Podcast: Dennis Manoloff talks Cleveland sports (07/18/14)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James is back, trade rumors are swirling, the Indians are about to open their second half and, oh, Browns training camp is a week away. The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff said today during his podcast that the Cavaliers should absolutely trade for Minnesota's Kevin Love. He believes that adding Love, even if it's at the cost of Andrew Wiggins, makes the Cavaliers an instant title contender. He also believes that LeBron James should have his fingerprints all over any moves the Cavaliers make. Listen to the podcast in the player on the right and check out the highlights of what DMan had to say below.
On LeBron James returning: "I'm just happy for the fans of Cleveland, because the fans of Cleveland deserve some good news like this."
On if LeBron really is willing to wait around for a young team to learn how to win: "[Cleveland] is the riskier play in terms of trying to win championships. ... The reality is he wants to win right away. As soon as humanly possible."
On how much say LeBron James will or should have on the roster: "The more power LeBron has, the better. In my mind, he's the de facto general manager, he's the de facto owner. He's the de facto coach. I want his fingerprints all over this organization. ... You don't make a move, going forward, without running it past him first."
On giving up Andrew Wiggins to get Kevin Love: "You absolutely make that move. There's no disrespect to Wiggins. He's a tremendous prospect. ... You absolutely make the move for Kevin Love if you can, because LeBron has taken on a challenge with an untested, unproven roster. ... You could accelerate that learning curve dramatically if you sub out Wiggins and you add Love."
On when the Cavaliers can realistically win a championship: "With [Love], I think you are instantly a title contender. ... If you don't have Love ... I think it would be difficult to get to the NBA Finals in '15 because of the lack of experience overall. ... I would say title contender by '16 if they don't have Love. Title contender by '15 if they do."
On LeBron's jersey number: "I think maybe he would [like to pick a new number]. ... I would say, if [23 and 6] are the only options, I would take 23. ... When I see the No. 6 on LeBron James, I always think about the Miami Heat."
On importance of the Indians' series in Detroit: "I don't think it's realistic that they're going to win the division as we stand here today. I didn't think that a month ago. ... Detroit is just better than the Indians, virtually across the board. ... If they lose three out of four [in this series] or get swept, then, of course, they're out of it."
On Trevor Bauer's development: "On balance, Bauer is showing growth. I do get a little nervous about the struggles early, the struggles to get settled in. ... Overall, yes, you have to be happy with what you're seeing from Trevor Bauer."
Indians second half prediction: "I just don't see them doing anything major at the deadline to infuse talent into the roster, and I also don't see this roster suddenly tearing the cover off the ball, playing good defense and getting great starting pitching. ... I see a .500 team."
On the non-quarterback battles he'll watch in training camp: "Who's going to emerge on the receiving corps as the No. 1, No. 2 guys."
On whether LeBron James will or should mentor Johnny Manziel: "It could get to that point. ... We don't know exactly how tight these two guys are. ... If I'm LeBron James, I talk to Manziel, or, better yet, if I'm Manziel I reach out to LeBron."
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