2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[DanSchwartzgan]

This is the best argument for upgrade now that we’ve seen everyone. Maxi and KP aren’t suited for the WCS/DP role. The MLE should be able to bring in a guy like Holmes.  

Andre Drummond is another guy I’m following

You've been on Drummond since the off season.  Have you heard something?



Andre Drummond had a field day in a 106-103 win over the Knicks on Friday, scoring a season-high 33 points (10-of-18 FGs, 13-of-19 FTs) with 23 rebounds, three assists, two steals, two blocks and two turnovers in 40 minutes. 

Good grief. That’s his 43rd game with a 20/20 line as Drummond moves past Hakeem Olajuwon for the third most such games in NBA history. This was also the first 30-point, 20-rebound game for the Cavaliers since Carlos Boozer did it back in 2004. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Cavs divvy up the frontcourt minutes when Jarrett Allen is cleared next game, but GM Koby Altman said he told Drummond on Thursday that his role stays the same and that he can help Allen. While Drummond is likely to keep his job, it’s probably fair to expect at least a slight dip in workload.


___________________________________________________________________________________________

Here are some thoughts from Hollinger:


Of more interest may be Drummond, who has been having arguably his best season thus far and will be a free agent after the season. The acquisition of Allen likely makes Drummond a goner come summer, so it behooves the Cavs to get some value for him before then. Additionally, he is extension-eligible, so an acquiring team could agree to an extend-and-trade deal.

These factors also applied to Drummond a year ago, and the only substantial offer came from … Cleveland, which gave up a second, However, Drummond no longer has a $28 million player option hanging over acquiring teams, and combined with his recent play it could result in a more robust trade market this time around.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

And a little bit on his D (which is always going to be the concern when you pair a rim runner with KP...especially on the perimeter.  I'm a bit dubious, but will note that he has posted some impressive Defensive Win Scores at times and Cleveland's defensive improvement (they were among the league's worst the two seasons prior to this one) is substantial:


Bickerstaff had early expectations for Drummond on defense, shutting down the paint and protecting the rim. He believes Drummond should be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. As they’ve turned their focus to be a strong defensive team, Drummond is an important piece in that puzzle.

The Cavs hang their hat on the defensive end, ranking second in the league with a defensive rating of 105.0. Drummond’s presence in the paint and grabbing defensive rebounds is a major factor in their defensive success. He is averaging 11.3 defensive rebounds per game and leads the league with 15.8 total rebounds per game.



______________________________________________________________________________________________

Cleveland ate the 21/22 salary of Prince and used a TPE to take in Allen.  Yes, they gave up Milwaukee's (presumably very late) first rounder in 2022 for Allen, but the financial piece that got both Indy and Houston under the tax was the big difference maker.  They now sit $2mm under the tax for the current season (so don't look for them to take on extra salary in any deal.  

They gave up a 2nd rounder to get Drummond the year before.  So, technically, anything better than a second is a wise use of assets.  It wouldn't be hard for Cleveland to create a slot to do a 2 for 1 or 3 for 2 trade, which is probably necessary in order to bring back someone making $28mm.  Drummond is a Schwartz guy.