The Cavs head into the offseason with a mix of upside and uncertainty as they finished the season with a 21-45 but featured the NBA Rookie of the Year in Kyrie Irving. The moves made by the team's front office will be critical as they look toward building a strong core around Irving and Tristan Thompson through the draft and free agency. Let's check in with The News-Herald's Bob Finnan who has the latest news and stories making headlines in Cleveland.
- Finnan reports that some NBA insiders think the Cavs should avoid drafting Michael Kidd-Gilchrist due to his poor perimeter shooting, but Ryan Blake, senior director of NBA scouting operations holds a different opinion. "He is a great athlete who has a great motor," he said. "He's a tough, physical defender. He attacks the rim and is a good finisher. He's a good rebounder. When you think about the ability he has, along with his (basketball) IQ and maturity, it's very important."
- The Cavs will have three restricted free agents this summer and need to decide if they will tender the players contracts before the June 30 deadline, writes Finnan. The players currently on the Cavs roster who will become restricted free agents include center Semih Erden and forwards Luke Harangody and Alonzo Gee. Finnan says to look for the Cavs to give Erden and Gee qualifying offers but will probably allow Harangody to become an unrestricted free agent.
- There were countless reasons why Irving took home the NBA Rookie of the Year award, but Finnan points to the grueling practices head coach Byron Scott put the Cavs through during training camp as Irving called them the most difficult part of the season. "Coach Scott is a little crazy in the preseason," Irving said. "It's a certain look he has with that whistle. He's mad at us. There are no basketballs, just running."
I think I like Irving. I’ve never heard of him though.