Tag / cleveland cavaliers

by Alex Fischbein

Gordon Hayward Complaining, NBA Conference Finals, Cavaliers’ Future | TAF313

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files, your premier source for in-depth NBA analysis and the latest basketball news! In today’s episode, we delve into the heartbreak and drama of the Game 7 losses by the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, explore Gordon Hayward’s frustrations over his playing time, discuss the future of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell, and react to the unfolding excitement of the 2024 NBA Conference Finals. Stay tuned for all the essential updates and expert insights!

Knicks and Nuggets Fall in Game 7: We start off the episode with a recap of the dramatic Game 7 losses suffered by the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets. Both teams fought valiantly throughout their series but ultimately fell short in the decisive games. We analyze the key moments that led to their defeats, the standout performances, and what these losses mean for their future strategies and roster decisions.

Gordon Hayward’s Playing Time Controversy: Next, we turn our attention to Gordon Hayward, who has recently voiced his dissatisfaction with his playing time. Hayward’s comments have sparked a debate about his role on the team and the coaching decisions that have limited his minutes. We delve into the potential implications for Hayward’s future with his current team and explore possible trade scenarios.

Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell’s Future: Shifting our focus to the Cleveland Cavaliers, we discuss the uncertain future of the team and their star player, Donovan Mitchell. After a disappointing playoff run, the Cavaliers face crucial decisions about their roster and strategy. We analyze the potential moves the team could make to build around Mitchell or explore trade options that might better suit their long-term goals.

2024 NBA Conference Finals Reactions: As the NBA Conference Finals heat up, we provide our reactions and insights into the matchups and performances that are shaping this critical stage of the playoffs. From key players stepping up to strategic adjustments by the coaches, we break down the factors that are determining the outcomes of these high-stakes games and predict who might advance to the NBA Finals.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:12:40 Gordon Hayward complains about playing time
00:22:35 What should the Cavs and Donovan Mitchell do?
00:40:30 Knicks and Nuggets lose Game 7s
00:48:50 NBA Conference Finals are set
01:00:33 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Trae Young’s Future, NBA Draft Lottery, NBA Playoffs Heat Up | TAF312

Welcome back to another episode of The Atlantic Files! In today’s show, we’ve got an exciting lineup of topics to cover, including the results of the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, the latest NBA mock drafts, swirling trade rumors involving star players Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, and an update on the ongoing action in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Join us as we delve into the latest news, rumors, and insights from the world of basketball. Let’s get started!

2024 NBA Draft Lottery Results: We kick off the episode with a breakdown of the results from the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery. With the draft order now set, teams are gearing up to make their selections and add promising young talent to their rosters. We analyze the implications of the lottery results for teams at the top of the draft board and discuss potential draft strategies.

2024 NBA Mock Drafts: Shifting our focus to the upcoming NBA Draft, we explore the latest mock drafts and projections for the top prospects in the 2024 draft class. From potential lottery picks to sleeper selections, we analyze the players expected to make waves in the NBA and discuss their fit with various teams.

Trade Rumors Surrounding Trae Young and Dejounte Murray: Next up, we delve into the swirling trade rumors involving star players Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. With speculation mounting about potential trade destinations and package deals, we examine the likelihood of these blockbuster trades and discuss the potential impact on the teams involved.

2024 NBA Playoffs Update: Turning our attention to the postseason, we provide an update on the action-packed 2024 NBA Playoffs. From thrilling matchups to standout performances, we analyze the latest developments and storylines shaping the playoff landscape. With teams battling it out for a shot at the championship, we discuss the key factors influencing playoff outcomes.

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
03:12 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, Mock Drafts
23:17 Reports on Trae Young and Dejounte Murray
33:51 2024 NBA Playoffs updates
47:26 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Damian Lillard And Jrue Holiday Traded! | TAF288

On episode 288 of The Atlantic Files, Damian Lillard is traded to the Milwaukee Bucks and joins Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday heads to the Boston Celtics, we break down all of the trade pieces, and then we put together all of our divisional previews for one big preview episode!

Finally, we get a resolution to the Damian Lillard saga that has gone on for months. He’s on his way to join Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to form a super-duo. Question marks still exist with this team’s health like that of Khris Middleton. Also, the team as a whole is getting older and older, so their window to win another championship is very short. Will the new coach lead them back to the promised land?

Another side of the trade was moving Jrue Holiday to Portland who then was moved to Boston. The Trail Blazers got some more assets out of it while Holiday moved to another Eastern Conference contender. His fit in Boston is perfect as he replaces the role that Marcus Smart vacated. With the addition of Holiday, however, that improves the offense in ways that Smart was unable to.

To wrap up this week’s episode, we stitched together all of our divisional previews from the past six weeks to bring one big preview episode. Let us know what you think of each division and who you have winning each one to make the playoffs this year!

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Timecodes:
00:01:51 – Damian Lillard traded to Milwaukee
00:10:40 – Jrue Holiday traded to Boston
00:20:15 – 2023-24 NBA Central Division preview
00:31:44 – 2023-24 NBA Atlantic Division preview
00:42:00 – 2023-24 NBA Southeast Division preview
01:01:25 – 2023-24 NBA Pacific Division preview
01:10:55 – 2023-24 NBA Northwest Division preview
01:24:48 – 2023-24 NBA Southwest Division preview

by Alex Fischbein

Kelly Oubre Jr. Signs With The Sixers | TAF286

This week, on episode 286 of The Atlantic Files, Kelly Oubre Jr. is signing a one-year deal with the Sixers, James Harden trade talks were ended by the Clippers and not the 76ers, we continue our divisional preview series with the Central Division, the NBA has established new resting rules for star players, and we bring back our fantasy basketball and football corner!

Daryl Morey and the 76ers actually made a roster move that wasn’t trading James Harden. Kelly Oubre Jr. is joining the team on a one-year deal! We’re still not exactly sure why Oubre wasn’t signed by any other teams until now, but it’s a huge pickup for a team that’s in limbo with one of their superstars.

Speaking of James Harden, news came out that the trade talks were actually ended by the Clippers. Brian Windhorst spoke about how the Clippers were the ones moving on after the trade talks hit a stalemate. Originally, the drama began because it was believed that Morey finished the negotiations. Now, the shoe is on the other foot and we haven’t heard from Harden since then.

The NBA also established new rules in regard to resting players throughout the regular season. We’ll, hopefully, begin to see more and more stars playing on national TV and in away games. The issue becomes how the league will actually enforce all of these rules and how they’ll make sure that the injuries listed are real.

Finally, we continue our divisional preview series for the 2023-24 season. The Central Division is the next one on the list before our specialty next week. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks win the division again or will Cleveland take another step up with their young core and Donovan Mitchell?

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:15 Fantasy Football Corner: Week 2
00:17:37 Kelly Oubre Jr signs with Sixers
00:32:21 Clippers end trade talks for James Harden
00:36:27 New resting rules in effect in the NBA
00:46:50 NBA Central division preview
00:58:48 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Jaylen Brown Gets The Bag! | TAF280

On episode 280 of The Atlantic Files, Jaylen Brown gets a supermax extension from the Boston Celtics, Mikal Bridges hypes up Ben Simmons like many have done before, Donovan Mitchell apparently won’t stay in Cleveland, we discuss the top rookies for redraft and fantasy basketball leagues, and we play the NBA grid game!

Jaylen Brown gets a whole boatload of money from the Celtics to go with a five-year extension. Now, the debate is whether or not he can produce enough to match the amount of money he’s making. Some don’t even think he’s the second-best player on his team!

Mikal Bridges went on Paul George‘s podcast and talked about Ben Simmons and where the team’s mindset is at in regard to getting him back on the court. Bridges hyped up Simmons’ attitude and his work ethic heading into this season while he said that Simmons was actually the one talking the most in their team group chat. Will this turn into yet another hype reel that doesn’t turn into any real production?

Now, there are reports flying around that Donovan Mitchell won’t be staying in Cleveland longer than his current contract. His eyes are already set on another city apparently and the team would be smart to just trade him away to get something for him. Should they keep him and try to convince him to stay instead?

Finally, we discuss the top rookies heading into this season for fantasy basketball. We talk about both redraft and dynasty leagues and the best rookies to look out for if you happen to be participating in either one this year!

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:07 Jaylen Brown gets the Supermax from the Boston Celtics
00:11:58 Mikal Bridges hypes up Ben Simmons
00:24:18 Donovan Mitchell won’t stay in Cleveland?
00:33:31 Top fantasy basketball rookies for redraft leagues
00:47:28 Top fantasy basketball rookies for dynasty leagues
00:59:28 The NBA Grid game!
01:14:22 Outro

Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Josh Hart, New York Knicks, NBA Playoffs, Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat, Atlantic Files, Podcast
by Alex Fischbein

The New York Knicks And Playoff Jimmy Butler Are Real | TAF270

On this week’s episode of The Atlantic Files, the New York Knicks are shutting down the Cleveland Cavaliers with ease, Jimmy Butler flipped his playoff switch against Milwaukee, the Philadelphia 76ers swept the Brooklyn Nets so what do they need to do this off-season, Ime Udoka got the job with the Houston Rockets, and more!

Both the Knicks and Jimmy Butler have flipped the playoff switch lately. New York is on a high right now as they took a 3-1 lead over the Cavaliers as the series goes back to Cleveland for Game 5. Many analysts, including us on this podcast, didn’t believe in the Knicks winning a series against a Donovan Mitchell-led Cavs team. Yet, here they are on the cusp of advancing to the second round! Then, there’s the tale as old as time in playoff Jimmy. Butler has taken the Heat to the edge of a huge upset over the first-seed Milwaukee Bucks after he put up a historic performance in Game 4.

Now that the Brooklyn Nets have been swept for the second time in two years, what do they need to avoid the same fate for a third consecutive season? How do they build after moving on from the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving experiment? Well, a good start is having players like Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, that’s for sure! It’s time to talk about the pieces they need around those two.

Ime Udoka’s name has been thrown around rumor mills for every single team that needed a head coach. Finally, two teams fired their coaches and then it became a contest of which one could hire him quicker. Reportedly, he didn’t want the Toronto job, so he ended up taking the Houston opening. Does he immediately make them a playoff contender, or is there still a long way to go for this squad?

Finally, we go over the other playoff series around the league and talk about the hottest topics. Dillon Brooks is regretting poking the bear, the Minnesota Timberwolves finally won a game, the Los Angeles Clippers are injured again, and more!

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:56 2023 NBA Playoffs observations
00:46:32 New York Knicks making the ECF
01:03:31 Joel Embiid sprains his LCL
01:16:58 Brooklyn Nets changes they need to make in the off-season
01:30:08 Ime Udoka heading to Houston
01:34:15 Outro

Joel Embiid, Mikal Bridges, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, NBA Playoffs, Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

Joel Embiid vs Mikal Bridges, NBA Playoffs Heat Up | TAF269

In the latest episode of The Atlantic Files, hosts Alex Fischbein discussed the latest happenings in the NBA playoffs. As always, the podcast focused on the Atlantic Division but also covered some broader observations about the playoffs as a whole. Here are some of the highlights from the episode:

Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets playoffs series

Alex broke down the first-round series between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets, two of the most talented teams in the Eastern Conference. Mikal Bridges has proven to be a top-notch player that deserves to be the number-one option on a playoff team. On the other side, Joel Embiid has grown in his playmaking abilities as he’s been consistently finding his teammates out of double teams.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks playoffs series

He also talked about the matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks, which had been an unexpected and exciting series. They highlighted the impressive play of Cavaliers’ guards Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, as well as the toughness and grit of Knicks’ star Julius Randle.

2023 NBA Playoffs observations

In addition to discussing specific matchups, Alex also shared some broader observations about the playoffs. He talked about the dominance of Western Conference teams, the rise of younger teams like the Sacramento Kings and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the importance of coaching in the postseason.

Draymond Green stomping on Domantas Sabonis

One controversial moment in the playoffs was Draymond Green’s stomp on Domantas Sabonis during the Golden State Warriors’ series against the Sacramento Kings. Alex weighed in on the incident and its potential consequences, both for Green and for the Warriors’ playoff hopes.

Jaren Jackson Jr. winning Defensive Player of the Year

Another topic of discussion was Jaren Jackson Jr. winning the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award. The host praised Jackson’s ability to guard multiple positions and impact the game on both ends of the court.

De’Aaron Fox winning clutch player of the year

Finally, De’Aaron Fox won the Clutch Player of the Year award, which recognizes players who perform best in high-pressure situations. They talked about Fox’s ability to take over games in the fourth quarter and his importance to the Sacramento Kings’ success.

The Atlantic Files continues to be the go-to podcast for fans of the Atlantic Division and the NBA as a whole. With expert analysis, engaging conversation, and a focus on the latest news and trends in the league, it’s no wonder the podcast has become such a hit among basketball fans. Be sure to tune in to the next episode for even more great content!

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:10 Joel Embiid, Mikal Bridges, Sixers vs Nets
00:22:11 Knicks vs Cavs tied 1-1
00:38:20 NBA Playoffs observations from around the league
00:53:17 Draymond Green suspended for stomp
00:57:55 Jaren Jackson Jr and De’Aaron Fox win awards
01:00:29 Outro

Draymond Green, Jordan Poole, Fight, Victor Wembanyama, Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

Draymond Green implodes, Victor Wembanyama explodes | TAF247

This week on The Atlantic Files podcast, Draymond Green swings at Jordan Poole during practice, Victor Wembanyama faces Scoot Henderson in an exhibition, Jamal Murray thinks that the level of basketball in the bubble was much better, the NBA divisional preview series rolls on with the Central Division, and debate the Dream Team vs the Redeem Team.

Of course, we had to start off with the hottest bit of drama that the NBA has to offer lately. Draymond Green punched his teammate Jordan Poole in practice and the video was leaked by none other than TMZ. I’m sure no one is surprised that it came from TMZ. So, we gave our thoughts and reactions on the matter.

A week ago, Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson had the exhibition game for the ages. Both players are considered the top two prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft. They did not disappoint one bit. All of the hype and advertisements are crazy for a reason.

Jamal Murray claimed that the level of basketball inside of the bubble a couple of years ago was the best basketball the NBA has seen in a while. Everyone’s focus was only on the game and there weren’t any fans to get inside anyone’s head. Do you agree with him?

We continue our divisional preview series with the second to last division left. The Central Division, which is home to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, is one that seems pretty cut and dry. So much so that we even had the same exact predictions for the standings!

Finally, in the spirit of the new redeem team documentary that came out, we debated the Dream Team vs the Redeem Team. Which one of the two legendary Olympic teams are you taking?

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:07:44 Reactions to the Draymond Green and Jordan Poole fight
00:33:39 Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson are insanely talented
00:50:21 Jamal Murray says basketball in the bubble was at its best
01:00:11 2022-23 NBA Central Division Preview
01:34:54 Dream team vs Redeem team
01:38:17 Outro

NBA, Statement Jersey, Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

Atlantic Files reacts to new NBA Statement jerseys

Every season, each NBA team has been releasing at least one new jersey for the last few years. Some have been alternates, some have redesigned their main jerseys, and others have re-released classics. Either way, there’s normally a new jersey these days with “cool” names like “statement jerseys.”

So, with all of the crazy jerseys, awesome throwbacks that remind us of our childhood, and other jerseys coming out this year, we decided to react to all the ones we hate, love, and everything in between!

As of right now, we have to give the worst jersey of the year to the Utah Jazz. The basic black and highlighter yellow colors are both boring and hard to look at. Why are we making people stick out like highlighters as if they play for Baylor? Come on people, we can do better than that!

The Cleveland Cavaliers, on the other hand, had a great designer work on their jerseys. All three of them use their color combinations to perfection and the alternate jersey looks just as sick. For a team who just got a whole lot better after a blockbuster trade, the new jerseys really fit the direction of the squad.

Check out the clip from our podcast below to see what else we thought on the other jerseys!

Collin Sexton, RJ Barrett, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Atlantic Files
by Alex Fischbein

New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers, which trade package was better?

Rumors came out about the type of trade packages that the New York Knicks offered to Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz. Some of them seemed so good that Ainge was insane NOT to accept them. So was Cleveland’s trade package actually better?

Ultimately, the Cleveland Cavaliers gave the deal that Ainge liked the most. They gave more unprotected picks than the Knicks, and one can argue that Collin Sexton is better than RJ Barrett. What about the rest of the trade package though?

There’s Obi Toppin vs Lauri Markkanen, which currently favors Markkanen. Then, there were different combinations of Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, and Mitchell Robinson offered by the Knicks.

It shouldn’t take a statistical analysis to know that all of those younger and more talented players favor the Knicks trade package. On top of Quickley and Barrett, Leon Rose even offered a couple unprotected picks and some pick swaps. That seems like a trade that would interest any rebuilding team.

Let’s take the main piece of each trade first. RJ Barrett is already the younger of the two compared to Collin Sexton. Barrett is also 6’6, more versatile, and is just as good of a playmaker as Sexton. Sexton, however does have the shooting efficiency nod and is a much better three-point shooter right now. They essentially play the same position at shooting guard, which is where the 6’1 player usually doesn’t have as high of a ceiling as the 6’6 player.

We’ll let you listen to the part of our podcast where we talked about all of this. Then let us know what you think!