Live Thread: Cavs @ Wizards

Good evening CtB!

The Cavs are in the nation’s capitol as they take on the shamelessly tanking Washington Wizards for a perfunctory Eastern Conference matchup. This is a classic trap game for the Cavs, but as it is known, this year’s Cavs have that killer instinct you’d hope teams have.

The bigger issue is the chemistry shakeup with De’Andre Hunter coming into the fold with Caris LeVert and Georges Niang heading out to ATL. It’s very hard to criticize the move by POBO Koby Altman. They got a better player than Niang, perhaps also a better than LeVert too and got under the tax for the season. It delays the cap penalties for another season, which is vitally important for long-term franchise success.

This move isn’t without risk. Hunter has an extensive injury history. Niang was clearly a veteran leader of the team that was able to make up for a lack of skill and talent with savvy and grit. Caris LeVert was perhaps the most versatile player on the team outside of Donovan Mitchell or Evan Mobley. He filled so many roles and filled them in competently and with a team-first attitude. There’s no doubt in my mind we will see their faces associated with the franchise again… and that should be a welcomed thing.

Tip off is scheduled for 7:00PM Eastern time and will broadcasted live on FanDuel Sports Network, Go Cavs!