[BennyWestsideParticipant]

I know that everyone is waxing lyrical about the Cavs trade for Love, but for me it raises as many questions as it solves. Sure Love is dynamite offensively and on the boards, but we are beyond making any credible arguments that he will be a passable defender. To me he would need to play beside a 4 who can block shots and guard other PF’s so that Love could just focus on being physical with centres and bodying up. The Cavs do not have that sort of power forward (and to be honest only a couple of teams do), and with LeBron being their only good defender they could have real trouble stopping people.

This is interesting because I have been thinking that the Cavs should have looked for a different trade. With Stephenson leaving town and PG missing the season with that broken leg, the Pacers probably should be looking at mixing up their roster a bit and adding some ball handlers who can score. Meanwhile, Hibbert is the sort of player who is best when he doesn’t have to be featured, so is obviously suited to a championship team. Also, his max contract means that he will be costing the Pacers a lot of beans this season. I could totally see them trading him if the right deal comes along.

It just seems like a perfect match. The Cavs trade Indiana Waiters, Bennett, a salary filler and their two first round picks next season (both will be in the 20’s). In return, they get Hibbert. This deal would work for both teams. The Pacers turn an unpopular player whose trade value is likely to crater next season into two young guys with real potential and a lead guard for this season to take over for Stephenson and George. The Cavs get to keep Wiggins while also adding an elite rim protector at C. Their linup of Hibbert, Love, James, Wiggins and Irving would be nasty on both sides of the floor, and all of their older vets on the bench would be able to slide in and out to keep the machine ticking. To me, that may be a less exciting team than the one Cleveland has put together, but it would probably win a lot more titles and age better.

[NBAexpert82Participant]

 Although I don’t think the Hibbert trade would ever happen, you make a good point about Kevin Love.  He is a decent shooter, a solid rebounder, has no post game, and is a liability on defence.  LeBron James didn’t do himself any favors when he requested this trade.  Love didn’t have a good season by any standards and they gave up Andrew Wiggins to get him and now he is either going to get over paid or leave.

 

  

[NBAexpert82Participant]

 Although I don’t think the Hibbert trade would ever happen, you make a good point about Kevin Love.  He is a decent shooter, a solid rebounder, has no post game, and is a liability on defence.  LeBron James didn’t do himself any favors when he requested this trade.  Love didn’t have a good season by any standards and they gave up Andrew Wiggins to get him and now he is either going to get over paid or leave.

 

  

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