Baver Answers Beaver Week Questions: Part One - Brent Baver

Colin: Might as well get this out of the way, do you feel the Urban suspension was too long, too short or just right? 

Baver: My first thought after reading the report was that Urban was lucky to have a job. Knowing that Gene Smith provided Urban with an easy plan to address questions at Big Ten Media Days, and that Urban did the opposite of what Gene suggested, is pretty hard to swallow. Add to it the findings that indicate Meyer likely deleted text messages, knowing his phone would likely be looked at, and there was almost no way Urban could have gotten by without a suspension. Were it not for all that things Urban has done for Ohio State on and off the football field, he almost certainly would have been out of a job. 

Trying to reconcile his failure to drop the hammer on Zach Smith with all the things Urban has done for this program, aside from winning at a ridiculously high level, is tough to do. Meyer has completely raised the bar at Ohio State in every possible manner. 

Urban took a lot of heat when he was at Florida because of player arrests and other off-the-field players issues. He made this area of responsibility a personal project when he arrived at Ohio State, and the results are a night and day difference. These kind of player incidents are way, way down at OSU since Urban arrived in Columbus. Football graduation rates and Academic All-Big Ten selections? Meyer has knocked the ball out of the park here as well. And Urban and Shelley do more for women’s causes than just about any other current head coach/wife combo in college football. And the things they do are absolutely NOT “just for show”. If you missed OSU commit Harry Miller's mother's heartbreaking story, and her unequivocal support of Urban, you absolutely need to check it out HERE. Kristina Miller is a domestic abuse survivor.

It’s hard for me to have a beef with the 3-game suspension, but I think Ohio State definitely made the right move in keeping Meyer. Still, with perception and reality becoming so easily blurred in today’s society, Urban may not ultimately make it through this. If he doesn’t, I will be crushed.

Colin: Along those lines, Urban is notoriously wired pretty tight, how do you think this whole affair is impacting his ability to stay healthy and continue coaching? 

Baver: A definite big concern. Many questioned whether Urban would coach into his 60s before this ordeal got underway. This is a head coach that turned his back to the field, not being able to watch his kicker attempt a 4thquarter field goal in the Big Ten Title game last December. Tightly wired indeed. But Ohio St’s recruiting over that following 6-mth period was off-the-charts, and I had renewed hope for Urban’s longevity prior to things blowing up with Zach Smith.

I think back at first hearing him say “…coach like your hairs on fire.” That’s Urban - spot on. I really hope his health holds up and that Urban is here 5 years from now, but I have my doubts.

Colin: On to football... It all starts up front, the line is reshuffling and replacing a Center and Left Tackle. What should we expect from this unit?

Baver: A big question mark. And as you know….and it’s not just “a” center that has to be replaced; it’s the Remington Award winner. So we now know Mike Jordan will slide from LG to center, while Malcolm Pridgeon will fill Jordan’s vacated LG spot. Word on the street is that Pridgeon has made huge strides. Sophomore Thayer Munford will be at left tackle when healthy, but is dinged up right now, and would be replaced by Joshua Alibi if he can’t go in the opener. LT is a major concern, but I think Munford will eventually be a good one. In the short run, Munfort is going to have major problems dealing with TCU’s Ben Banogu in Wk 3. Banogu is the B12 pre-season Defensive Player of the Year selection.

Colin: It's no secret the offense became predictable and stagnant at times last year with JT under center. Will we see a different offense with the change to Dwayne Haskins?

Baver: You know me, I am almost always going to defend JT. So I have to start by saying, in ’17, JT led the Big Ten in passing efficiency, threw for 3,053 yds, 35 TDs, ran for 798 yds with another 12 TDs on the ground, and played the entire B10 title game 6 days after a knee operation. And JTs ability that was taken for granted, to pick up the needed 1st down on third or fourth and short, was unlike any college QB I can remember.

But I love Dwayne Haskins’ upside. He certainly has a bigger, more accurate arm than JT. There will be fewer read options with DH, and fewer designed runs, but still probably too many called keepers if/when Urban returns. If I were the head coach (and I thank God I am not), I would want to limit the hits Haskins takes. I don’t think OSU can win the rugged Big Ten East with Tate Martell at QB as the #1 guy behind center.

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What's Next for the Cavs? - by Ben Galli

There’s been some musings after LeBron officially left for L.A. that Cleveland would still try to field a contender.  But there’s two reasons why that’s not a good idea. The first one being the obvious: this Cavs team isn’t good enough to contend, even for the playoffs.  The second one is more practical. Back in January of 2017, the Cavs sent Mike Dunleavy Jr., Mo Williams, and a top 10 protected 1st round pick to Atlanta for the eternal Kyle Korver.  That pick is top 10 protected in 2019 and 2020 meaning if the Cavs don’t finish in the top 10 of the lottery this year, they’re in danger of losing it to the Hawks.

Is it tanking if the team's just not good enough?  The Cavs need relief quick in the form of young talent and lesser payroll. Ex Cavs GM David Griffin has said multiple times that they made sure to protect the first round picks they traded in the event LeBron left.  They’ve gotta cash in. Too risky in today’s NBA, especially for mid-tier destinations to sacrifice their first round pick to gain some honor with the fans, half of whom probably want them to tank.

Although the Cavs are trying to trade Kyle Korver, I think they’ll start the season with Kevin Love still on staff.  The player I thought was the least likely to stick around outlasted all the stars and he deserves to be the “Man” this year.  The Cavs will only trade if they get an offer too good to refuse, maybe near the trade deadline. A source in Portland over the weekend says the Blazers need to win now or risk losing Dame Lillard.  Perhaps some sort of deal that sends Love back to Portland where he grew up nearby for a package including Northeast Ohio native C.J. McCollum (Canton) is possible. 

I'm sure the Cavs would take calls on George Hill, I just don't think anyone's calling.  Hill is set to make 19 million this year and 18 the next.  And something tells me he may not be worth that.  He'll be perhaps the highest paid backup point guard/mentor in the league.  With Jeff Green leaving for the Wizards, it leaves Rodney Hood as a restricted free agent.  The Cavs would do well to bring Hood back at a low rate, maybe even a 1 year deal but the Kings may Divac that all up.

Which brings us to the Cavs big addition this year, first round pick Collin Sexton.  I wasn’t enamored of the pick because I saw higher upside elsewhere (Fort Knox). He’s not Kyrie Irving. He may not even be Terrell Brandon.  But a starting rookie point guard has probably the most difficult transition to the NBA. We’ll have to give this guy some time to see what he can become.  He’s going to show signs in the meantime.

What I would be excited about is more Cedi Osman.  The way that kid plays and his improving skill will be perfect for Cleveland.  Dude has more game than you think. Love is gonna be a best player on the team again for the first time in 5 years.  He was the classic big stats on a bad team star back then. Not much of a leader according to former teammate Ricky Rubio and he never made the playoffs in Minny.  I sense the same type of lottery finish with the Cavs.  And that's a good thing for the future.

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Brian and Greg Answer My Two World Cup Questions - by Colin Gawel

Gents,  How did your previous predictions turn out and what were the biggest surprises leading to the semi finals? How do you see it playing out from here? 

Greg - BriPhi looks a lot smarter than I do to this point...we were both on France, and he called the full-on EuroFinal. I'm amazed by the Year of the Underdog...not completely, but the teams that have gone home so far...wouldn't have guessed (as I've proven in this very space). I'm seeing a France-England final...France dominates theirs, and England in a close one. As far as the final, my heart says England, but my head says France. The Battle of the Channel!

The plus for England is that while Harry Kane had an off-night in the scoring column, his mates picked up for him. I do think the Golden Boot goes home with Kane.

Brian P. - I'll stick with France and agree with Greg that I like England to get through on the other end. France/Belgium will be wildly entertaining. For France's sake they need to be prepared for the Belgium counter attack way better than Brazil was. Brazil did a terrible job there.

My main surprise at this point was how well Russia did. They were at a serious talent disadvantage versus most of the field. It's been fun! Entertaining World Cup to be sure.

Greg - The X factor for France is Mbappe's speed. I don't think the Belgian defenders have anyone who has the wheels to stay with him.

Brian and Greg Answer Colin's World Cup Questions

Brian Phillips and Greg Bartram answer my simple minded World Cup questions entering the knockout stage of the tournament. - Colin G.

1) After group stage, whose stock is rising and who is falling?

Brian - To me the knock out stage (16 remaining teams, single elimination) is all about match-ups. We're seeing parity in this year's field. No one's stock is falling faster than host Russia. Uruguay exposed them 3-0 in the group finale. Spain will make quick work of them. I'm certainly more intrigued by Sweden after what they did to Mexico.

Greg - Agreed with Sweden, but I also thing El Tri still has a trick or two up their sleeve. This is a team that made the US look disinterested at home here in Columbus, so I think there's more here. Russia made out like bandits umping out to an 8-1 goal differential, but I think that was the adrenaline of being at home. I expect them to crater. Speaking of stock falling...Argentina? They barely made it, and out of a perennial powerhouse like that with a player the caliber of Messi to stink up the joint that badly...

What games are you most looking forward to in the first knockout round?

Brian - Brazil/Mexico for me. Can Mexico return to the form they showed against Germany? Can Brazil stand up to the physical game they'll see from El Tri? A not 100% Neymar should expect to be knocked around again. Will the center ref offer any protection or let them play? I am also very curious about England/Columbia. Heavy expectations again on the Brits. Does Harry Kane have another goal or two in him?

Greg - Brazil/Mexico, as Brian says, but also and especially France/Argentina. I think France dominates this. Uruguay/Portugal...Sorry, Suarez...you go home sad, methinks.

Do you feel the use of replay has been a success?

Brian - I have loved the replay. The ones I've seen they've gotten correct, and in important spots. And they've been efficient in the process.

Greg - I think VAR has been effective. I haven't seen one that they got wrong. The goal against Germany would've been a crime to let slip away. Not too much to break up the flow, but keeping the game legal...I'm all about it.

What teams would you put your money on at this point?

Brian- I'm liking France right now., but I'm glad I don't have money on this. Expect some surprises. The final four will be all Europeans.

Greg - I was all about the Sons and 'Ssons of Iceland, and sorry they didn't advance. Portugal's an interesting story, underdoggy because of the country's size, but turning out some of the word's best...Ronaldo has been a machine. And here's your Michigan debate...you have Michigan, but you root for the B1G, right? Same thing for El Tri. The US looks better the deeper Mexico moves...maybe their defense should Build a Wall?  I'm feeling Portugal

Cavs Draft On Tap - by Ben Galli

NBA Draft Night is almost here!  A rich pageantry of collegiate wunderkinds, characters, and conspiracy.  With free agency the dominion of old money teams, the draft is the easiest way to level the playing field.  It's the aspiration for a better future. And a reward for being losers.  The right pick can change fandoms and legacies.  The Warriors aren't the Warriors if they don't find a Draymond Green with the 35th pick.  Is Klay Thompson playing better than what you expected from the 11th pick in a weak draft?  

The Cavs pick 8th this year. Perhaps the only prized possession from the Kyrie "The World Is Flat Enough" Irving trade.  It's not the best pick and the Cavs are probably looking at the 2nd tier of talent available, but with the right development they could be picking up a star.  Here's a look at the Cavs' prospects heading into Thursday night.

Dream Scenario:  Maybe the only thing that can save this summer for Cavs fans is if Cleveland somehow found a way to trade this pick to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard thus convincing LeBron James to stay.  It's a stretch.  Would Kevin Love, maybe Rodney Hood, and the 8th pick be the best offer on the table for the Spurs?  Doubtful.  

Realistic Best Case Scenario:  One of the players with superstar potential falls to the 8th pick.  It is a precarious position though where Cleveland remains on the outside looking in.  The best players in the draft seem to be the Aytons, Doncics, Bagleys, and Jacksons.  Deandre Ayton can be a monster, a sleeker Joel Embiid.  Doncic seems to be the real deal.  I'll predict he'll be the funnest player to watch from this draft. 

The Cavs won't have a chance at these guys.  But they can hope that a Michael Porter Jr. might fall to them.  Facing concerns with the back surgery that sidelined him for most of his freshman year, Porter's ceiling is the roof.  Porter has a really nice skill set for the NBA.  He's long and a pure scorer.  And if LeBron leaves, there will be no shortage of ego in the Cavs locker room.

Most Realistic Scenario:  The Cavs take a gamble on another player with high upside.  I see Trae Young and rising Kentucky Wildcat Kevin Knox as picks that make sense for a franchise that may need to take risks.  Mikal Bridges from national champion Villanova and Miles Bridges of Michigan State (no relation) should be really solid pick ups.  Less of a risk plus less boom and bust potential.

The Anthony Bennett Scenario:  It's a real shot in the dark to try and predict who's going to be a bust in this year's draft.  You can only guess.  The worst thing the Cavs could do is trade this pick for average talent disguised a la a Trojan horse; perhaps much like the Isaiah Thomas deadline deal was.  Getting talent on level with the likes of Avery Bradley and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope won't convince kings or peasants.  

My Gut Scenario:  I'd hope that somehow a Michael Porter Jr or Jaren Jackson Jr become available for Cleveland.  Not likely though.  I think the Cavs take a chance on Kevin Knox.  And hope he follows in the steps of Devin Booker.  Collin Sexton remains an outcome.  Trae Young would be the most polarizing.  For all the hype it brings, draft night can be a cruel night.  The wrong pick can set franchises back years.  But the right pick can keep a city and franchise buzzing for a decade.

The Emperor's New Clothes - by Ben Galli

As many expected, the Warriors defeated the Cavs in the 2018 NBA Finals.  Twas a disappointing end to LeBron’s 2nd run in Cleveland if he does indeed choose to leave.  I could hazard a guess that the next few weeks will reach levels of virtual insanity with the different sources, takes, and rumors surrounding where LeBron James will play next season.  

And we all know that no one really knows. But will that stop the legions of us whose hopes and dreams have been lit anew or those of us yearning to grasp tidings from Brian Windhorst that Cleveland still has a shot?  No, dear reader, I think not. So it’s very possible that I write this simply as a way to cope with the craziness the next few weeks will bring, but hopefully it also gives you some solace for your angst and anticipation.  

LeBron’s Options:

I took the options listed here, based on Vegas odds, and immediately eliminated Chicago, Oklahoma City, and Washington which were inexplicably hanging out near the bottom of this list.  (shout out to Ovi though!)

Golden State (+5000) - I mean in all seriousness folks, this really isn’t gonna happen.  It would be good optics for LeBron (from a brand standpoint, not as a competitor) to at least take a meeting with Golden State if approached.  Nothing wrong with listening to the winningest franchise in the NBA currently. But joining this team is another story entirely. I don’t see one player on the Warriors let alone anyone with any concern for LBJ’s legacy to be for this marriage at all.  Chances: The same as Javale McGee winning the 2019 Finals MVP.

Boston (+5000) - Boston’s many trade assets plus overall talent has invited many “experts” to nab them as a dark horse pick but much like the Warriors, LeBron has too much bad blood with the Celtics.  Unfortunately this means that we’ll never know if LeBron would be petty enough to go to whatever team Kyrie Irving was on just to take the spotlight back from him. It just won’t be in Boston. Chances:  Same as the earth being flat.

Cleveland (+3000) - The tweet below pretty much sums up my thoughts on the Cavs chances too.  Unless Cleveland can pull off close to a miracle in trades, there’re no good basketball reasons for LBJ to stay.  Can they trade Kevin Love for a star or will they have to include their 8th pick? Can they even trade Tristan and JR’s cap burdening contracts?  And the last 2 trades the Cavs front office have made, aren’t getting them high praise anymore. They basically traded superstar Kyrie Irving for a handful of average role players and the 8th pick in the draft.  The draw to stay in Northeast Ohio will come from family. It’s already being reported as such.

I lived in Northeast Ohio for the greater part of my childhood, some 15 years.  And it wouldn’t take much to be talked into leaving Northeast Ohio winters for sunny beaches and famous friends.  But there is something to be said for the ties that bind. And although Cleveland would seemingly be the worst basketball situation for LeBron to pick, I do think they’re his second most likely option especially if he’s being honest with how much influence his family may have.  Chances: How much does LeBron Jr. want to play under his father’s shadow or carve out his own path?

San Antonio (+2000) - There’s a lot of mutual respect on either side of these aisles.  LeBron greatly admires Pop and the Spurs’ culture. Pop looks at LeBron as a near perfect player.  Someone that cares about the beauty of the game as much as he does. And that type of potential cohesion of great basketball minds along with possibly teaming up with Kawhi could be enough for LeBron to seriously consider this option.  But San Antonio means nothing to his family and LeBron wouldn’t want to commit multiple years to that small of a market. Probably the most interesting move basketball wise but everything else says no including how much salary the Spurs have to shed to afford him.  Chances: Remember the Alamo? It’s not good.

Houston (+1000) - The biggest draw for Houston is that they have LeBron’s other bff, Chris Paul.  They also have likely league MVP James Harden and the 2nd best team in the league. But the trick for Houston is what they’ll have to give up to get James.  They would need to get rid of Ryan Anderson’s 2 year, $42 million contract for starters. If they can’t do that, they may need to trade up to 6 players to match LeBron’s salary in the also necessary sign and trade.  Not knowing who the Rockets can keep and certain questions about Harden’s commitment might be enough to keep James away from Houston. Chances: Houston, we may have a problem.

New York (+750) - The Knicks are here because they’re a big market (the biggest) and they’re the most important franchise in the NBA.  The Lakers are the most well known but the NBA gets lifted to another level when there’s a contender in Madison Square Garden. Hiring LeBron approved Dave Fizdale to be head coach is a shrewd move but I don’t see LeBron and his family trading Lake Effect winters for East Coast ones.  Chances: About as good as James Dolan is an owner.

Miami (+500) - Familiarity, location, and the Tao of Pat Riley most likely has Miami this high on the list.  They have a proven track record, a flashy, suave winner at the helm, and a nice no income tax plus nice weather combo with which to attract talent.  But Miami would have to make some moves to free up space and don’t currently have the most attractive pieces at least compared to most of these other teams.  And I don’t think LeBron pictures his legacy as going back and forth between the Cavs and the Heat. Chances: More Fredo than Michael.

Philadelphia (+350) - From a purely basketball talent perspective, LeBron probably couldn’t find a better spot than Philly.  Embiid and Simmons are on their way to becoming superstars and at ages 24 and 21 respectively, no other franchise can boast 2 young guys at their level.  Like these 2 could be the future of the NBA at each of their respective positions. The Sixers also have the cap space to sign LeBron. Although they don’t have enough to sign another max free agent, they have plenty of assets including the number 1 pick of the 2017 draft in Markelle Fultz and the 10th pick this year.  They could perhaps be the best trade partner for a Kawhi Leonard (who was recently seen privately by someone who’s also Philadelphia’s chief medical doctor).

That means Philadelphia can potentially present a lineup including Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard (or Paul George), and Ben Simmons.  That’s more talent than the Warriors big 4. There are questions of fit in the City of Brotherly Love however. Multiple sources say there are concerns with how LeBron will fit particularly with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.  LeBron’s not really played before with as dominant a big man as Embiid and Simmons is a younger version of LeBron minus a semblance of a jump shot. I think they can make it work because although LeBron has usually been a ball dominant player, he doesn’t need to be.  With a proper point guard, LeBron can play off the ball and maybe work more out of the post. A way to transition into the twilight of his career.

Philly is also in the East and with Boston really the only major threat in their way, a Finals trip would be easier to come by.  But what about legacy? LeBron would still be joining 2 budding superstars and history may not look kindly on him coasting to titles on their team.  LeBron’s got a few games in play here and one them is ending up as the GOAT. How his next move will affect his legacy in this regard is something on LeBron’s mind.  LeBron’s future as a brand and his business plans are another of the games LeBron has his mind on. Philly’s proximity to NYC and it’s own status as the 4th largest television market in the country make that relatively palatable.  

But Philly doesn’t set off fireworks when it comes to where LeBron’s family may want to settle for the long run.  LeBron of course has the option of doing a 1, 2, or 3 year deal with player options. He can really play in any city while his family settles into their top choice.  But I sense a different mood this time around. Chances: About as good as Joel Embiid never getting injured again.

Los Angeles (+200) - The L.A. media hype machine is working overtime right now.  Its symbiotic relationship with the Lakers only growing stronger in times like these.  Laker Nation just caught some hopeflakes on their tongue and they’re drinking all of the Kool-Aid. So of course the media will drum up reports of free agents going to L.A. to get those ever profitable clicks.  And the media perpetuates its own bias in favor of advertising and LeBron to L.A. rumors gain credibility even though the Lakers really haven’t signed a superstar in free agency since 1996 with Shaquille O’Neal. (unless like me, you count 2006 (Jimmy Jackson)).  The rest of the league will hope that history repeats itself and Los Angeles is shut out once again.

It may not be so simple this year.  Out of all the teams listed, the Lakers come closest to hitting all of the marks.  They may not have the most talent presently but they’re the only team that can sign 2 max free agents, and have the assets to trade for a 3rd.  In 1996, Jerry West was the architect of that monumental Shaq signing. Magic Johnson who took on the mantle of ‘Mr. Laker’ from West is the new guy in charge now and the Lakers have been prepping for this summer of LeBron since the moment he took over.  They can free up $18 million if they can somehow trade Luol Deng which isn’t likely, but simply stretching his contract would allow them to sign James, another max free agent like Paul George/Chris Paul, and still retain young stud Julius Randle.

The Lakers are already set for the long term future with a lot of young talent in Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart.  If LeBron signs along with a Paul George, the Lakers have choices. They’re young talent is probably 2 years away from entering their prime.  In two years, the Warriors are going to have to consider losing Klay Thompson or Draymond Green. This sets up L.A. perfectly 2 years from now and with Ingram, Kuzma, Ball, and Hart currently on rookie contracts, for a long time after that.  And if one year can’t be sacrificed in the quest for rings, a couple of those guys can be traded for veteran talent, possibly a superstar.

And believer you me, it will be easier to get veterans to take under value contracts with L.A. than it was in Cleveland.  And that’s another area L.A. does strongly in. LeBron has 2 mansions in Brentwood alone and his family spends the summers here.  His sons play basketball on teams in L.A. during the summer. It’s a place his family is already familiar with and I can only imagine the slumber parties at Jaden Smith’s or whoever else’s the kids think are cool these days.

I also do not want to discount the final aspect that also helps Los Angeles.  For someone looking to get their Hollywood production company off the ground, setting up home base in the 2nd largest market in the country, while under the guidance of a legendary basketball star turned billion dollar business entity based in that area makes a lot of sense.  If LeBron truly wants to set some roots down and transitional smoothly from the end of his NBA career to his dream of becoming a mogul, nothing could really be set up better for him. And if LeBron tells his family he wants to go to L.A., I don’t think he hears any sobbing.  

I think Los Angeles makes the most sense for him because it hits so many marks.  He might have to wait one year longer for true title contention but this team would be very close with the addition of two superstars.  It would take all of that falling into place and LeBron not being swayed by friendship in Houston, mentorship in Philadelphia, and knowledge in San Antonio.  But Magic doesn’t care. He’ll do what it takes, wink-winking his way to LeBron “buying” a small minority stake in the Lakers once he’s retired. I’ll also predict that he’ll play for about 4 to 5 more years before he ends his career playing one year wherever LeBron Jr. plays, if he’s ever as lucky as his father.