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In a new series for Right Down Euclid, readers can submit their questions about anything related to Cleveland sports and we'll answer them to the best of our ability. So, with that said, today Right Down Euclid will answer your questions, and hopefully more, on this edition of the weekly mailbag.
But, before we get started, a little housekeeping note – on June 16, Right Down Euclid is partnering with Platform Beer Co. to have the first Right Down Euclid Community Happy Hour! It'll be from 5:30 p.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. EST at Phunkenship and all are welcome to come! Plus, for the first 50 people that arrive, drinks are on them!
Register here via Facebook – looking forward to meeting some of you there and celebrating the community that makes this possible!
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With that said, let's break down everyone's questions for this latest mailbag. There were a lot of great ones so it was hard to decide what wouldn't make the cut.
Hey, Evan! How do you feel about the Luke Walton hiring for the Cavs? Do you think he'll be brought in to help coordinate the offense? – Cody L.
Luke Walton's overall case as a coaching candidate is an interesting one. During his time with the Golden State Warriors, Walton coached the team to a 39-4 start, the best in league history, while serving in the interim for Steve Kerr. But, the lack of success for Walton during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings (166-241 overall) does make you wonder, at times, whether his initial success was more so predicated on Golden State's overwhelming talent rather than his coaching acumen.
Thankfully, that's not what the Cavaliers are asking for with Walton. Sources say that the decision to bring him into the fold was originally sparked by head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and a lot of it has to do with Walton's valuable experience as both a player and a coach. In a similar vein, Bickerstaff also shared that Walton can be a valuable asset in helping his younger players develop on the court in a press release. Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman expressed similar sentiments to Bickerstaff in the same press release.
“We are very excited to add someone of Luke’s caliber and championship DNA to our coaching staff,” said Altman. “His on-court experiences as a head coach, assistant coach and player in this league fit seamlessly into J.B.’s existing coaching staff. Luke is someone who truly embraces player development, a team-first mentality, and a history of creating winning basketball habits."
That's where the intrigue of Walton comes into play and the hire makes even more sense. During his time as a coach, he played a part in developing Stephen Curry into the superstar that he is today. Walton also played a hand in developing the likes of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Larry Nance Jr., De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Terence Davis, Davion Mitchell and so many others during his stops with the Lakers and the Kings as well.
If you factor that in, along with the championship pedigree Walton developed as a player and a coach, the hiring makes a ton of sense for Cleveland. They're a young and impressionable team, with plenty of room to grow and further hone their craft. Maybe, more than anything, Walton can be a wing specialist for the Cavaliers and help Isaac Okoro further unlock his game, allowing him to maximize his potential as an impactful low-usage wing.
So, this isn't really a retread hire for the Cavaliers but, rather something that can help take them to the next level. In terms of the offense, I'd be okay with the team taking input from Walton and perhaps installing some of the hybrid triangle sets that helped the Warriors succeed. But, if you break down the film from his time with Los Angeles and Sacramento, the Lakers and Kings typically ran plays with minimal action to them. That, along with the fact that both teams under Walton executed those plays five-out or four-out, one in sets, again gives you pause. Thankfully, again, he isn't the head coach and only an assistant. So, that means the offensive decisions don't solely fall on Walton.
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Twitter
See @RandalGreen13's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/RandalGreen13
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I don't want the Browns to lose. Their success makes my job more fun and, in turn, makes it a much more enjoyable experience for the fans as well. I'm just sick and tired of so many fans who are willing to thumb their nose at sexual assault survivors all because the quarterback who has 24 victims (and counting) happens to play for Cleveland. Deshaun Watson isn't your friend and doesn't need you to defend him. Be better and support those who are suffering and in pain from him having "no regrets".
Hey, Evan – what do you think of the Cavs new look? Do you have any insight on the new uniforms? – Steve U.
Hey, Steve! I did an extensive write-up on the brand refresh overall in Thursday's newsletter for this week. But, I'm a huge fan of what Cleveland decided to do! They have an extensive uniform history and calling back to that, all while adding in some modern twists, is always a smart decision in my book.
In my opinion, the biggest win overall is going back to the first-LeBron era wine and gold. It'll really pop alongside the black on the court next season and it's a great way to usher in a new era of Cavaliers basketball. I don't have anything I can share publicly about the new uniforms but, like their new branding, it feels somewhat safe to assume they'll feature callbacks to the past all while looking forward.
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Twitter
See @ChargeCLE's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/ChargeCLE
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I know there are six guaranteed dates for games next season and I hope to be at all of those and then some! I also hope that Right Down Euclid will be able to bring on an aspiring sports journalism student as an intern to join me in covering the Charge all while gaining valuable in-person experience! But, more on that at a later date!
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Twitter
See @ElalcaldeRafa's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/ElalcaldeRafa
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I don't want to make decisions on the team's behalf, but, I think we have good news on your chances, my friend:
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Twitter
See @ChargeCLE's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/ChargeCLE
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Hope to see you on the course at some point this summer!
Evan Dammarell is a sports journalist covering all things Cleveland right off the shores of Lake Erie. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Email him at evan@downeuclid.com. Did you enjoy this edition of Right Down Euclid? You can get it in your inbox two to three times a week by subscribing here. All it takes is either your Facebook account or email address!
