December 20, 2023 • 39 mins
Tim Alcorn is joined by Tom Withers of the Associated Press to discuss all things Cavs at the quarter point of the season. New Orleans Pelicans radio voice Todd Graffagnini joins to show to preview the upcoming CLE-NOP game.
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Speaker 1 (00:08):
Welcome to Calvs HQ, presented by Betway. Thank you for
joining us on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse. Here
are your hosts, Tim Alcorn and Jim Jones.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
From the Cavaliers production studios at Rocket Mortgage field House
in downtown Cleveland. Hi again, everybody, and welcome to Calves HQ.
Great to have you with us. Tim Elcorn and Jim Jones.
Still taking some time away dealing with a minor illness.
Hope to have Jim back after the first of the year.
He passes along his best regards to everybody as I
(00:44):
had a chance I have a long conversation with Jim
last night. Well tonight on Cavs HQ. Boy, we've got
a busy show, of course, the Calves coming off that
thrilling win over Houston last night in overtime. Right here
at Rocket Mortgage Field House one thirty five to one,
we'll hear from the stars of the game last night,
Sam Merrill. Yes, a career high nineteen for Sam, and
(01:07):
of course Donovan Mitchell poured in thirty seven points, so
we'll hear from Sam and Donovan Mitchell. We'll also check
in with Tom Withers from the Associated Press who does
a marvelous job in covering the Cleveland sports scene, the
Calves and also the Browns and the Guardians. Tom Withers
always with great insights. And then towards the end of
the show, we'll hear from Todd Graffanini. Now Todd is
(01:29):
the radio play by play voice of the New Orleans Pelicans.
They're in town on Thursday night, so we thought we'd
get a peek at what New Orleans will bring to
Rocket Mortgage field House on Thursday. So stay with us.
Busy show ahead, It's Cavs HQ presented by Betway. Great
to bring it to you all along the Medical Mutual
Cavaliers audio verse. Mitchell gave it off to Merrill. Three
(01:55):
is up. That's good. Oh my goodness, Sam Merril. Third
three of the night. Burton in the lane right corner, Meryl,
he'll shoot the three hited. Oh fine, I love watching
Sam Merril shoot long ball. A lead of the right
side stocks three two about Max Struce Scruce on the
(02:16):
handoff to Mitchell right side Merril, quick free, Sam God,
how are you kidding me? Brugging back? Cavs HQ presented
by Betwade to Melcorn with you. Great to have you
with us on this Tuesday night. Calves off tonight the
boy coming off a big win last night, a thriller
in overtime. They knocked off the Houston Rockets one thirty
(02:39):
five to one thirty and that little highlight montage right
there was one Sam Merrill. He was terrific. He had
a career high nineteen points in the ballgame, including a
huge three n ot that sent the Calves to the win.
And after the game last night, Sam talked about his performance.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
Yeah, I mean it was excited to get some four
minutes and continue to try and knock down shots. Consistency
is a big thing for me. I try and put
in the same type of work every single day and
most shooters trying to have good habits, which is what
I try and do. So tonight was a good step
forward for you to.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Have confidence from your team and teammates that you know
that every.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Time you get the ball, it's hoping for you to
go and shoot that.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Oh it's it's huge and I'm super grateful for them.
H you know, Donovan being willing to throw me that pass,
and you know, over time, with however much time was left,
I'm not sure, but in transition is shows a lot
of trust and you know, glad I was able to
knock that one down for him.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Chris, is it?
Speaker 5 (03:46):
Where does where does your confidence come from in late
game situations like that to be able to pull the trigger?
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Just work and experience. You know, haven't been in that
moment a lot and in the NBA obviously, but in
college you know how to hit a lot of big
shots and so but at the same time, like just
a shot for me, I didn't really think of that
one as anything different than one in the you know,
first or second quarter. So that's that's kind of how
(04:14):
I try to approach things.
Speaker 5 (04:15):
What has your approach been and help challenging? Is it
to not know on a nightly basis if you're going
to play, when you're going to play, how many shots
you're going to get, where they're going to come from
stuff like that.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Yeah, it's definitely not easy, but I feel like, you know,
to start this season, I was in a place where,
no matter what the minutes were, I felt good about
where I was at as a player, had a really
good camp and felt confident going into any time I
stepped on the floor. So with the minutes I've had
feel like I've been able to take advantage of them.
And that's all you can do. You can't can't control everything.
(04:49):
You can't control the minutes and what happens and whatnot.
You just got to try and play well when you do.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
Has there been someone or something that you've leaned on
like during this stretch while you haven't been getting.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
That, Yeah, I mean quite a few guys. Max Max
has been great for me. He went through a pretty
similar situation where he was on a similar contract, you know,
had a really good summer league, and so he's been
great for me. The connection with our agent, obviously, George
has been great for me. But then everyone, like I
(05:21):
talk about, like having the trust of the guys, to
know that you know they have confidence in me is
a huge thing for our team and I'm certainly grateful
for it.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
So that was Sam Meryl talking about the win and
his performance last night. And another guy that had a
huge game for the Cavs last night, Donovan Mitchell thirty
seven points. But Donnovan recognized the great night that Sam
Meryl had.
Speaker 6 (05:43):
I wish I would. In practice, sometimes it is hard
for the red team to get a stop because he's
on the floor like, this is what he does. This
is who he is. I've known Sam since he was
in Utah State. I was in Utah, so we've played
pick up with him when I was playing in Utah
and playing against them and George, so I've known him
for a little bit. And he's this is what he does.
You know what I mean? This is he puts in
a tremendous amount of work. I don't know, I feel
(06:08):
like me saying this, but he's like cursing himself out
because he's missing one in two in a row like that.
He's that detailed and that focused on, you know, his craft,
and you know, to see him having a night like this,
especially when we need it too, like it's it's it's great,
you know, and he's he's that guy. He's gonna continue
to be that guy for us. But the biggest thing
is just you know, hard work front like when when opportunity,
(06:28):
hard work meets the opportunity. Man Like, it's just a
beautiful thing to see, you know, for a guy like him,
and he's gonna keep doing this. This is who he is.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Elestic games, you guys are averaging thirty assists eleven turnovers.
What does that say, Like you guys taken.
Speaker 6 (06:40):
Over the biggest thing. Like you said, it's gonna be
by committee and it's gonna be just myself.
Speaker 4 (06:45):
You know.
Speaker 6 (06:45):
Last game, I actually I had thirteen, but then I
have six, Isaac has six. For it as five, you know,
Craig has three, Sam has three. So it's just like
it's gonna be as a group. No one person can
do what Darius Carland does. That's why he's specially, that's
why he is. So we all have to find ways,
you know, to do it as a group. And I
think that just creates a lot of unpredictability within the team,
you know. I think that that's not something that you know,
I said is the other day like when you have
(07:06):
your stars out, you know, you don't really know you
know where the ball may be going, you know, And
that's the case around the entire league. So just can
continue doing a great job as a group, you know,
to make up for the guys that are out right now.
And that's the biggest thing.
Speaker 5 (07:19):
You played the entire second half and in most of overtime.
Why was today's game so.
Speaker 7 (07:23):
Important for you to do that?
Speaker 6 (07:25):
I just think it's time for us to start with,
to be honest, and I don't I think for me
kind of putting myself out there, you know, being the
leader for the guys, and they trust me with that,
you know, and I think coach trust me with that.
Everybody trust me with that. And so for me, I
told JB that have time, like you know, I'm good
to go to full you know, full second half and
then overtime.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
That was Donovan Mitchell talking about Sam Merrill and the
great win last night for the Cavaliers. We'll take a
quick time out. When we come back. We're gonna hear
from the guy that covers Cleveland in every aspect, Caves, Browns, Guardians.
Tom Withers from the Associated Press joins us next on
Cavs HQ, presented by Betway. On the Medical Mutual Cavaliers
(08:07):
audio verse. Merril back to the right corner to a
coral a coral cow. Mitchell out front, strew smacks three
bull side. Oh what a huge shot from Max Scruce.
Merrill into the lane, put it up and guard with
the left hand. The youngster with a huge shot. Mitchell
(08:29):
euros Deeps, tries to pass lost and got it back.
Bet makes it in and that's what kindoman Mitchell does.
He makes magical plays. Brooking back Cavs HQ presented by
Betway All along the Medical Mutuals, Cavaliers Audio Verse. Great
to have you with us on this Tuesday night. Those
(08:49):
highlights from last night's Calves exciting win over the Houston
Rockets in overtime one thirty five to one thirty at
Rocket Mortgage Field House. Great. Big thank you to the
dynamic duo on the other side of the window, technical
director Marty Allen, Senior producer Kurt McLoughlin for putting together
that little highlight montage. There were a lot of highlights
(09:11):
last night for the Cavaliers, and a guy who follows
the Calves and the Guardians and the Browns and anything
else Cleveland sports related stops by to pay us a
visit on this week's edition of Calves HQ. The incredible
Tom Withers with the Associated Press. Tom. Always fun to
have you on the show. We appreciate you stopping by.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
Say many times. Mary, Christmas, good to talk to you.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. So we'll
start off with the Cavaliers, although I'm sure before we're
done we'll touch on the Browns and the Guardians, but
that win last night their second in a row following
the real sobering news on Friday that both DG and
Evan Mobley were going to be lost for an extended
period of time. So, including those two games and now
(09:53):
moving forward, how do you see this team transitioning and
working through that chain?
Speaker 4 (10:01):
Yeah, Tim, I'm sorry. I thought we were going to
talk about how your Buffalo Bills are going to run
the table. Yeah, I guess we can. I guess we
can talk about the Calves for a minute.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (10:10):
You know, hey, you know two big tests and they
passed them both. And you're right, sobering was the right
word to use about the news on Friday. But as
as you pointed out, as someone who covers the Buffalo
or sorry, the Cleveland Browns, I am quite familiar with
the with injured reserve and the injury list and what
have you. In fact, a friend of mine the other
(10:32):
day said he's never seen Cleveland teams have so many
injuries and the only common denominator is Tom Witherrs. So
I'm trying not to take that personally, but you got
to hope everybody heals up. But yeah, listen, you know,
much much as everyone here at scene with the Browns,
when guys go down, you do have to adopt that,
in as cliche as it sounds, that next man up mentality.
(10:54):
And we've seen the Calves do that for two games,
and you got to hope that they can keep rolling.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Tom, how do you see the team being different whether
it's without DG or without Evan or without both, how
do you see them playing differently?
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (11:08):
Well, you know the good thing about this him, I mean,
I always try to look for silver linings when when
adversity strikes like this, and I think, you know, first
and foremost, you've got to remember that Donovan Mitchell is
on this team, and so I think with him many
things are possible, much like we had with a certain
kid for Macron a few years ago. Here. You know,
he's that kind of player that you can plug into
(11:29):
multiple places. Not to say that he's going to play
on the front line, but clearly he can, you know,
easily slide over to that point guard spot. Listen, this
team's got a lot of really good, interesting pieces, and
I think the unfortunate part with seeing both Mobile and
Garland go down is that you know, it doesn't allow
those guys to develop as we know they both need too.
It doesn't allow them to develop chemistry with Mitchell, which
(11:53):
everyone is hoping that they can do. As things go
forward here we start to get to bigger decisions and
juncture in the road. But I think this team can
get by him. And I don't think there's this, you know,
this sense of panic within that locker room, right You know,
these guys are professionals for a reason, and I think
you know, Sam Merrill has been waiting for his opportunity
(12:13):
and it's here, and you saw what he did last night.
And you know, I've been really impressed this season with
the way Carris LeVert has played. You know, Max Scruce
has been a breath of fresh air. George Nianan gives
this team good minutes. I like what I've seen out
of Dean Wade lately. You know, Isaacacorro, for his offensive
liabilities at time, is a terrific defensive player. So there's
(12:34):
still a lot of good things to say about this team.
And I think it's going to be really up to JB.
Bickerstaff and his staff here going forward as to to
mix and match, you know, based on matchups on a
given night tim So I think, you know, and that's
what it's all about in this league, let's be honest,
And I think there's a way forward here that this
team doesn't, you know, completely fall apart, manages to stay
(12:54):
afloat and wait for those two guys to get back,
and then that's when the season really starts again.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Talking with Tom Withers from the Associated Press, outstanding writer
for AP covering the entire Cleveland beat, and Tom, you
used the term earlier about opportunities and guys getting their chance,
and certainly, as some of the names you rattled off,
they seem to have improved their game and really bought
into this opportunity. Guys like Wade and like Sam Merrill.
Speaker 4 (13:23):
Yeah, you know's there's a certain feeling I think the
players have that you know, when you're not playing, it's tough, right,
and it's it's hard to be a pro. But I think,
you know, this team has been big about bringing in
guys with with high character and guys that buy into
the team and the culture. And I don't think that's
been an issue here in Cleveland for a while now.
(13:43):
I think JB has done a terrific job of molding
this team to have a certain identity, one that's always
going to play hard and play within the you know,
as we always talk about the spirit of what it
means to be from Cleveland, and I think this team
is really going to adopt that and and kind of
you know, welcome that idea here going forward that you know,
(14:04):
they've all got to pick up the slack. I think
it's important too that you know that Darius Garland and
Evan Mobile are still going to be around these guys.
And I think that's, you know, something you can always see,
you know, when there's a star player, whoever it is,
when he's sitting on the bench and he's cheering on
his teammates, that means a lot. That's that's a healthy
culture there. And so you know, I think going forward
(14:25):
again we've talked about opportunity, it's presenting itself for a
lot of guys. You know, some guys that are looking
to not only you know, make an identity with this team,
but but thinking about their futures as well. You know,
it's all about you know, you hear from players all
the time. It's putting that good tape together for not
only the Calves to look at but for other teams
around the league, because as you know, things change quickly,
(14:47):
especially as as trading deadlines start to approach and things
like that. But look in two games down, I think again,
I'll look for another silver lining teim this. This adversity
struck when the when the Calves were at home, and
so that's a good thing as well. It allows you
to play a little bit differently, allows you to get
the kind of rest that you need, and hopefully they
can keep this thing going in the right direction.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
And I think the other silver lining could be Tom
That again sobering news on Friday, But neither injury as
of right now seems to be a season ending injury.
You're gonna get these guys back. You just got to
keep your head above water for the next few weeks
or a couple of months.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
Yeah, totally. You know, it's you know, unfortunately for Darius especially,
you know, he's had these kind of like these weird
kind of injuries here and there, and you know that
looks like your your average drive to the hole, isn't
it up in Boston? You know, taking the ball on
the left side and running into poor zingis and these
things happen I mean that's the craziness of sports, right,
You just don't know from one play to the next.
(15:47):
And that's why, you know, it's cliches, a confound of time,
you know, taking it a play by play and a
snap by snap and a shot for shot. That's that's
what you have to do. That's the that's the life
of a professional sports athlete. So and you're right, I mean,
these things are not These are not catastrophic. This is
not Nick Chubb going down for the season, right, this
is not Deshaun Watson having shoulder surgery. These are manageable
(16:10):
surgeries that they're both going to be back from. And
let's be honest, you know, I think Kim, I think
you know, Kavs fans are are smart enough and have
watched this team for long enough that you know, the
season really in some ways doesn't begin until you get
to almost that all Star break.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
You know.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
It's kind of about finding out who you are and
what works best. And obviously this is not an ideal situation,
but it's one I think is very manageable, especially for
JB and his staff.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
With great insights from Tom Withers from the Associated Press,
we have a lot more to cover with Tom, So
don't go anywhere. We'll take a quick time out. When
we come back, we'll move on with Tom Withers from
AP So stay with us on CAVS HQ presented by Betway.
On the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Vers.
Speaker 7 (16:59):
Earlier this month, as part of the season of Giving
delivered by UPS, Cleveland Cavaliers team members and specifically members
of the Salute Team member resource group, visited hospitalized veterans
staying at Cleveland's Via Medical Center and delivered festive packages
that included handwritten cards and holiday cookies from all of
us here at the Cavaliers organization. We wish you the
(17:21):
happiest of holidays. Calves in the Community is brought to
you by Discount Drug mart. We'll be back with the
second half of Calves HQ presented by Betway right after
this on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audiovers.
Speaker 6 (17:41):
This is CALVS HQ and the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audiovers
presented by Betway.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Now back to the second half of the show with
Tim Alcorn and Jim Jones. Welcome back to CALVS HQ.
Tim Alcorn with you again. Jim Jones dealing with a
minor health issue has stepped away for a few weeks,
but the to have Jim back after the first of
the year, so great to have you with us on
this Tuesday night, and great to have joining us on
(18:07):
Calves HQ. Tom Withers from the Associated Press. Some great
insights from Tom in the first segment of our conversation,
and Tom a couple of more Calves questions before I
get into some Browns and Guardians, because I want to
cover that with you as well. But as we talked
about in that first segment, just kind of moving forward.
But what will be the biggest challenge or challenge is
(18:30):
for the Calves moving forward without DG and without Evan.
Speaker 4 (18:33):
Yeah, great question. Hey. First of all, quick shout out
to Jim Jones. I'm not sure if he's listening or not,
but love the big man and hope he's doing well. Yeah,
there's you know, listen, you never know what's going to
pop up, Tim, Right, that's kind of both the beauty
and the curse of professional sports as well. You don't
know what's around the next corner. So I think I
think the challenge is it to kind of just to
(18:55):
kind of keep it together and again I'll go back
to the culture, and I'll go back to you know,
what I've seen is a good, you know, good chemistry
amongst these guys. So I think it's just about you know,
not falling into that, you know, dropping two or three
in a row and letting its snowball. I think it's
about you know, playing with the energy that they need
from the outset. I think what, you know, what's puzzled
me at times about this team, especially early on this year,
(19:18):
was you know, just kind of like almost a little
bit of a lack of daisical lattitude early in games,
kind of letting the game, you know, take shape and
then kind of you know, which is not necessarily a
bad thing all the time, but I think this team
really needs to seize the moment. And I will say
this about Donovan Mitchell, you know, especially these last two
games when this adversity struck, I thought it was a
(19:40):
real kind of meaningful moment that he ends up getting
his career high and assists in the first game without
those guys like yeah, it was clearly a sign to
everyone else that hey, I have to be different because
Darius is out and I'm going to be different. And
so everybody else. Now you do your part. So I think,
you know, in terms of like there's gonna be listen,
there's gonna be traps along the way, Tim there's going
(20:01):
to be a section here where they're going to drop
three or four in a row. But I think the
important thing what they got to stay away from is
is just kind of letting that that momentum build in
a negative way. You know, again, knock on wood, everybody
stays healthy here over the next you know, month and
a half or whatever until those guys get back. But
I think it's just a matter of going out and
playing with that energy. And I think these kind of
(20:23):
moments could be galvanizing the teams. I've seen it, and
look all they have to do, all the Calves have
to do is look over what's going on in Marea.
For that team to be doing what it's doing is
a real model and one follow.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
And I'm going to get one more Calves in before
we transition to Bria. Sure, because you talk about Donovan
and his leadership and that toughness, and I want to
add one more name to that, and that would be
Max Struce coming here from Miami where winning is what
it's all about it. They talk about that heat culture.
I think he's going to have a big part to
(20:55):
play in this transition moving forward without without evident, without DG.
Speaker 4 (21:01):
I totally agree with you, Tim, He has been a
real breadth of fresh air in my mind. And I'll
tell you what Jordan Yang has done as well. I mean,
he brings kind of a toughness and an attitude out there.
I thought it was interesting early on, especially at media
Day to begin the year, when when both Kobe Altman
and TV talked about how this team needed to get
(21:21):
louder in practice and with with Max and George that
that's what happens. You know, the energy goes up when
those guys are in the room, and that's huge. And listen,
Max has been very kind of candid and pointed at
times about the way the Calves have played early on,
you know, talking about how kind of, you know, mediocre
they were, and he was, you know, he's not afraid
to call out teammates because to your point, Timmy's he's
(21:43):
from a culture where you walk in the door down
there and there's championship trophies all over the place, and
pat Riley's got an eye on you and it's just
that culture in Miami, and you know, the Calves have
been open about that over the last few years. That's
one of the models that they have they have followed here,
you know, during the early stages of the rebuild after
Lebron left. So that kid has been a great addition,
(22:03):
and you know, he does a lot of things really
well on the floor. I think, you know, he's one
of those guys that I watched him apart him and
was always intrigued and really didn't appreciate his game. But
now that he's here, boy, he does it at both ends.
And you know, a terrific guy for JAB to put
out there on a nightly basis.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
Only, no doubt, a shrewd acquisition from President Kobe Yaltman.
All Right, Tom, let's shift gears a little bit because,
as I've mentioned, not only do you cover the Calves,
but the Browns and the Guardians. So we'll start with
the team that's still in action and still in the hunt, unbelievably,
the Browns. Just your perspective of how this year has
(22:41):
unfolded and how they are still in the thick of
this AFC playoff hunt.
Speaker 4 (22:47):
I did not have Joe Flacco leading them to the
playoffs on the Bingo card. I mean, it's just when
you think about that alone, that Joe Flacco is now
the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, it's just I sometimes
I've been out there practice a couple of times, Tim,
and I got to kind of shake my head, like
is this really real? So yeah, listen, it's a real credit.
And you know we've kind of covered this with the
(23:08):
Calves here in the adversity, but it's a real credit
to these guys for being able to kind of, you know,
not only hang in there, but but you know, succeed
and thrive without some of their best players. I mean,
the fact that they were out there last week with
you know, missing four of their five starting offensive linemen,
it's just remarkable with it at a quarterback who you know,
(23:29):
left his couch in New Jersey three weeks ago to
be able to play. And that's you know, that's no
knock on Joe Flacco, who's a borderline Hall of Fame
quarterback to begin with. So you know, much like we've
talked about with the Calves, you know, they've they've kind
of circled the wagons over there with the Browns and
guys have stepped up. And you know that last week
alone they put five guys on IR with or not
(23:50):
all of them on IR, but they lot five guys
the season ending injuries. So you want to talk about adversity,
it's right there. But yes, it's been a lot of fun.
Tim you know we've had listen. You know that's that's
followed the Browns over the years. They've they've taken their lumps,
and as I wrote about yesterday, that's kind of this
team is giving only in Cleveland new meaning. You know,
it's hugely there's so much negative associated with that, and
(24:12):
what a breath of fresh air that's been. And you
know they're going to make the playoffs or doesn't seem
to be any.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
Doubt about that.
Speaker 4 (24:19):
And you know that those those years have been few
and far between over the last twenty five that I've
been here in Cleveland.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
And whether it's fair or unfair, Kevin Stefanski has taken
some heat, but the way he has guided this team
and led this team through this incredible challenge has been extraordinary.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
Yeah, I've been I'll have to admit I've been a
little bit of an apologist and defending coach Tafanski here
for a while. Sure have there been times where you
wondered about some of the play calls. Was the was
dialing up the trick play in Denver at that time?
Maybe a you know, a head scratcher, Maybe so, But
I think he's done a really good job. And you know, Tim,
(24:59):
it's always a signed when you're talking to players during
the week and they are parroting everything that they're hearing
from the head coach, that tells you that he's got
their attention. And when they have success when he's talking
about listen, next man up, or we got to go
one to oh this week and then when it happens,
and when you have a team that believes that's when
special seasons happen.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
Well, good stuff, all right, we got a couple of
minutes left. I got to get a guardian's question or
two in since you were last on the show. Stephen
Vote has been named the manager of the Cleveland Guardians.
Boy that Guardians go from one extreme to the other,
the grizzled veteran in Tito to this guy that literally
just played a couple of years ago. And Steven Vote,
(25:42):
your reaction to this hiring, Yeah.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
So a colleague of mine on the West Coast has
covered Stephen for years as a player and has talked
about what a great person he is. And I'll tell
you what I see in Stephen vote. I see kind
of a young Terry Francona. I'll be honest with you,
just in terms of of personality. He's one of those
people that Tim is when you first meet him, you
feel like you've known him for ten years. And I
(26:06):
think that really says something about his character. He's just
he's just got a warm persona. He's been through it all.
I mean, when you think about a guy who's been
you know, he's been cut, he's been a two time
All Star, he's been the last guy at on the
bench and at times the star player. So he's experienced
it all. And I think that that speaks a lot
(26:26):
to what he's going to be able to convey to
his players and that connection he's going to be able
to make with his players. I thought it was interesting that,
you know, even hours after he was offered a job
by the Guardians, he was meeting with some of the
players and calling him and so, and from what I understand,
this guy is just as hard as worker as you're
going to find. So he's not going to leave any
(26:48):
stone unturned. And I think I think it was a
surprising hiring and that he doesn't have that pedigree, but
I think the guardians were just absolutely blown away by
everything he said, and his track record speaks for itself.
So yeah, I think it's exciting. I think it's a
good hire, it's a it's fresh. I think we all
are gonna miss Keto, you know, those of us in
(27:08):
the media, fans, players, everyone. He was, you know, one
of a kind and a and a surefire Hall of
Fame manager. But I'm interested to see what Stephen Bot
does and I like the blue seats. I'll have to
put that on records.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
There you go. All right, got about a minute left,
so I'm gonna ask you real quick and quick answer,
Shane Bieber. Will he be in Goodyear, Arizona as a Guardian.
Speaker 4 (27:28):
I think he will. I say that now, and something
could happen in the next ten minutes. But I think
I think what's interesting Tim is that he's coming off of,
you know, a couple of injuries shortened seasons, right, and
so I think Shane needs to get back to, you know,
pitching on a regular basis. I think that there's still
some interest in the seeing whether or not he can
be the leader of this of this pitching staff. And
(27:51):
so that's not to say though that if they you know, listen,
he's been shopped around. That's no secret at all. So
if the if the right thing comes up, that could
be the Christmas surprise is that I'm not quite ready
for it at this moment, but I can see him
going to camp as well. So again it's pro spammed.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
Yeah, Well, that's why Tom Withers is the absolute best
in covering Cleveland, Calves, Guardians, Browns. He's got his finger
on the pulse of all of those franchises. Tom, can't
thank you enough. Always a pleasure to have you on
CAVS HQ.
Speaker 4 (28:23):
KIM, Always a pleasure. You're a good man. Merry Christmas
to you and everyone out there.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Thank you, Tom, Tom Withers from the Associated Press. As
I said, he knows everything going on in Cleveland sports wise,
Quick time out or when we come back. New Orleans
is in town on Thursday night. We'll talk to their
play by play man Todd Raffanini. He joins us after
this and Kev's HQ presented by Betway on the Medical
Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse.
Speaker 8 (28:52):
Tell him a call him right wing, guarded by Koua Bali,
size it above through the legs, crosses over, kick it
to tray, take a three step left wing three. Oh
my heavens yes, Williamson splits defenders, drives and.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
Any slaps it in, ask it, ye shall receive.
Speaker 8 (29:09):
That's what I'm talking about androm Leftfrey go on extend
at front court, pulls up from fifteen, tot.
Speaker 2 (29:15):
It mid range bi, oh my hell, You're back. Cavs
HQ presented by Betway, all along the Medical Mutual Cavaliers
Audio verst those outstanding calls from the radio voice of
the New Orleans Pelicans, Todd Graffanini, and New Orleans will
be here on Thursday night. The Calves off tonight and
(29:36):
then a back to back Utah tomorrow night at Rocking
Mortgage field House, and then the Pelicans on Thursday night. Now,
New Orleans does play tonight against Memphis, but we thought
we'd get a quick preview of this Pelicans team that'll
be in Cleveland on Thursday night and have Todd join
us here on Cavs HQ. Todd a pleasure to have
you on the show. I think this is your first appearance.
Speaker 9 (29:58):
It is, Tim, and thanks for having me. Looking forward
to seeing you up there on Thursday.
Speaker 2 (30:02):
Well, tonight you've got Memphis. But taking that into account,
right now, New Orleans riding a four game winning streak,
five of the last six overall record going into the
game against the Grizzlies tonight sixteen and eleven. But your
thoughts on this team and certainly how they're playing as
of late having won four straight and five out of six.
Speaker 9 (30:24):
Yeah, Tim, solid right now, and you really have to
go back to what happened in Las Vegas. You know,
the Pelicans were able to make that final four right
end season tournament, and you know, it was just it
was such a letdown and a disappointment the way that
(30:44):
the Pels played against the Lakers. And obviously they got
a lot of national criticism after specifically one player who
I'm sure we're going to talk about it a little bit,
but you know, people forgot because we played so poorly
against the Lakers. How we got there in the first place,
(31:05):
and that was going to Sacramento and beating the Kings
by double digits. So you know, even Prior to Vegas,
the Pels were playing well. But the key is how
they responded after what happened in Las Vegas, and the
response has been outstanding. Four and zero, you know, moved
(31:25):
up to seventh down the Western Conference, and just swept
the three game road trip. Now, the team's record wise
wouldn't what you would call, you know, exemplary, but you
still got to go there and win on the road,
and it's difficult to win in this league on the road.
All you have to do is look at the NBA
standings every day and see what road records are. But
(31:46):
just really taking care of business in Washington, had to
hold off Charlotte and then I mean absolutely rain threes
on Sunday in San Antonio. Set a franchise record twenty
two threes and as a matter of fact, two of
the five scoring outputs in the history the franchise happened
on that road trip, one in Washington and then one
(32:07):
forty four against San Antonio. So the response after Vegas
has been the most impressive thing too.
Speaker 2 (32:13):
And sometimes adversity can bring out the best in people.
It kind of forces them to put that foot forward.
And it sounds as though that's what's happened with New Orleans.
Speaker 9 (32:25):
I don't think there's any doubt about it. And look,
they were challenged, and they were they were embarrassed. I
mean it was really really a tough game to watch,
and the Lakers just took it to us. I mean
there was no other way to put it. And then
after you get home, you got to sit for a
couple of days and just kind of wait it out,
(32:46):
and then you got all the criticism and it's like,
how are the Pelicans going to respond? Because look, it's
a talented team and that just was not indicative of
the way that they had played, especially in the last
you know, a couple of weeks prior to going out
to Vegas. But yeah, no, there was definitely adversity. You know,
head coach Willie Green talked about it, how is this
(33:09):
team going to respond? Because look, we watched the film.
It was embarrassing. I mean, any adjective you want to
you want to say, uh, in the negative. So it
was just one of those deals. But yeah, the response
has been outstanding and you've got a lot of guys
now that really took it to heart. It's good to see,
you know, because you think that they're they're shut off
from everything, but no, they hear all the noise, they
(33:32):
read all the tweets, and they were able to really
come back better as a team because of it.
Speaker 2 (33:40):
Again, we're talking with Todd Graffanini. He's the radio play
by play voice of the New Orleans Pelicans New Orleans
in Town on Thursday night as the Cavs have the
back to back with the Jazz and the Pelicans Wednesday
and Thursday of this week, and Todd, before we got
Rollie Now, we heard that little montage and there were
a lot of different players in those highlights that are
(34:01):
terrific production team put together. But the real focal point
of this team is Zion. And just talk a little
bit about Zion Williamson, the year he's having and really
the microscope that he's under in New Orleans.
Speaker 9 (34:15):
Well, he's really been under the microscope since he was
drafted first five years ago. Tim, I mean, there's no
other way around. And it was really interesting too because Sunday,
you know, we're in San Antonio and you had a
one on one matchup with Zion Williamson and Victor Webbin Yama,
and of course that got a lot of run and
I don't know if you've seen san Antonio yet, but
he's he is everything is advertised. Talking about Wemby, but
(34:39):
again that's another story for another day. Now, Look, Zion, Look,
he's a great kid. He really has been. He came
into the league the same time I came into the league,
so I've seen him from the very very beginning, and
he's always been the same. He's a very happy kid.
He's he's you know, always joking around with his teammates.
(34:59):
He's very general. It's just been unfortunate for him because
he has not been on the court. You know, he
missed a full year two years ago, and then of
course last year, Tim he was playing at an MVP level,
basically carried this team last November and December, and he
gets hurt on January second, and the season basically torpedoed
(35:22):
after that. Well, of course, also because Brandon Ingram was
not available at that time, and when you're missing your
two top players, it's just very, very difficult to overcome.
This year, you know, not the type of start that
he would have wanted. But I think he was knocking
off well not I think, I know he was just
knocking off a lot of rust. He hadn't played love
basketball since the beginning of the new year, so took
(35:45):
him a little while to get going. Once he got
it going, We've seen a lot of glimpses of the
old z but you're also seeing games where, say, example,
in San Antonio, we scored fifteen Pointson had eight rebounds. Okay,
well that's not great numbers, but that's the difference between
(36:06):
the team this year and the team last year. Tim
he has not counted upon every night to put up
twenty five or thirty. You know, in years past, if
Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson didn't score twenty to twenty
five points minimum, the Pels had no chance to win.
That's not the case anymore. There's a lot of weapons,
and this is really the team that David Griffin. Of course,
(36:29):
everybody in Cleveland knows why David, yeah, but everyone this
is the team that he envisioned when all of this started,
when Brandon Ingram came to the Pelicans in that Anthony
Davis trade five years ago. Surround Zion and Brandon Ingham
with serviceable not even serviceable pieces, but just you know,
(36:50):
guys that can play, and when they're all available and
it's been rare that they've been all available, but that's
really the key this year. For the most part, they've
been available and now you're seeing the results, especially with
our bench, Trey Murphy, Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado, they've been outstanding.
Murphy missed the first nineteen games he had meniscus surgery
(37:14):
in the offseason, came back on December first. He's had
double figures every game since he's come back. He's a
three point shooting threat, and this has just been a
lot of fun to watch in the last couple of
weeks with all the pieces available.
Speaker 2 (37:28):
Well, I'm looking forward to seeing your team on Thursday night.
On that note, we'll let you go have a great
call tonight as the Pelicans take on the Grizzlies, and
then we'll see you on Thursday. Todd, we really appreciate
you stopping by.
Speaker 9 (37:40):
Thank you, Thanks so much. Tim, looking forward to.
Speaker 2 (37:43):
It all right. That's Todd Graffanini, the radio voice of
the New Orleans Pelicans, joining us here on CAVS HQ
presented by Betway. We'll take a quick time out and
we'll wrap up this week's show after this on the
Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Versus Gona do It for this
week's edition of Cavs HQ, presented by Betway. That was
(38:04):
a busy show, but all sorts of people to thank.
Of course Tom Withers from the Associated Press, great insights
on not just the Calves, but the Browns and the Guardians.
Appreciate Tom stopping by. You just heard from Todd Graffanini,
the radio voice of the Pelicans, Kurt Marty. Thanks to you,
and the biggest thanks goes to you the listeners. Hope
you enjoyed it. I'll be back with you again tomorrow night.
(38:27):
Calves and Jazz from Rock and Mortgage field House. So
until then, Tim Melcorn saying thanks for listening and so
long everybody.
Speaker 8 (39:00):
Five Up, Up,
Welcome to Calvs HQ, presented by Betway. Thank you for
joining us on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse. Here
are your hosts, Tim Alcorn and Jim Jones.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
From the Cavaliers production studios at Rocket Mortgage field House
in downtown Cleveland. Hi again, everybody, and welcome to Calves HQ.
Great to have you with us. Tim Elcorn and Jim Jones.
Still taking some time away dealing with a minor illness.
Hope to have Jim back after the first of the year.
He passes along his best regards to everybody as I
(00:44):
had a chance I have a long conversation with Jim
last night. Well tonight on Cavs HQ. Boy, we've got
a busy show, of course, the Calves coming off that
thrilling win over Houston last night in overtime. Right here
at Rocket Mortgage Field House one thirty five to one,
we'll hear from the stars of the game last night,
Sam Merrill. Yes, a career high nineteen for Sam, and
(01:07):
of course Donovan Mitchell poured in thirty seven points, so
we'll hear from Sam and Donovan Mitchell. We'll also check
in with Tom Withers from the Associated Press who does
a marvelous job in covering the Cleveland sports scene, the
Calves and also the Browns and the Guardians. Tom Withers
always with great insights. And then towards the end of
the show, we'll hear from Todd Graffanini. Now Todd is
(01:29):
the radio play by play voice of the New Orleans Pelicans.
They're in town on Thursday night, so we thought we'd
get a peek at what New Orleans will bring to
Rocket Mortgage field House on Thursday. So stay with us.
Busy show ahead, It's Cavs HQ presented by Betway. Great
to bring it to you all along the Medical Mutual
Cavaliers audio verse. Mitchell gave it off to Merrill. Three
(01:55):
is up. That's good. Oh my goodness, Sam Merril. Third
three of the night. Burton in the lane right corner, Meryl,
he'll shoot the three hited. Oh fine, I love watching
Sam Merril shoot long ball. A lead of the right
side stocks three two about Max Struce Scruce on the
(02:16):
handoff to Mitchell right side Merril, quick free, Sam God,
how are you kidding me? Brugging back? Cavs HQ presented
by Betwade to Melcorn with you. Great to have you
with us on this Tuesday night. Calves off tonight the
boy coming off a big win last night, a thriller
in overtime. They knocked off the Houston Rockets one thirty
(02:39):
five to one thirty and that little highlight montage right
there was one Sam Merrill. He was terrific. He had
a career high nineteen points in the ballgame, including a
huge three n ot that sent the Calves to the win.
And after the game last night, Sam talked about his performance.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
Yeah, I mean it was excited to get some four
minutes and continue to try and knock down shots. Consistency
is a big thing for me. I try and put
in the same type of work every single day and
most shooters trying to have good habits, which is what
I try and do. So tonight was a good step
forward for you to.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Have confidence from your team and teammates that you know
that every.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Time you get the ball, it's hoping for you to
go and shoot that.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Oh it's it's huge and I'm super grateful for them.
H you know, Donovan being willing to throw me that pass,
and you know, over time, with however much time was left,
I'm not sure, but in transition is shows a lot
of trust and you know, glad I was able to
knock that one down for him.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Chris, is it?
Speaker 5 (03:46):
Where does where does your confidence come from in late
game situations like that to be able to pull the trigger?
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Just work and experience. You know, haven't been in that
moment a lot and in the NBA obviously, but in
college you know how to hit a lot of big
shots and so but at the same time, like just
a shot for me, I didn't really think of that
one as anything different than one in the you know,
first or second quarter. So that's that's kind of how
(04:14):
I try to approach things.
Speaker 5 (04:15):
What has your approach been and help challenging? Is it
to not know on a nightly basis if you're going
to play, when you're going to play, how many shots
you're going to get, where they're going to come from
stuff like that.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Yeah, it's definitely not easy, but I feel like, you know,
to start this season, I was in a place where,
no matter what the minutes were, I felt good about
where I was at as a player, had a really
good camp and felt confident going into any time I
stepped on the floor. So with the minutes I've had
feel like I've been able to take advantage of them.
And that's all you can do. You can't can't control everything.
(04:49):
You can't control the minutes and what happens and whatnot.
You just got to try and play well when you do.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
Has there been someone or something that you've leaned on
like during this stretch while you haven't been getting.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
That, Yeah, I mean quite a few guys. Max Max
has been great for me. He went through a pretty
similar situation where he was on a similar contract, you know,
had a really good summer league, and so he's been
great for me. The connection with our agent, obviously, George
has been great for me. But then everyone, like I
(05:21):
talk about, like having the trust of the guys, to
know that you know they have confidence in me is
a huge thing for our team and I'm certainly grateful
for it.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
So that was Sam Meryl talking about the win and
his performance last night. And another guy that had a
huge game for the Cavs last night, Donovan Mitchell thirty
seven points. But Donnovan recognized the great night that Sam
Meryl had.
Speaker 6 (05:43):
I wish I would. In practice, sometimes it is hard
for the red team to get a stop because he's
on the floor like, this is what he does. This
is who he is. I've known Sam since he was
in Utah State. I was in Utah, so we've played
pick up with him when I was playing in Utah
and playing against them and George, so I've known him
for a little bit. And he's this is what he does.
You know what I mean? This is he puts in
a tremendous amount of work. I don't know, I feel
(06:08):
like me saying this, but he's like cursing himself out
because he's missing one in two in a row like that.
He's that detailed and that focused on, you know, his craft,
and you know, to see him having a night like this,
especially when we need it too, like it's it's it's great,
you know, and he's he's that guy. He's gonna continue
to be that guy for us. But the biggest thing
is just you know, hard work front like when when opportunity,
(06:28):
hard work meets the opportunity. Man Like, it's just a
beautiful thing to see, you know, for a guy like him,
and he's gonna keep doing this. This is who he is.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Elestic games, you guys are averaging thirty assists eleven turnovers.
What does that say, Like you guys taken.
Speaker 6 (06:40):
Over the biggest thing. Like you said, it's gonna be
by committee and it's gonna be just myself.
Speaker 4 (06:45):
You know.
Speaker 6 (06:45):
Last game, I actually I had thirteen, but then I
have six, Isaac has six. For it as five, you know,
Craig has three, Sam has three. So it's just like
it's gonna be as a group. No one person can
do what Darius Carland does. That's why he's specially, that's
why he is. So we all have to find ways,
you know, to do it as a group. And I
think that just creates a lot of unpredictability within the team,
you know. I think that that's not something that you know,
I said is the other day like when you have
(07:06):
your stars out, you know, you don't really know you
know where the ball may be going, you know, And
that's the case around the entire league. So just can
continue doing a great job as a group, you know,
to make up for the guys that are out right now.
And that's the biggest thing.
Speaker 5 (07:19):
You played the entire second half and in most of overtime.
Why was today's game so.
Speaker 7 (07:23):
Important for you to do that?
Speaker 6 (07:25):
I just think it's time for us to start with,
to be honest, and I don't I think for me
kind of putting myself out there, you know, being the
leader for the guys, and they trust me with that,
you know, and I think coach trust me with that.
Everybody trust me with that. And so for me, I
told JB that have time, like you know, I'm good
to go to full you know, full second half and
then overtime.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
That was Donovan Mitchell talking about Sam Merrill and the
great win last night for the Cavaliers. We'll take a
quick time out. When we come back. We're gonna hear
from the guy that covers Cleveland in every aspect, Caves, Browns, Guardians.
Tom Withers from the Associated Press joins us next on
Cavs HQ, presented by Betway. On the Medical Mutual Cavaliers
(08:07):
audio verse. Merril back to the right corner to a
coral a coral cow. Mitchell out front, strew smacks three
bull side. Oh what a huge shot from Max Scruce.
Merrill into the lane, put it up and guard with
the left hand. The youngster with a huge shot. Mitchell
(08:29):
euros Deeps, tries to pass lost and got it back.
Bet makes it in and that's what kindoman Mitchell does.
He makes magical plays. Brooking back Cavs HQ presented by
Betway All along the Medical Mutuals, Cavaliers Audio Verse. Great
to have you with us on this Tuesday night. Those
(08:49):
highlights from last night's Calves exciting win over the Houston
Rockets in overtime one thirty five to one thirty at
Rocket Mortgage Field House. Great. Big thank you to the
dynamic duo on the other side of the window, technical
director Marty Allen, Senior producer Kurt McLoughlin for putting together
that little highlight montage. There were a lot of highlights
(09:11):
last night for the Cavaliers, and a guy who follows
the Calves and the Guardians and the Browns and anything
else Cleveland sports related stops by to pay us a
visit on this week's edition of Calves HQ. The incredible
Tom Withers with the Associated Press. Tom. Always fun to
have you on the show. We appreciate you stopping by.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
Say many times. Mary, Christmas, good to talk to you.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. So we'll
start off with the Cavaliers, although I'm sure before we're
done we'll touch on the Browns and the Guardians, but
that win last night their second in a row following
the real sobering news on Friday that both DG and
Evan Mobley were going to be lost for an extended
period of time. So, including those two games and now
(09:53):
moving forward, how do you see this team transitioning and
working through that chain?
Speaker 4 (10:01):
Yeah, Tim, I'm sorry. I thought we were going to
talk about how your Buffalo Bills are going to run
the table. Yeah, I guess we can. I guess we
can talk about the Calves for a minute.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (10:10):
You know, hey, you know two big tests and they
passed them both. And you're right, sobering was the right
word to use about the news on Friday. But as
as you pointed out, as someone who covers the Buffalo
or sorry, the Cleveland Browns, I am quite familiar with
the with injured reserve and the injury list and what
have you. In fact, a friend of mine the other
(10:32):
day said he's never seen Cleveland teams have so many
injuries and the only common denominator is Tom Witherrs. So
I'm trying not to take that personally, but you got
to hope everybody heals up. But yeah, listen, you know,
much much as everyone here at scene with the Browns,
when guys go down, you do have to adopt that,
in as cliche as it sounds, that next man up mentality.
(10:54):
And we've seen the Calves do that for two games,
and you got to hope that they can keep rolling.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
Tom, how do you see the team being different whether
it's without DG or without Evan or without both, how
do you see them playing differently?
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (11:08):
Well, you know the good thing about this him, I mean,
I always try to look for silver linings when when
adversity strikes like this, and I think, you know, first
and foremost, you've got to remember that Donovan Mitchell is
on this team, and so I think with him many
things are possible, much like we had with a certain
kid for Macron a few years ago. Here. You know,
he's that kind of player that you can plug into
(11:29):
multiple places. Not to say that he's going to play
on the front line, but clearly he can, you know,
easily slide over to that point guard spot. Listen, this
team's got a lot of really good, interesting pieces, and
I think the unfortunate part with seeing both Mobile and
Garland go down is that you know, it doesn't allow
those guys to develop as we know they both need too.
It doesn't allow them to develop chemistry with Mitchell, which
(11:53):
everyone is hoping that they can do. As things go
forward here we start to get to bigger decisions and
juncture in the road. But I think this team can
get by him. And I don't think there's this, you know,
this sense of panic within that locker room, right You know,
these guys are professionals for a reason, and I think
you know, Sam Merrill has been waiting for his opportunity
(12:13):
and it's here, and you saw what he did last night.
And you know, I've been really impressed this season with
the way Carris LeVert has played. You know, Max Scruce
has been a breath of fresh air. George Nianan gives
this team good minutes. I like what I've seen out
of Dean Wade lately. You know, Isaacacorro, for his offensive
liabilities at time, is a terrific defensive player. So there's
(12:34):
still a lot of good things to say about this team.
And I think it's going to be really up to JB.
Bickerstaff and his staff here going forward as to to
mix and match, you know, based on matchups on a
given night tim So I think, you know, and that's
what it's all about in this league, let's be honest,
And I think there's a way forward here that this
team doesn't, you know, completely fall apart, manages to stay
(12:54):
afloat and wait for those two guys to get back,
and then that's when the season really starts again.
Speaker 2 (13:00):
Talking with Tom Withers from the Associated Press, outstanding writer
for AP covering the entire Cleveland beat, and Tom, you
used the term earlier about opportunities and guys getting their chance,
and certainly, as some of the names you rattled off,
they seem to have improved their game and really bought
into this opportunity. Guys like Wade and like Sam Merrill.
Speaker 4 (13:23):
Yeah, you know's there's a certain feeling I think the
players have that you know, when you're not playing, it's tough, right,
and it's it's hard to be a pro. But I think,
you know, this team has been big about bringing in
guys with with high character and guys that buy into
the team and the culture. And I don't think that's
been an issue here in Cleveland for a while now.
(13:43):
I think JB has done a terrific job of molding
this team to have a certain identity, one that's always
going to play hard and play within the you know,
as we always talk about the spirit of what it
means to be from Cleveland, and I think this team
is really going to adopt that and and kind of
you know, welcome that idea here going forward that you know,
(14:04):
they've all got to pick up the slack. I think
it's important too that you know that Darius Garland and
Evan Mobile are still going to be around these guys.
And I think that's, you know, something you can always see,
you know, when there's a star player, whoever it is,
when he's sitting on the bench and he's cheering on
his teammates, that means a lot. That's that's a healthy
culture there. And so you know, I think going forward
(14:25):
again we've talked about opportunity, it's presenting itself for a
lot of guys. You know, some guys that are looking
to not only you know, make an identity with this team,
but but thinking about their futures as well. You know,
it's all about you know, you hear from players all
the time. It's putting that good tape together for not
only the Calves to look at but for other teams
around the league, because as you know, things change quickly,
(14:47):
especially as as trading deadlines start to approach and things
like that. But look in two games down, I think again,
I'll look for another silver lining teim this. This adversity
struck when the when the Calves were at home, and
so that's a good thing as well. It allows you
to play a little bit differently, allows you to get
the kind of rest that you need, and hopefully they
can keep this thing going in the right direction.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
And I think the other silver lining could be Tom
That again sobering news on Friday, But neither injury as
of right now seems to be a season ending injury.
You're gonna get these guys back. You just got to
keep your head above water for the next few weeks
or a couple of months.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
Yeah, totally. You know, it's you know, unfortunately for Darius especially,
you know, he's had these kind of like these weird
kind of injuries here and there, and you know that
looks like your your average drive to the hole, isn't
it up in Boston? You know, taking the ball on
the left side and running into poor zingis and these
things happen I mean that's the craziness of sports, right,
You just don't know from one play to the next.
(15:47):
And that's why, you know, it's cliches, a confound of time,
you know, taking it a play by play and a
snap by snap and a shot for shot. That's that's
what you have to do. That's the that's the life
of a professional sports athlete. So and you're right, I mean,
these things are not These are not catastrophic. This is
not Nick Chubb going down for the season, right, this
is not Deshaun Watson having shoulder surgery. These are manageable
(16:10):
surgeries that they're both going to be back from. And
let's be honest, you know, I think Kim, I think
you know, Kavs fans are are smart enough and have
watched this team for long enough that you know, the
season really in some ways doesn't begin until you get
to almost that all Star break.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
You know.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
It's kind of about finding out who you are and
what works best. And obviously this is not an ideal situation,
but it's one I think is very manageable, especially for
JB and his staff.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
With great insights from Tom Withers from the Associated Press,
we have a lot more to cover with Tom, So
don't go anywhere. We'll take a quick time out. When
we come back, we'll move on with Tom Withers from
AP So stay with us on CAVS HQ presented by Betway.
On the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Vers.
Speaker 7 (16:59):
Earlier this month, as part of the season of Giving
delivered by UPS, Cleveland Cavaliers team members and specifically members
of the Salute Team member resource group, visited hospitalized veterans
staying at Cleveland's Via Medical Center and delivered festive packages
that included handwritten cards and holiday cookies from all of
us here at the Cavaliers organization. We wish you the
(17:21):
happiest of holidays. Calves in the Community is brought to
you by Discount Drug mart. We'll be back with the
second half of Calves HQ presented by Betway right after
this on the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audiovers.
Speaker 6 (17:41):
This is CALVS HQ and the Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audiovers
presented by Betway.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Now back to the second half of the show with
Tim Alcorn and Jim Jones. Welcome back to CALVS HQ.
Tim Alcorn with you again. Jim Jones dealing with a
minor health issue has stepped away for a few weeks,
but the to have Jim back after the first of
the year, so great to have you with us on
this Tuesday night, and great to have joining us on
(18:07):
Calves HQ. Tom Withers from the Associated Press. Some great
insights from Tom in the first segment of our conversation,
and Tom a couple of more Calves questions before I
get into some Browns and Guardians, because I want to
cover that with you as well. But as we talked
about in that first segment, just kind of moving forward.
But what will be the biggest challenge or challenge is
(18:30):
for the Calves moving forward without DG and without Evan.
Speaker 4 (18:33):
Yeah, great question. Hey. First of all, quick shout out
to Jim Jones. I'm not sure if he's listening or not,
but love the big man and hope he's doing well. Yeah,
there's you know, listen, you never know what's going to
pop up, Tim, Right, that's kind of both the beauty
and the curse of professional sports as well. You don't
know what's around the next corner. So I think I
think the challenge is it to kind of just to
(18:55):
kind of keep it together and again I'll go back
to the culture, and I'll go back to you know,
what I've seen is a good, you know, good chemistry
amongst these guys. So I think it's just about you know,
not falling into that, you know, dropping two or three
in a row and letting its snowball. I think it's
about you know, playing with the energy that they need
from the outset. I think what, you know, what's puzzled
me at times about this team, especially early on this year,
(19:18):
was you know, just kind of like almost a little
bit of a lack of daisical lattitude early in games,
kind of letting the game, you know, take shape and
then kind of you know, which is not necessarily a
bad thing all the time, but I think this team
really needs to seize the moment. And I will say
this about Donovan Mitchell, you know, especially these last two
games when this adversity struck, I thought it was a
(19:40):
real kind of meaningful moment that he ends up getting
his career high and assists in the first game without
those guys like yeah, it was clearly a sign to
everyone else that hey, I have to be different because
Darius is out and I'm going to be different. And
so everybody else. Now you do your part. So I think,
you know, in terms of like there's gonna be listen,
there's gonna be traps along the way, Tim there's going
(20:01):
to be a section here where they're going to drop
three or four in a row. But I think the
important thing what they got to stay away from is
is just kind of letting that that momentum build in
a negative way. You know, again, knock on wood, everybody
stays healthy here over the next you know, month and
a half or whatever until those guys get back. But
I think it's just a matter of going out and
playing with that energy. And I think these kind of
(20:23):
moments could be galvanizing the teams. I've seen it, and
look all they have to do, all the Calves have
to do is look over what's going on in Marea.
For that team to be doing what it's doing is
a real model and one follow.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
And I'm going to get one more Calves in before
we transition to Bria. Sure, because you talk about Donovan
and his leadership and that toughness, and I want to
add one more name to that, and that would be
Max Struce coming here from Miami where winning is what
it's all about it. They talk about that heat culture.
I think he's going to have a big part to
(20:55):
play in this transition moving forward without without evident, without DG.
Speaker 4 (21:01):
I totally agree with you, Tim, He has been a
real breadth of fresh air in my mind. And I'll
tell you what Jordan Yang has done as well. I mean,
he brings kind of a toughness and an attitude out there.
I thought it was interesting early on, especially at media
Day to begin the year, when when both Kobe Altman
and TV talked about how this team needed to get
(21:21):
louder in practice and with with Max and George that
that's what happens. You know, the energy goes up when
those guys are in the room, and that's huge. And listen,
Max has been very kind of candid and pointed at
times about the way the Calves have played early on,
you know, talking about how kind of, you know, mediocre
they were, and he was, you know, he's not afraid
to call out teammates because to your point, Timmy's he's
(21:43):
from a culture where you walk in the door down
there and there's championship trophies all over the place, and
pat Riley's got an eye on you and it's just
that culture in Miami, and you know, the Calves have
been open about that over the last few years. That's
one of the models that they have they have followed here,
you know, during the early stages of the rebuild after
Lebron left. So that kid has been a great addition,
(22:03):
and you know, he does a lot of things really
well on the floor. I think, you know, he's one
of those guys that I watched him apart him and
was always intrigued and really didn't appreciate his game. But
now that he's here, boy, he does it at both ends.
And you know, a terrific guy for JAB to put
out there on a nightly basis.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
Only, no doubt, a shrewd acquisition from President Kobe Yaltman.
All Right, Tom, let's shift gears a little bit because,
as I've mentioned, not only do you cover the Calves,
but the Browns and the Guardians. So we'll start with
the team that's still in action and still in the hunt, unbelievably,
the Browns. Just your perspective of how this year has
(22:41):
unfolded and how they are still in the thick of
this AFC playoff hunt.
Speaker 4 (22:47):
I did not have Joe Flacco leading them to the
playoffs on the Bingo card. I mean, it's just when
you think about that alone, that Joe Flacco is now
the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, it's just I sometimes
I've been out there practice a couple of times, Tim,
and I got to kind of shake my head, like
is this really real? So yeah, listen, it's a real credit.
And you know we've kind of covered this with the
(23:08):
Calves here in the adversity, but it's a real credit
to these guys for being able to kind of, you know,
not only hang in there, but but you know, succeed
and thrive without some of their best players. I mean,
the fact that they were out there last week with
you know, missing four of their five starting offensive linemen,
it's just remarkable with it at a quarterback who you know,
(23:29):
left his couch in New Jersey three weeks ago to
be able to play. And that's you know, that's no
knock on Joe Flacco, who's a borderline Hall of Fame
quarterback to begin with. So you know, much like we've
talked about with the Calves, you know, they've they've kind
of circled the wagons over there with the Browns and
guys have stepped up. And you know that last week
alone they put five guys on IR with or not
(23:50):
all of them on IR, but they lot five guys
the season ending injuries. So you want to talk about adversity,
it's right there. But yes, it's been a lot of fun.
Tim you know we've had listen. You know that's that's
followed the Browns over the years. They've they've taken their lumps,
and as I wrote about yesterday, that's kind of this
team is giving only in Cleveland new meaning. You know,
it's hugely there's so much negative associated with that, and
(24:12):
what a breath of fresh air that's been. And you
know they're going to make the playoffs or doesn't seem
to be any.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
Doubt about that.
Speaker 4 (24:19):
And you know that those those years have been few
and far between over the last twenty five that I've
been here in Cleveland.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
And whether it's fair or unfair, Kevin Stefanski has taken
some heat, but the way he has guided this team
and led this team through this incredible challenge has been extraordinary.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
Yeah, I've been I'll have to admit I've been a
little bit of an apologist and defending coach Tafanski here
for a while. Sure have there been times where you
wondered about some of the play calls. Was the was
dialing up the trick play in Denver at that time?
Maybe a you know, a head scratcher, Maybe so, But
I think he's done a really good job. And you know, Tim,
(24:59):
it's always a signed when you're talking to players during
the week and they are parroting everything that they're hearing
from the head coach, that tells you that he's got
their attention. And when they have success when he's talking
about listen, next man up, or we got to go
one to oh this week and then when it happens,
and when you have a team that believes that's when
special seasons happen.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
Well, good stuff, all right, we got a couple of
minutes left. I got to get a guardian's question or
two in since you were last on the show. Stephen
Vote has been named the manager of the Cleveland Guardians.
Boy that Guardians go from one extreme to the other,
the grizzled veteran in Tito to this guy that literally
just played a couple of years ago. And Steven Vote,
(25:42):
your reaction to this hiring, Yeah.
Speaker 4 (25:45):
So a colleague of mine on the West Coast has
covered Stephen for years as a player and has talked
about what a great person he is. And I'll tell
you what I see in Stephen vote. I see kind
of a young Terry Francona. I'll be honest with you,
just in terms of of personality. He's one of those
people that Tim is when you first meet him, you
feel like you've known him for ten years. And I
(26:06):
think that really says something about his character. He's just
he's just got a warm persona. He's been through it all.
I mean, when you think about a guy who's been
you know, he's been cut, he's been a two time
All Star, he's been the last guy at on the
bench and at times the star player. So he's experienced
it all. And I think that that speaks a lot
(26:26):
to what he's going to be able to convey to
his players and that connection he's going to be able
to make with his players. I thought it was interesting that,
you know, even hours after he was offered a job
by the Guardians, he was meeting with some of the
players and calling him and so, and from what I understand,
this guy is just as hard as worker as you're
going to find. So he's not going to leave any
(26:48):
stone unturned. And I think I think it was a
surprising hiring and that he doesn't have that pedigree, but
I think the guardians were just absolutely blown away by
everything he said, and his track record speaks for itself.
So yeah, I think it's exciting. I think it's a
good hire, it's a it's fresh. I think we all
are gonna miss Keto, you know, those of us in
(27:08):
the media, fans, players, everyone. He was, you know, one
of a kind and a and a surefire Hall of
Fame manager. But I'm interested to see what Stephen Bot
does and I like the blue seats. I'll have to
put that on records.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
There you go. All right, got about a minute left,
so I'm gonna ask you real quick and quick answer,
Shane Bieber. Will he be in Goodyear, Arizona as a Guardian.
Speaker 4 (27:28):
I think he will. I say that now, and something
could happen in the next ten minutes. But I think
I think what's interesting Tim is that he's coming off of,
you know, a couple of injuries shortened seasons, right, and
so I think Shane needs to get back to, you know,
pitching on a regular basis. I think that there's still
some interest in the seeing whether or not he can
be the leader of this of this pitching staff. And
(27:51):
so that's not to say though that if they you know, listen,
he's been shopped around. That's no secret at all. So
if the if the right thing comes up, that could
be the Christmas surprise is that I'm not quite ready
for it at this moment, but I can see him
going to camp as well. So again it's pro spammed.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
Yeah, Well, that's why Tom Withers is the absolute best
in covering Cleveland, Calves, Guardians, Browns. He's got his finger
on the pulse of all of those franchises. Tom, can't
thank you enough. Always a pleasure to have you on
CAVS HQ.
Speaker 4 (28:23):
KIM, Always a pleasure. You're a good man. Merry Christmas
to you and everyone out there.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
Thank you, Tom, Tom Withers from the Associated Press. As
I said, he knows everything going on in Cleveland sports wise,
Quick time out or when we come back. New Orleans
is in town on Thursday night. We'll talk to their
play by play man Todd Raffanini. He joins us after
this and Kev's HQ presented by Betway on the Medical
Mutual Cavaliers Audio Verse.
Speaker 8 (28:52):
Tell him a call him right wing, guarded by Koua Bali,
size it above through the legs, crosses over, kick it
to tray, take a three step left wing three. Oh
my heavens yes, Williamson splits defenders, drives and.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
Any slaps it in, ask it, ye shall receive.
Speaker 8 (29:09):
That's what I'm talking about androm Leftfrey go on extend
at front court, pulls up from fifteen, tot.
Speaker 2 (29:15):
It mid range bi, oh my hell, You're back. Cavs
HQ presented by Betway, all along the Medical Mutual Cavaliers
Audio verst those outstanding calls from the radio voice of
the New Orleans Pelicans, Todd Graffanini, and New Orleans will
be here on Thursday night. The Calves off tonight and
(29:36):
then a back to back Utah tomorrow night at Rocking
Mortgage field House, and then the Pelicans on Thursday night. Now,
New Orleans does play tonight against Memphis, but we thought
we'd get a quick preview of this Pelicans team that'll
be in Cleveland on Thursday night and have Todd join
us here on Cavs HQ. Todd a pleasure to have
you on the show. I think this is your first appearance.
Speaker 9 (29:58):
It is, Tim, and thanks for having me. Looking forward
to seeing you up there on Thursday.
Speaker 2 (30:02):
Well, tonight you've got Memphis. But taking that into account,
right now, New Orleans riding a four game winning streak,
five of the last six overall record going into the
game against the Grizzlies tonight sixteen and eleven. But your
thoughts on this team and certainly how they're playing as
of late having won four straight and five out of six.
Speaker 9 (30:24):
Yeah, Tim, solid right now, and you really have to
go back to what happened in Las Vegas. You know,
the Pelicans were able to make that final four right
end season tournament, and you know, it was just it
was such a letdown and a disappointment the way that
(30:44):
the Pels played against the Lakers. And obviously they got
a lot of national criticism after specifically one player who
I'm sure we're going to talk about it a little bit,
but you know, people forgot because we played so poorly
against the Lakers. How we got there in the first place,
(31:05):
and that was going to Sacramento and beating the Kings
by double digits. So you know, even Prior to Vegas,
the Pels were playing well. But the key is how
they responded after what happened in Las Vegas, and the
response has been outstanding. Four and zero, you know, moved
(31:25):
up to seventh down the Western Conference, and just swept
the three game road trip. Now, the team's record wise
wouldn't what you would call, you know, exemplary, but you
still got to go there and win on the road,
and it's difficult to win in this league on the road.
All you have to do is look at the NBA
standings every day and see what road records are. But
(31:46):
just really taking care of business in Washington, had to
hold off Charlotte and then I mean absolutely rain threes
on Sunday in San Antonio. Set a franchise record twenty
two threes and as a matter of fact, two of
the five scoring outputs in the history the franchise happened
on that road trip, one in Washington and then one
(32:07):
forty four against San Antonio. So the response after Vegas
has been the most impressive thing too.
Speaker 2 (32:13):
And sometimes adversity can bring out the best in people.
It kind of forces them to put that foot forward.
And it sounds as though that's what's happened with New Orleans.
Speaker 9 (32:25):
I don't think there's any doubt about it. And look,
they were challenged, and they were they were embarrassed. I
mean it was really really a tough game to watch,
and the Lakers just took it to us. I mean
there was no other way to put it. And then
after you get home, you got to sit for a
couple of days and just kind of wait it out,
(32:46):
and then you got all the criticism and it's like,
how are the Pelicans going to respond? Because look, it's
a talented team and that just was not indicative of
the way that they had played, especially in the last
you know, a couple of weeks prior to going out
to Vegas. But yeah, no, there was definitely adversity. You know,
head coach Willie Green talked about it, how is this
(33:09):
team going to respond? Because look, we watched the film.
It was embarrassing. I mean, any adjective you want to
you want to say, uh, in the negative. So it
was just one of those deals. But yeah, the response
has been outstanding and you've got a lot of guys
now that really took it to heart. It's good to see,
you know, because you think that they're they're shut off
from everything, but no, they hear all the noise, they
(33:32):
read all the tweets, and they were able to really
come back better as a team because of it.
Speaker 2 (33:40):
Again, we're talking with Todd Graffanini. He's the radio play
by play voice of the New Orleans Pelicans New Orleans
in Town on Thursday night as the Cavs have the
back to back with the Jazz and the Pelicans Wednesday
and Thursday of this week, and Todd, before we got
Rollie Now, we heard that little montage and there were
a lot of different players in those highlights that are
(34:01):
terrific production team put together. But the real focal point
of this team is Zion. And just talk a little
bit about Zion Williamson, the year he's having and really
the microscope that he's under in New Orleans.
Speaker 9 (34:15):
Well, he's really been under the microscope since he was
drafted first five years ago. Tim, I mean, there's no
other way around. And it was really interesting too because Sunday,
you know, we're in San Antonio and you had a
one on one matchup with Zion Williamson and Victor Webbin Yama,
and of course that got a lot of run and
I don't know if you've seen san Antonio yet, but
he's he is everything is advertised. Talking about Wemby, but
(34:39):
again that's another story for another day. Now, Look, Zion, Look,
he's a great kid. He really has been. He came
into the league the same time I came into the league,
so I've seen him from the very very beginning, and
he's always been the same. He's a very happy kid.
He's he's you know, always joking around with his teammates.
(34:59):
He's very general. It's just been unfortunate for him because
he has not been on the court. You know, he
missed a full year two years ago, and then of
course last year, Tim he was playing at an MVP level,
basically carried this team last November and December, and he
gets hurt on January second, and the season basically torpedoed
(35:22):
after that. Well, of course, also because Brandon Ingram was
not available at that time, and when you're missing your
two top players, it's just very, very difficult to overcome.
This year, you know, not the type of start that
he would have wanted. But I think he was knocking
off well not I think, I know he was just
knocking off a lot of rust. He hadn't played love
basketball since the beginning of the new year, so took
(35:45):
him a little while to get going. Once he got
it going, We've seen a lot of glimpses of the
old z but you're also seeing games where, say, example,
in San Antonio, we scored fifteen Pointson had eight rebounds. Okay,
well that's not great numbers, but that's the difference between
(36:06):
the team this year and the team last year. Tim
he has not counted upon every night to put up
twenty five or thirty. You know, in years past, if
Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson didn't score twenty to twenty
five points minimum, the Pels had no chance to win.
That's not the case anymore. There's a lot of weapons,
and this is really the team that David Griffin. Of course,
(36:29):
everybody in Cleveland knows why David, yeah, but everyone this
is the team that he envisioned when all of this started,
when Brandon Ingram came to the Pelicans in that Anthony
Davis trade five years ago. Surround Zion and Brandon Ingham
with serviceable not even serviceable pieces, but just you know,
(36:50):
guys that can play, and when they're all available and
it's been rare that they've been all available, but that's
really the key this year. For the most part, they've
been available and now you're seeing the results, especially with
our bench, Trey Murphy, Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado, they've been outstanding.
Murphy missed the first nineteen games he had meniscus surgery
(37:14):
in the offseason, came back on December first. He's had
double figures every game since he's come back. He's a
three point shooting threat, and this has just been a
lot of fun to watch in the last couple of
weeks with all the pieces available.
Speaker 2 (37:28):
Well, I'm looking forward to seeing your team on Thursday night.
On that note, we'll let you go have a great
call tonight as the Pelicans take on the Grizzlies, and
then we'll see you on Thursday. Todd, we really appreciate
you stopping by.
Speaker 9 (37:40):
Thank you, Thanks so much. Tim, looking forward to.
Speaker 2 (37:43):
It all right. That's Todd Graffanini, the radio voice of
the New Orleans Pelicans, joining us here on CAVS HQ
presented by Betway. We'll take a quick time out and
we'll wrap up this week's show after this on the
Medical Mutual Cavaliers Audio Versus Gona do It for this
week's edition of Cavs HQ, presented by Betway. That was
(38:04):
a busy show, but all sorts of people to thank.
Of course Tom Withers from the Associated Press, great insights
on not just the Calves, but the Browns and the Guardians.
Appreciate Tom stopping by. You just heard from Todd Graffanini,
the radio voice of the Pelicans, Kurt Marty. Thanks to you,
and the biggest thanks goes to you the listeners. Hope
you enjoyed it. I'll be back with you again tomorrow night.
(38:27):
Calves and Jazz from Rock and Mortgage field House. So
until then, Tim Melcorn saying thanks for listening and so
long everybody.
Speaker 8 (39:00):
Five Up, Up,
Hosts And Creators
Tim Alcorn
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Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.