The Raven Report 10.28: 2014-15 #Cavs Season Preview

The Homecoming. The New Big Three. The New Cleveland
By @neveRWilliams

Everything changed on July 11, 2014. The best player in the world chose us. LeBron James chose to come home to Northeast Ohio and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

But this new Cavs team actually started to take shape before then. Mike Brown was fired as coach on May 12, 2014 after going 33-49. On June 21, it was officially announced that ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) head coach David Blatt would be taking the reigns here in Cleveland. Blatt, 55, has been widely considered to be one of the best and brightest offensive minded coaches in the world. It was only a matter of time before he came to the NBA and Cleveland landed him with a 3-year deal worth about $10 million, with a 4th year team option. Blatt also guided the 2012 Russian Olympic team to a bronze medal. Coach Blatt was a 6-time Israeli Cup Champion, 2014 Euroleague Champion and the 2014 Euroleague Coach of the Year.

What's more to say that hasn't already been said about the re-arrival of LeBron James? It was literally one of the biggest NEWS stories in the world. A global figure with exquisite basketball skills and a business mind decided to come back to Cleveland, Ohio and the Cavaliers. The impact of having LeBron back in a Cavs uniform still hasn't settled in for some people. It still feels surreal to many. But believe it Cleveland. The king has come home, slimmed down and ready to lead this Cavs team to its first NBA championship.

But LeBron did not come to Cleveland alone. It started with Kyrie Irving re-signing to a 5-year, $90 million deal. But on August 23, the Cavs and GM David Griffin made another BIG TIME move. The Cavs traded rookie Andrew Wiggins and 2nd year player Anthony Bennett to Minnesota for superstar, all-star forward Kevin Love. Love is seen by many to be the best power forward in the NBA, especially after last season when he averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds per game. After being fed up with the Timberwolves constant years of mistakes and bad decisions, Kevin was ready to get out of Minnesota and onto a team that would be a playoff contender. So, why not be apart of the NEW Cleveland Cavaliers.

So what do you do after you created a new, league feared "Big 3" in James, Love and Irving? You fill up that roster with men who know how to win in basketball. Joining the Cavs this season are veterans Shawn Marion, Mike Miller, James Jones, Brendon Haywood and Lou Amundson. Add in the young legs of rookie shooter Joe Harris and returning young, key players like the fantastic Dion Waiters, energetic Tristan Thompson, Matthew Dellavedova and the rebounding and defensive machine that is Anderson Verajao, the Cavs seem to have the team that can be the best in the East and contend for the title.

Expectations by many see the Cavs winning between 55-65 games, if not more, which would easily put the Cavaliers into the playoffs. While many on the team may be seeing their first playoff action, the veterans will definitely help in guiding them along the way to success. The key will be the meshing of the best all-around player in the game in LeBron James with the excellent from court play of Kevin and Kyrie Irving running the point. Anderson Verajao and Tristan Thompson doing the dirty work and Dion Waiters trying to take a more prominent role with three all stars in place.

What fans need to remember is that even though it make take time to fully gel this squad together, it will and it will be worth it. These Cavaliers are going to be the favorite to win every night of the season. With that, they know that every team will be gunning to take them out every single night they play.


The season of excitement and dreams of a championship all begins on October 30 when the Cavs host Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks.

#AllForOne #NewCleveland

Leadoff with Lee 9.11.14

By @cleeverizon

-A law enforcement official says the Ray Rice video of him punching his now wife, Janay Rice, was sent to NFL offices back in April. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell claims he, nor anyone at the NFL had seen the video until Monday when TMZ Sports put it on their website.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the law enforcement official played a voicemail from a phone number coming from NFL offices that stated, "Your right, that's terrible". Ray Rice was initially suspended by the NFL for two games, until Monday when the video leaked and was ultimately was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and cut by the Baltimore Ravens. Roger Goodell and the NFL order a independent investigation into who was on this voicemail and who this law enforcement official is. Former FBI director Robert S. Mueller III will lead the investigation in the handling of evidence in the Ray Rice domestic violence case for the NFL. Apparently 25-30 casino staff members saw the video, with a dozen or more members having access to the recording. To Be Continued...

-Browns head coach Mike Pettine officially labeled running back Ben Tate out for Sunday's game versus the New Orleans Saints. Tate suffered a sprained knee in last Sunday's loss against the Steelers. He's expected to miss about two weeks. Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell will see plenty of playing time this weekend. Monday, the Browns worked out tight end Kellen Davis, but ultimately signed Gerell Robinson on Tuesday off of the Broncos practice squad. Robinson is a former wide receiver turned tight end who can stretch the field. Jordan Cameron has a injured A.C. joint in his shoulder and is listed day-to-day. With this signing, it seems as if the Browns will give Cameron a rest this weekend.

-The NFL and NFLPA are a mere day or so away from increasing the marijuana threshold, modifying DUI penalties and HGH testing. If the two sides can come to a agreement, approximately 20 players could be able to play for their teams sooner rather than later. The most notable players are the Denver Broncos' Wes Welker and Cleveland Browns' Josh Gordon.

-The Cavs officially announced they signed "The Matrix", Shawn Marion on Monday. The 17-year veteran power forward will come off the bench for the first time in his career. He averaged 10.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last year. The 6'7", 228lbs forward will offer increased depth for the bench.

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Leadoff with Lee 8.19.14

-Don't let the 24-23 score fool you, the game wasn't really that close. Neither Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel proved they deserved to be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. It seemed as if the rotating quarterbacks couldn't get into a rythem or build chemistry with the wideouts. Throws were high, low, behind and even hit their receivers hands for incomplete passes. Penalties also killed the Browns which I'm sure Mike Pettine isn't happy about. It also seemed as if Manziel didn't recognize blitz formations. He needs to change the protection, call an audible and/or know who is his "HOT" receiver. The defense looked decent with a great goal line stand. Joe Haden had a nice 37 yard interception as well. The Browns will have a short week as they play Saturday at home, against the St. Louis Rams.

-Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller re-injured his surgically repaired right shoulder in practice yesterday. His availability for the upcoming season is in question. Miller will have an MRI today to see if any additional damage was done to his shoulder or if it simply needs more rest. J.T. Barrett seems to be the front runner for Braxton's spot if he's unavailable for the Buckeyes first game August 30 at Navy. Cleveland Glenville's own Cardale Jones will be his backup. Both are freshman and participated in OSU's spring practice. It is unknown if Miller will apply for a medical redshirt if he is unavailable this season.

-The preseason AP poll was released and Ohio State ranked 5th. In the coaches poll released a few weeks ago, they ranked 6th.

-Four Notre Dame football players have been suspended and are being investigated for academic fraud. Notre Dame said in a statement that receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive back KeiVarae Russell, defensive lineman Ishaq Williams and linebacker Kendall Moore submitted papers and homework written for them by others. No timetable has been placed on when the investigation will be complete.

-Shawn Marion officially agreed to the veterans league minimum ($1.4 million) to play with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Marion played for the Dallas Mavericks last season, averaging 10.4ppg and 6.5 rebounds. The 6'7", 36-year-old Marion will come off the bench to play small and power forward, making him very versitile.

-Kell Brook defeated Akron native "Showtime" Shawn Porter to become the new IBF Welterweight Champion. Brook won 117-111 and 116-112 on the American judge score cards and 114-114 and 115-113 on the English judge score cards. Porter expects a rematch, saying "Anytime, any place, I'm gonna take him".

Leadoff with Lee 8.12.14

Good Morning my "Threats" Leadoff with Lee is back and here's what I got.

-The NBA and ABC want a 5pm start for the Christmas Day home game featuring the Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers. What the networks and NBA want, is what they get. The NBA schedule will be released on Wednesday.

-Andrew Wiggins wants to be traded to Minnesota, according to his college coach, Kansas' Bill Self. The trade has been out there and I guess Wiggins is going to take what he can get. Wiggins and his college coach feel he can make more of an impact in Minnesota than Cleveland. Well duh, try to outshine LeBron, Kyrie, Love, Waiters or Thompson.....? Good luck!

-The Cavs signed 7' 245lbs center Alex Kirk. Kirk has a good chance of making the team this year, as Anderson Varejao and Brendan Haywood have been somewhat injury prone.

-Shawn Marion hasn't signed with the Cavs yet...why not? He may re-sign with the Mavs. But the Indiana Pacers can sign him for more money because of the injury exception they received after the Paul George injury.

-Ray Allen is still making up his mind if he will play this year. It has been reported he wants to play with a contender, which would make the Cavs the front runner. But Allen has four other choices. Sign with the Cavs, remain a free agent and sign with a team that's in contention, retire, or from my "SOURCE" become a coach with UCONN.

-I'm not going to break down Browns pre-season games but will tell you what I liked. I liked the multiple fronts that Pettine ran. From one down lineman to everyone standing up, all the way to your basic 3-4 and 4-3 defense. Pettine seems to like his nickel and cornerbacks blitzing. And I like that. The D-line had hurries that are just as good as sacks to me. Paul Kruger, Barkevious Mingo and Desmond Bryant will have big years this year. It will be good to see what Justin Gilbert will offer this season. The passing game by opponents should be in lockdown. Well that, as long as Buster Skrine does his thing.

-Just wait and see who is going to start next Monday. Mike Pettine is in no rush to name a starter vs. The Washington Redskins next Monday. From what I have been told, both quarterbacks will see action with the first team offense and even more playing time than last week. Browns QB Brian Hoyer isn't going down without a fight. He stated "I am the guy until proven otherwise". We really do have a "TRUE" QB competition.

-The Tribe was off yesterday.... thank God.

Leadoff with Lee 8.7.14

-The newest members of the Cavs were introduced Wednesday. Mike Miller and James Jones made it official at Cleveland Clinic Courts yesterday. Miller has reportedly signed a 2-year deal with a player option for the 2nd worth $5.5 million dollars. James Jones agreed to a league minimum for 1 for $1.45 million dollars. Ray Allen is still contemplating retirement or one more season. LBJ, Jones and Miller are involved with the recruiting of Allen. But they know Ray Allen will do what's best for himself and his family first. That leaves the door open to sign "The Matrix" Shawn Marion. Marion is expected to pass on a contract offer by the Indiana Pacers to sign with the Cavs.

-The Golden State Warriors have signed Ohio State point guard Aaron Craft to a non-guaranteed contract. Good Luck Aaron!

-According to all sources, Johnny Manziel had his best practice of the year and out played Brian Hoyer. Hoyer will get the start in the Great Lakes Classic this Saturday against Detroit. Mike Pettine did hint that the starters may play until the second quarter. With Johnny Manziel playing part of the second, along with Josh Gordon in the 3rd.

-Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the Browns are bracing for an 8-game suspension for Josh Gordon. Which reinforces why word on his appeal is taking so long. If this is true, I would think the NFL would let him get all the reps and preseason games he can in now, before announcing a lengthy suspension prior to the regular season. Why would the NFL do this? If they suspended him now for 8 games, he is lost with no practice or team participation. If done later, at least Gordon and the quarterbacks can develop chemistry and his return wouldn't be so rough, having to work him in.

-After shooting a 9 hole practice round, Tiger Woods stated he will play in the PGA Championship. Woods also said the injury he suffered at Firestone Country Club last weekend was not related to the surgery he had on March 31st. Woods said and I quate "It was a different pain than what I have been experiencing, so I knew it wasn't the same area of the surgery". Hopefully a pain free Tiger Woods can win his first major since 2008.

-The Cleveland Indians took a second straight loss to the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 in the 'Nati. The bright spot in the lineup was from Jason Kipnis as he went 3-4 on the night, but had no RBI. Danny Salazar went 4 innings giving up 5 hits and 5 earned runs. With 2 straight loses, the Tribe's record is now 57-57 and 2 1/2 games behind for the second wild card. The series ends today with TJ House (1-2,4.09era) going for the Indians and Homer Bailey (8-5 3.89era) pitching for the Reds. After the game, Danny Salazar was optioned down back to Triple-A Columbus after his start. C.C Lee was recalled to replace his roster spot.