Cavs/Lebron Pursuing Dunleavy

[Jeffrey]

Probably because he wants to play for contenders. And contenders who are interested in his niche skill set tend to be over the cap (and can thus only afford low-cost deals like the mid-level exception or the taxpayer's mid-level exception).

He could presumably get more if he chose to sign with a less talented team, but (a) he wants to chase a ring and (b) a less talented team may not have as much need for a nice player like him.

Dunleavy is really good at what he does well, but his physical tools have declined with age and injury such that he is a very specialized player. Teams with really strong, ball-dominant players can take advantage of Dunleavy's game. Teams that don't have that don't get as much value from him.

Excellent post, which makes complete sense, thanks!

[Jeffrey]

http://m.bkref.com/m?p=XXdraftXXNBA_2002.html
Actually, Dunleavy has more or less justified his draft position. Sixth in win shares for his class and only separated by 6 WS from third. Good chance to pass Tayshaun Prince and Yao. He's quietly been one of the best guys from that (fairly underwhelming) cohort.

Clearly, Mike Sr. was spot on for when Jr. needed to enter and how best to navigate the draft. I was surprised when Mike was selected right after Jason, given how much more potential Jason had. I agree with you, except for everybody missing the boat on Carlos and few doing enough homework on Stoudemire, it was a relatively weak group.

Prince is another good example of a mid-20's steal. Seems like NBA teams get the most bang for their buck, and draft selection, at this point in the draft. I think the players should be better compensated, on a relative basis, at this point in the draft.

[sagegrouse]

"nice players like him" was a typo. "Niche players like him." As in, specialists.

"Ball-dominant players" refers to guys like Rose and Butler (or LeBron and Irving, but since he's staying in Chicago it means Rose and Butler) whom the ball spends the most time on offense and who commands the full attention of the defense.

On a mediocre/bad team, you likely don't have a guy who can draw defenses away from shooting specialists like Dunleavy. As such, it's harder to get the full value of Dunleavy, because he isn't a guy who can get his own shot anymore. But on a team with guys like Rose and Butler drawing the attention of the defense, Dunleavy is able to sneak around the court and get good open looks from 3.

While Dunleavy is a shooter, he is also a "glue guy" who seems to be everywhere -- maybe the opposite of
JR Smith?

[Kfanarmy]

"nice players like him" was a typo. "Niche players like him." As in, specialists.

"Ball-dominant players" refers to guys like Rose and Butler (or LeBron and Irving, but since he's staying in Chicago it means Rose and Butler) whom the ball spends the most time on offense and who commands the full attention of the defense.

On a mediocre/bad team, you likely don't have a guy who can draw defenses away from shooting specialists like Dunleavy. As such, it's harder to get the full value of Dunleavy, because he isn't a guy who can get his own shot anymore. But on a team with guys like Rose and Butler drawing the attention of the defense, Dunleavy is able to sneak around the court and get good open looks from 3.

Got your point. Thanks for expounding a bit there.

[roywhite]

Cavs are putting things together quickly. Love has agreed to terms, Tristan Thompson seems to be close, and now Shumpert has worked out a deal.

This is a good story for Cleveland, and for the league in general, IMO. Stay healthy, Kyrie, and enjoy the journey.