepien Rules]
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“Alonzo has a limited offensive game and isn’t a great shooter. He isn’t a great ball-handler and he doesn’t create much for others. He will continue to get heavy minutes, however, because of what he does on the defensive end of the floor. While Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters are trying to carry much of the offensive load, Gee is holding down the fort on defense. Gee’s athleticism and versatility make him very valuable to the Cavaliers. He can guard shooting guards and small forwards, but also switches onto point guards at times. Against the Clippers on Monday, Alonzo spent a good amount of time on Chris Paul and his length seemed to bother the best point guard in the world. In the previous game, Gee spent some time guarding Brandon Jennings as well. This is a pretty creative way to let Kyrie save some energy on defense so that he can continue to dominate on offense. ” [Kaczmarek/Fear the Sword]
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“I’m not quite ready to put him into the “Dwyane Wade” column just yet; I think we’re still going to go through a lot of growing pains with him. But man, the kid can play. And, just like Wade, he is not afraid of the big moment. Some of his shots down the stretch were a bit ill-advised, but he took them with confidence. He’s got the talent, he’s got the cojones, and if he puts it all together, he’s going to be special.
Let’s hope this is the start of something really good for this franchise. Maybe even something great. On draft night, many people (including myself) were concerned about whether Irving and Waiters could play together. Even though it has only been four games, I think we have our answer: yes, they can.
Now it will be about their development, and the development of the players around them.” [Mayer/Rebuilding since 1964]
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Chris Creamer’s college football uniform awards. [Sports Logos]
3 Comments
“Despite being maligned by the press for ‘being out of shape’ at NBA Summer League, Waiters has continued …”
Why is “out of shape” in quotations as if this was an unfair accusation? He clearly was overweight, his coach said he was out of shape, and it was proper to malign a young athlete for not properly preparing himself to play. Hate this common straw man story angle of “he proved his doubters wrong/shocked the world.” He’s probably playing well now because he got into shape after being maligned by the press and coaching staff, not despite it. Lazy lazy writing. Look at what’s actually there and write about that.
Agreed. Everyone in connection with the team said he was out of shape.
I agree as well, but I am also putting it as another reason why I refuse to watch Summer League games. They do not matter other than to give the coaches a way of running their plays with the rookies for the first time.