Daily Archives: November 20, 2020

Lakers, Raptors intersted in Tristan Thompson

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The free agent center has interest from the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors.

There is the very likely possibility that Tristan Thompson is playing elsewhere next season. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix noted the possibility Friday.

“The Lakers would love to land Tristan Thompson, an ex-LeBron James teammate in Cleveland who would shore up the front line. The Raptors, who could lose both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, are expected to pursue the Toronto-born big man. With Andre Drummond opting into the final year of his contract, Thompson’s time with the Cavs could be over.”

Chris Mannix on Lakers and Raptors interest in Tristan Thompson

Mannix does make some good points. Thompson could rejoin his former teammate LeBron James in Los Angeles and it is also worth noting that they share an agent. There is also the fact that Thompson could be drawn to return to his native Toronto, although the Raptors will be starting the season in Tampa.

Tristan Thompson is going to have multiple suitors. Thompson is still an excellent rebounder and his scoring ability has improved the past couple of seasons. In the right situation and right role Thompson could be an impactful player for a playoff team. There is going to be a team willing to sign him, making him an integral part of their game plan. It really seems like it is not a question of if, but when Tristan Thompson signs with a new team.

Toronto Raptors to play in Tampa

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The Toronto Raptors will be playing in Tampa, Florida for the upcoming NBA season as they are not allowed to play in Canada.

At this point this is almost a formality. The Toronto Raptors will not be playing Canada this season and will be playing in the United States.

The Raptors will be calling Tampa, Florida home for the upcoming season.

This decision is about limiting international travel and different protocols and restrictions due to COVID-19. The Toronto Blue Jays had a similar situation which resulted in their home games being played in Buffalo. There is the possibility that the Raptors could return to Toronto at some point this season, but a lot of changes would have to take place before that would become a legitimate possibility.

Browns: Teller, Wilson questionable vs. Eagles

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The Cleveland Browns may be without their right guard and linebacker against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday.

Wyatt Teller and Mack Wilson are not a lock to play this Sunday and the Browns may have to look at other options this Sunday against the Eagles. Both players are listed as questionable and may not be able to play.

Mack Wilson has not played a whole lot this season due to injuries and when he has been available he has only played more than 50 percent of the snaps in two of seven games. Cleveland can manage to be without Wilson if he is unable to go.

Wyatt Teller is a different story as he just returned last week and his presence made a huge difference. The return of Teller combined with Nick Chubb helped paved the way for the Cleveland rushing attack. If Teller is not able go on Sunday it could prove problematic for the running game. This is in addition to already being without Chris Hubbard and the possibility of Jack Conklin missing the game. If Cleveland were to be without Teller, Hubbard, and Conklin their offensive line play would see a dramatic decline in performance and effectiveness.

Browns: Hubbard, Janovich will not play Sunday

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The Cleveland Browns will be without their right tackle and fullback this week when they face the Philadelphia Eagles.

Chris Hubbard and Andy Janovich will not be available for the Cleveland Browns this Sunday as both players are still on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Cleveland can manage being without these two players by themselves, but a much larger problem could be on the horizon. The Browns may be without Jack Conklin as well as he remains on the reserve/COVD-19 list currently and is not eligible to return until Saturday at the earliest. This could prove to be problematic if neither player is available to play, but more will be known in regards to Conklin’s status on Saturday.

With A Jimmmitude: Saints, Winston, Hill

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Drew Brees is out for the foreseeable future and the New Orleans Saints are in a tough spot. Sean Payton has two options to turn to, Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill. For some reason, Payton has selected Hill as his starter with Winston relegated to the bench.

Winston is not going to have any offensive packages and that is bizarre. Sure, Hill can be a fun player to watch, but he is no starting quarterback. Hill is best used in a select spots in offensive schemes that are more of a gimmick than anything. There are limitations to Hill and what his skill set can provide and over the course of an entire game they should come to light fairly quickly.

Let’s get one thing straight, I am not blindly supporting Winston. Winston has shown to be a turnover machine and up until this past offseason had issues with his vision. Would Winston be a clear upgrade over Hill? Not necessarily, but if he was the starter it would allow the Saints to use Hill in the correct fashion. That being a couple plays here and there every few drives or so.

If there is one thing that this experiment will hopefully do it is end the nonsensical belief that Taysom Hill is the successor to Drew Brees in New Orleans. Jameis Winston probably isn’t the answer either, but let’s be real it is not Hill.

Myles Garrett placed on COVID-19/reserve list

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The Cleveland Browns have placed the defensive end on the COVID-19/reserve list.

When the Cleveland Browns take the field against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday they will be without defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett has been placed on the COVID-19/reserve list after missing practice all week.

Myles Garrett is the most recent player to end up on this list. Jack Conklin and Cody Parkey were placed on the list earlier this week while Charley Hughlett managed to avoid ending up on the list. Luckily for the Browns, Garrett was not in the building and any possible spread or exposure to anyone else was hopefully prevented.

As far as this Sunday goes, the Browns defense will be in trouble. Myles Garrett is the best and most disruptive player on the Cleveland defense. Without Garrett, Cleveland will have a tough time making any game changing plays. His absence could lead to a long day on defense for the Browns. They are going to need their backup and rotational players to step up, however that is more than likely too much to ask. In short stints and the occasional play or two they are fine, but an entire game is a tall order they may not be able to fill.