The Cleveland Cavaliers got a tongue-lashing from coach Tyronn Lue after their 112-107 loss to the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday. After the loss, Lue criticized his team for their lack of effort against the Nets. “We're running around here worrying about getting the Brooklyn pick, they may want our pick,” said Lue, per Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. Lue was referring to the Nets’ 2018 unprotected first-round pick that they got from the Boston Celtics for Kyrie Irving, aside from Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a 2020 second-round pick.

The Cavaliers agreed to the deal because they thought the pick was very valuable, considering the Nets’ struggles last season.

Also, the Cavaliers see the pick as insurance if LeBron James leaves them in 2018. However, with the way the Nets are playing now, the Cavaliers could get a lower pick. Currently, the Nets and the Cavaliers have identical 3-2 records.

Lue mad about Cavaliers’ defense

Lue was particularly furious about the Cavaliers’ lack of defense on their opponents’ outside shooters. In their last three games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls and the Nets, each of their opponents made 17 three-pointers against the Cavaliers. Against the Nets, LeBron James failed to defend Rondae Hollis-Jefferson on his two made three-pointers while Kyle Korver gave Joe Harris room to shoot on his three triples.

Spencer Dinwiddie buried four three-pointers after JR Smith gave him space to shoot. Lue hinted at changes in the line-up if the Cavaliers will not improve on defense. “And if guys continue not to do it, then we've got to make some changes,” said Lue, per Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. Currently, the Cavs are 24th in the NBA in opponent's 3-point percentage (.387).

James not looking at Nets’ pick

Some people consider the Nets' pick as highly valuable because next year’s draft is expected to be deep. But for James, the Nets' first-round draft pick is not as valuable as it may seem. James told Cleveland.com that the Nets’ unprotected pick “might not even be that good of a pick.” According to James, it’s very early in the season to even think about the Nets’ pick.

“When it gets closer I'll probably look,” James said. It was reported that the Phoenix Suns are interested in trading Eric Bledsoe to the Cavaliers for the Nets’ pick. However, the Cavaliers might ask for another piece aside from Bledsoe to convince them to part ways with the pick.
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