Cavs-Bulls
Never really blog about sports, because I experience it as a distraction from things to think (and therefore blog) about.  But I am feeling an itch in need of scratching.

The Cavs just lost Kevin Love for the remainder of the season.  He is 1/3 of the 'Big Three.'  And I hope that (should he return next year) he will emerge as 1/3 of the big three.  For the most part this season, he played more like a solid starter with promise, but one who always seemed a bit out of sync, maybe even too soft.  I hope he emerges next years.  What about this year?

Losing KL will mean more minutes for Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert for sure.  Likely also more minutes for James Jones, Shawn Marion, and Mosgov as well.

Putting aside the question of how to balance first and second units (needs to be one--I trust Blatt to figure it out), more minutes from Thompson and Shumpert right now, with this team, is a very good thing.  That is an upgrade.  Once JR returns, a significant upgrade.

If James Jones can hit threes without being a black hole in every other way (maybe he can focus on getting some rebounds?), his additional minutes will be a wash.  Not a loss; not a bonus.  Just holding steady.

But more offensive rebounds and defense from Thompson and Shumpert, plus Shumpert can hit threes and drive to the hole if the D does not take him seriously...this will improve the Cavs.  And more from a well-rested Shawn Marion might be an upgrade as well; certainly will not be a downgrade.

For the first two games we will lack depth.  This means more minutes for Delly and maybe Mike Miller.  But I hope not.  For the first two games give the extra minutes mostly to Thompson, Shumpert, and Marion with some for Mosgov and Jones (depending on how he plays).

I like a starting five like this:

Kyrie and Shumpert
Mosgov, James, and Jones (or start Thompson)

But if Jones starts, he only comes back on the floor if he shows us something.  Otherwise, his minutes go to Marion or Shumpert or Thompson after the first quarter.

Second quarter unit:

Integrate in lots of Thompson (whether he starts or not), and then second most of Marion and then some Delly and Perkins to rest Kyrie, James, Shumpert and Mosgov at different times.

In the second half...likely more Thompson that Jones with first unit.

I like how these guys play:  Kyrie, James, Shumpert, Movgov, Thompson...so even if this is not your starting unit, this is your best unit.  Then Marion and Delly and Perkins and Jones are (in descending order) solid contributors...to rest others and spread the floor.

Fun to write, but now I know why I do not (and should not) blog about sports.