Weekly Roundtable: Goodbye losing streak, coach(?) Scott and Kevin Ware

Mar 10, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott and guard Shaun Livingston (14) during a break in the action against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Cleveland 100-96. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the thirty-seventh installment of Right Down Euclid’s “Weekly Roundtable.” This Friday Jerry Bulone and Chris Manning sit down and discuss the latest trending topics concerning your Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA. The combination of rotating RDE duos answer three questions regarding the hometown Wine and Gold and two questions surrounding the league.

Today the discussion revolves around the Cavaliers’ now-broken 10-game losing streak, Kyrie Irving’s status, Byron Scott’s job security, Kevin Ware’s injury and a heartfelt message.

Cavaliers Corner

First Question: Which game during the losing streak has been the hardest to endure/stomach for you?

Jerry Bulone: I think the obvious answer would be them blowing the 27-point lead against the Miami Heat. Not because it’s the Heat, because like I stated in previous weeks, I like the Heat. It was how they committed dumb mistake after dumb mistake. It wasn’t like the Heat got super hot and ran right through the Cavs, the Cavs mainly did it to themselves, and I couldn’t believe how easily that lead evaporated. I hadn’t been that mad/embarrassed/disgusted since last year in April when the Cavaliers at home where losing to the Pistons 100-50 at the end of the third quarter. I turned the game off after that and had a hard time wondering why Byron Scott was retained even back then.

Chris Manning: Can I say all of them? I ask that rhetorically because every game has had its own issues. The Miami game was rough because A) it was against the Heat and B) they simply blew their lead late. And the Atlanta game – aka Kyrie’s comeback – resulted in the Cavaliers just crumbling even with their best player. Or the Rockets game, where they failed to score over 80 points. All in all, this has been a bad, sad stretch for the Cavaliers. And it’s made this season incredibly hard to watch. Every game, no matter how they lost, has taken the fun out Cavaliers basketball.

Second Question: Is there any point for Kyrie to be playing at this point?

JB: No! No! No! What are the Cavaliers thinking?!! That’s right, they’re not thinking. The kid himself said he is not 100 percent, his teammates have given up, Waiters and Varejao are gone for the year and we are in the midst of stinking it up to get more lottery balls. None of this makes sense. If Irving reinjures his shoulder and it’s bad and he has to miss the start of next season, that would be horrible. And for what? What could possibly be gained by him being out there. Scott is already gone anyway, the front office already knows who they are keeping and letting go, so six meaningless games with Kyrie isn’t changing any of that…..dumb.

CM: No, he’s not 100 percent healthy and he’s too important to risk getting hurt. Let him rest and focus on next year – that’s what matters. This season, with no hopes of the playoffs and injuries mounting, is worth nothing. The only way I want Kyrie in uniform is if we can loan him to the Lakers so they make the playoffs. And since that’s not possible, he needs to sit.

Third Question: What’s your opinion on what you have heard about Byron Scott’s job security?

JB: I think it’s a wrap. Thank you coach Scott for your three years of services, and we wish you the best in your future endeavors.

CM: It’s ridiculous. He’s a good coach and the perfect guy to mold a young team on the principles of hard work and defense. He also played in the league, and that will only benefit the young guys on the roster. Also, he can’t control the rampant injuries. There is no reason he should be on the chopping block.

NBA Roundup

Fourth Question: What was your initial reaction to Louisville player Kevin Ware’s injury?

JB: It was the most gruesome thing I have seen in a long while. It was shocking too. It just seemed like a move that we have all done hundreds of times playing basketball, whether on a court or a street. I also immediately felt for the kid. I do not know much about him, but it seemed like he had a promising career. It’s going to be tough to come back from that.

CM: As a person who has had several knee injuries, my stomach dropped. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see that happen to a young man playing on college basketball’s biggest stage. It’s absolutely horrible that he has to go through this. Craziest part about it is that it was such a normal athletic move and it could happen to anyone. Maybe Shaun Livingston could give him some pointers.

Fifth Question: Our hearts go out to Dan Pilar’s family during this rough time.

JB: My heart goes out to you Dan. Hope you and yours are doing OK in this difficult time. Look forward to reading your stories again real soon!

CM: Having lost two close friends this past year, my heart goes out to Dan and his entire family. I cannot express enough how sorry I am and if there is anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask. You are in my prayers and I think I speak for the entire RDE family in saying that we are here for you.

Make sure to check back next week to see what Jerry Bulone and Trevor Magnotti have to debate at the “Weekly Roundtable.”