Cleveland, OH
This is a Cavaliers column I never expected to write a year ago, or even in the spring – Terry Pluto
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Speaking to myself because the Cavaliers put together to open the season Wednesday:
QUESTION: What number of video games will the Cavs win this season?
ANSWER: I normally hate that query.
Q: Why?
A: When LeBron James was right here, the variety of common season victories was virtually meaningless. The Cavs wanted sufficient to succeed in the playoffs, then James & Co. performed for actual. Even in LeBron’s first tour of responsibility, the common season was fairly irrelevant after a number of years.
Q: And when James wasn’t right here?
A: Predicting they’ll win 25 video games … or 28 … or 32? Who cares? They had been going to lose greater than 50. The common season additionally had a lame really feel to it. Again then, it was all about lottery ping-pong balls.
Q: However now?
A: The turnaround engineered by the entrance workplace of Koby Altman and Mike Gansey together with coach J.B. Bickerstaff and his workers has been beautiful. Whereas the 2021-22 season ended on a downer, they completed 44-38. They had been enjoyable to observe. They had been within the playoff race. They had been younger and so they defended. I beloved that group.
Q: What was your prediction for 2021-22?
A: It was 32-50. I believed I used to be being optimistic. No less than it wasn’t the dumbest prediction I’ve ever made in regards to the Cavs.
Q: What was that?
A: I’m not saying. Too embarrassing.
Q: You’re underneath oath.
A: Oh, boy. When James left for Miami in the summertime of 2010, I predicted the group would completed 46-36 with out him.
Cleveland Cavaliers Jamario Moon was the Cavs subsequent beginning ahead after LeBron James left in 2010.The Plain Vendor
Q: With Jamario Moon beginning a small ahead after LeBron?
A: I used to be indignant in regards to the Determination Present, and so on. I misplaced my brains.
Q: Have you learnt what they did that 2010-11 season?
A: They’d a report of 19-63. They misplaced a franchise report 26 in a row.
Q: What did you are expecting the second time James left, which might be for the 2018-19 season.
A: I take the fifth, as a result of this may deliver me up on some sort of costs.
Q: Your prediction was …
A: Kevin Love was again. They’d Larry Nance Jr., Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, Tristan Thompson and about everybody else from the 2018 group that misplaced within the finals.
Q: Your prediction was …
A: I believed they’d be 36-46.
Q: And so they had been?
A: (In a whisper) 19-63.
Q: In order that they had been the identical 19-63 in 2018-19 because the they had been in 2010-11 – each occasions the primary seasons after LeBron left.
A: Is {that a} query?
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell poses for a photograph throughout media day, September 26, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Q: Simply establishing your historical past. What number of video games will this group win?
A: The Donovan Mitchell commerce modified the whole lot, not less than when it comes to elevating expectations. As one NBA government informed me, “Cleveland took an enormous swing with that commerce, and I’d have achieved the identical factor. There are occasions when you understand you’re giving up loads, however you do it. You seize the second.”
Q: The Cavs traded Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji and unprotected first spherical picks in 2025, 2027 and 2029 to Utah for a three-time All-Star.
A: A profession 28-point scorer within the playoffs who has three years left on his contract. The extra I believed in regards to the deal and talked t NBA individuals from different groups, the extra I grew to become extra passionate about it. Whereas Mitchell wished to be traded to New York, he has come throughout as able to embrace Cleveland.
Q: What about on the courtroom?
A: That’s what has been intriguing. Watching the preseason video games, Darius Garland and Mitchell have blended collectively sooner than I believed. They nonetheless have loads to work out. However they clearly need to play collectively. Mitchell is a superior passer, ballhandler and defender than Collin Sexton. I discussed that as a result of some followers wrote me to ask what’s the distinction between the 2 gamers? Mitchell is bodily stronger.
Q: The prediction?
A: I like how Bickerstaff characterised Garland and Mitchell within the backcourt: “They play nicely collectively as a result of they perceive how you can play basketball … they’re two clever guys who makes photographs and know how you can move the ball.”
Q: Nonetheless ready …
A: Bickertsaff additionally stated: “They’re so harmful, individuals (opponents) must take note of them. Individuals gained’t need to depart them open That’s going to assist all people.”
Q: Will you give me the numbers?
A: This group has to remain true to its defensive mindset. It has Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, two 7-footers who can defend. Mobley is on the verge of stardom. The protection nonetheless needs to be good, even when it’s not top-five as final season.
Q: Actually ready now ...
A: Bickerstaff known as the group “a piece in progress, a brand new fascinating dynamic.” That seems like a plea for endurance, and it’s to an extent. However the expertise is actual, even when Bickerstaff is correct when he’s says, “We’re not a completed product.”
Q: Final probability…
A: The Cavs will end 51-31 and win a spherical within the playoffs. The final time a Cavs group gained not less than 50 video games with out James was 1992-93, the final season with Lenny Wilkens as coach.
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Five people were hospitalized, and residents were displaced after an explosion led to a devastating fire at an apartment building in Cleveland’s Garden Valley neighborhood, according to the Cleveland Division of Fire.
“We ended up with 22 companies total on scene, so we had a big response,” said Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman.
Now, all that remains are busted windows, a collapsed structure and lost memories for people like Jania Williams.
“I was already homeless before I had stayed down here so this was like a little escape like actually having like a breath of fresh air,” said Williams.
Before Monday’s fire, Williams said she and her son were enjoying the day at the zoo until she received a call from her friend Darnella Garner.
“When I got here, I seen her house on fire and that’s what really put the icing on the cake when I actually seen the flames coming out the roof. I’m like ‘Oh my God,’” said Garner.
Firefighters reported receiving a call around 4 p.m. regarding an explosion at an apartment building near E. 70th Street and Garden Valley Avenue. Upon arrival, they saw a massive hole in the side of the building.
Que Willis said he heard a loud noise and then saw the flames.
“I see like apartments like on fire. I’m talking about four, five apartments blew up,” said Willis.
Five people were transported to a nearby hospital by EMS; their conditions are unknown at this time.
“I don’t have the status on them right now, but I think they are in pretty serious condition,” said Norman.
Two dogs and a cat were also rescued from the building, Cleveland Fire said.
After about two hours of battling the flames, firefighters declared the fire a controlled burn and said they would conduct a third search for victims once the fire is extinguished.
“The challenge with a fire that’s underneath the roof is the roof itself. The roof does what a roof does. It repels the water and keeps the water from hitting the fire,” said Norman.
Cleveland Fire said over 60 firefighters from 22 different companies responded to the fire.
According to the fire department, the fire resulted in a $3.5 million loss. The American Red Cross deployed its Disaster Action Team members, who have established a short-term shelter at the Zelma George Recreation Center, located at 3155 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Cleveland, for those displaced.
“When I got the call about the explosion, I immediately jumped up and came to find out what is going on because we’re going to need some help,” said Councilman Richard Starr.
Monday evening, Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb released the following statement regarding the fire:
This afternoon, a fire broke out in the Garden Valley neighborhood, resulting in significant damage to several homes. The firefighters and first responders worked tirelessly to contain the fire and acted quickly to protect residents and preserve property. We extend our heartfelt concern to those affected by this incident, especially to the individuals who sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital.
The city is actively supporting the situation and is in coordination with local partners to ensure that those impacted receive the necessary support and resources during this challenging time. The American Red Cross also established the Zelma George Recreation Center as a temporary shelter for residents displaced by the fire. The city will continue to coordinate efforts with local organizations to assist those impacted by this tragedy as needed.
The fire is still under investigation, and News 5 is working to learn more.
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With the NBA Draft less than three days away, the Cleveland Cavaliers do not have a first-round pick and do not appear to be
However, the Wine and Gold do still have two second-round picks at No. 49 and 58 and could still find a solid win-now piece or a project player this late in the draft.
Law Murray of The Athletic recently identified each team’s biggest draft need and believes the Cavaliers should target “A developmental center makes sense with at least one of the second-rounders.”
(The analyst also pointed out the reason why Cleveland doesn’t have a first-round pick, and that’s because of the Donovan Mitchell trade that the Cavaliers should be more than happy they pulled off.)
Drafting a young center who is still a year or two away from making a real impact in an NBA rotation is the perfect game plan for the Cavaliers to have.
As Murray also noted, Cleveland’s first-round pick from last season, Jaylon Tyson, struggled to get minutes. This means a player taken in the second round would have an even more difficult time finding playing time for the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers also have a clear issue with their front-court depth. There’s no true center on the roster after Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, and Cleveland would have a huge problem if either of them got hurt.
It’ll be interesting to see what direction the Cavaliers go in the draft. However, taking center with one of their two picks would be a wise decision by the front office.
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Northeast Ohio (WOIO) – The Fourth of July is fast approaching next Friday and several northeast Ohio towns, cities, and counties are celebrating with fireworks displays.
You can share your photos and videos with us for use on air and online as well:
Here are some of the fireworks near you:
Cuyahoga County
- Bay Village
- Time: Friday, 9:45 p.m.
- Location: Bay Village Cahoon Memorial Park
- Berea
- Time: Friday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Over the water at Coe Lake
- Cleveland
- Time: Friday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Voinovich Park and North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation’s at North Coast Yard
- Cleveland Guardians
- Time: After the game at 7:10 p.m.
- Location: Progressive Field
- Lakewood
- Time: Friday, 9:45 p.m.
- Location: Lakewood Park
- Strongsville
- Time: Friday, 9:15 p.m.
- Location: The Commons
- Westlake
- Time: Friday at dusk
- Location: Clague Park
Ashland County
- Ashland
- Time: Friday, 9:45 p.m.
- Location: Freer Field
- Loudonville
- Time: Friday, 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Riverside Park
Ashtabula County
- Conneaut
- Time: Saturday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Lakeview Park
- Geneva-on-the-Lake
- Time: Friday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Municipal Golf Course
Carroll County
- Carrollton
- Time: Saturday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Carroll County Fairgrounds
Erie County
- Huron
- Time: Friday, 10:15 p.m.
- Location: Huron Boat Basin
- Norwalk
- Time: Friday, 9:45 p.m.
- Location: Huron County Fairgrounds
- Port Clinton
- Time: Friday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Waterworks Park
- Put-In-Bay
- Time: Friday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Perry’s Victory
- Sandusky (Cedar Point)
- Time: Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Cedar Point Beach
Geauga County
- Bainbridge
- Time: Saturday, event from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Location: Kenston High School
- Burton
- Time: Saturday, event from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Location: Geauga County Fairgrounds
- Middlefield
- Time: Thursday, 9 p.m.
- Location: Yoder Brother Park
Lake County
- Eastlake (Lake County Captains)
- Time: Thursday, following 7 p.m. game
- Location: Classic Auto Group Park
- Fairport Harbor
- Time: Saturday at dusk
- Location: Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park
- Mentor
- Time: Friday, after 7 p.m. concert
- Location: Mentor Civic Amphitheater
Lorain County
- Avon (Lake Erie Crushers): Red, White, and Boom
- Time: After game at 7:05 p.m.
- Location: Lake Erie Crushers Stadium
- Avon Lake
- Time: Thursday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Weiss Field
- Elyria
- Time: Friday, 10:15 p.m.
- Location: West Park
- Lorain
- Time: Friday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Mile Long Pier
- North Ridgeville
- Time: Thursday, 9:45 p.m.
- Location: Victory Park Ohio
Medina County
- Brunswick
- Time: Thursday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Brunswick High School
- Medina
- Time: Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.
- Location: Medina Rec
- Valley City
- Time: Friday at dusk
- Location: Mill Stream Park
- Wadsworth
- Time: Thursday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Downtown Wadsworth
Portage County
- Aurora
- Time: Thursday, 9:45 p.m.
- Location: W. Pioneer Trail
- Deerfield
- Time: Friday, 10 p.m.
- Tappan Lake Park
- Hiram
- Time: Thursday, 9:45 p.m.
- Location: Hiram College Football Field
- Kent
- Time: Saturday at dark
- Location: Downtown Kent
Richland County
- Crestline
- Time: Thursday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Old Hutson Stadium
- Mansfield
- Time: Saturday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Charles Mill Park
Stark County
- Alliance
- Time: Friday at dusk
- Location: Silver Park
- Lake Cable (Canton)
- Time: Thursday, Dusk
- Location: Lake Cable Clubhouse
- Massillon
- Time: Thursday, Between 9 and 10 p.m.
- Location: Duncan Plaza
Summit County
- Akron
- Time: Friday, 9:45 p.m.
- Location: Lock 3, Main Street, Lock 3’s Backyard on Bowery, Canal Park stadium (with purchase of Akron RubberDucks’ tickets for that evening), as well as several spots in nearby neighborhoods including Waters Park (140 Olive St.) and others to be announced
- Cuyahoga Falls
- Time: Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.
- Location: Blossom Music Center
- Hudson
- Time: Saturday at dusk
- Location: Barlow Farm Park
- New Franklin
- Time: Saturday, 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Portage Lakes
Tuscarawas County
- New Philadelphia
- Time: Saturday, 10 p.m.
- Location: Practice Field
Wayne County
- Orville
- Time: Saturday, 10:15 p.m.
- Location: Orr Park
Does your community have a fireworks display not on this list? Email 19tips@woio.com with the subject “4th of July.”
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