Fear the 'Fro: A Cleveland Cavaliers Podcast

Fear the 'Fro is back with a data nerd edition.  We're talking analytics!  Specifically, Bob dives behind one of the biggest stats websites in existence, Bball-Index.com, as he's joined by the founder Tim (@Tim_NBA) to talk him through the methodology, the blind spots, and add some context to how our various Cavaliers performed last season.  Plus, a bunch of Draymond strays.  So there's that.(0:00) Bob Introduces A Deep Dive Into Analytics(4:27) Introducing Tim, Founder of Bball-Index.com(7:34) Tim Shares How Bball-Index Grew From A Spreadsheet To An Empire(12:49) Tim Discusses The Opportunities That Have Arisen And How He Maintains Autonomy(17:53) Examining How Analytics Can Challenge Fandom, Even For Kobe Bryant(22:03) Tim Explains The LEBRON Metric: Estimating Player Impact Per 100 Possessions(24:31) Analyzing Cavs' Players LEBRON scores(33:43) Distinguishing Rim Deterrence, Disruption, and Protection in Defensive Analytics(43:26) Exploring Defensive Roles, Perimeter Metrics, and Sam Merrill's Surprising Ranking(1:01:41) How Bball-Index Quantifies Matchup Difficulty and Coverage Aggression(1:07:02) The Nuances Of Fouling In Analytics and Draymond Green's Unique Case(1:09:27) Unpacking An Underrated Cav and An Overrated Cav(1:14:33) Tim Shares His Eastern Conference Pick and Thoughts On Lebron's Career(1:19:27) A Thank You And A Plug... Plus An Episode Tease

Fear the 'Fro talks about the Cavs acquisition of Thomas Bryant, Killian Hayes, and the press availability of Kenny Atkinson and Koby Altman, with a review of Bob's favorite answers and comments.(0:00) Cavaliers Bolster Frontcourt With Thomas Bryant Signing(4:24) How Thomas Bryant's Skills Enhance Cavaliers' Offense(9:35) Assessing The Cavs Roster Depth and Killian Hayes's Addition(13:10) Koby Altman's Strong Stance On The Core Four(16:13) Unpacking the Cavs' Ty Jerome/Sam Merrill Comments(21:07) Offseason Progress for Mobley, Hunter, and Garland(28:08) Addressing Jarrett Allen's "Toughness" QuestionsPlease, if you haven't filled out the Cavs Consensus Survey yet, you have until 10/6 to do so.  Just go to cavspod.com/survey to enter your thoughts and compete to win $500.

Bob Schmidt, host of the Fear the 'Fro pod is back, and he's joined by Mike "McNuggets" Lucas to launch into season 5 of the pod.  We go team by team reviewing best/worst/riskiest offseason moves, and set the stage for Cavs training camp with the 2nd annual Cavs Consensus Survey.

Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, reacts to the start of free agency, and copes with the crushing news that Ty Jerome has agreed to sign with the Memphis Grizzlies.  It's a bleak listen, not gonna lie.  Come on the journey.(0:00) Ty Jerome has agreed to sign with the Grizzlies(18:30) Lonzo Ball is acquired - Bob's thoughts

Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, is back to talk Cavs, finances, and the future outlook with capologist and host of the "Third Apron" podcast, Yossi Gozlan.  This week's podcast is focused primarily on the Eastern Conference landscape, and where the Cavaliers woes are shared.  We get into New York, Boston, Orlando, Indiana, and Milwaukee in depth, and then we touch upon the blasphemy that is trading Jarrett Allen.Check out the Third Apron podcast here.  Check out the Third Apron substack here.

The summer slumber is over!  Fear the 'Fro has returned to dive into the Cavs offseason in glorious fashion.  Bob is back with a special guest.... ESPN's Bobby Marks!  The cap expert joins Bob Schmidt, to discuss all the avenues available to the Cavs and clarify questions on the CBA.  This hour long conversation is a must listen for anyone into the financial weeds.  You can find the accompanying video and some amazing graphics on YouTube @fearthefropod.

Fear the 'Fro reacts to a crushing loss to end the Cavaliers magical season, as the Pacers advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.  Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Max Strus all struggle mightily, as the Cavs lose for a third time to the Pacers at home.  Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, reacts.

Fear the 'Fro reacts to a crushing defeat at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, as the Cavs are now one loss away from the end of their season.  Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, talks about his outlook on the Cavs hopes, Donovan's injury, and the present state of Cavs discourse as we approach a painful offseason.

WE BACK!  The Cavs sent a message in Indy as they got back Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De'Andre Hunter and proceeded to take Game 3 in Indiana.  Donovan Mitchell delivered another 40-point effort, and Max Strus stuffed the stat sheet, as Tyrese Haliburton was limited to just 4 points.  Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, breaks down the game and shares in the aftermath of a great win with the audio mailbag.

I've cooled off for 24 hours.  Now Bob Schmidt, joined by Michael Facci of "Setting the Pace" discusses what's transpired over these first 2 games against Indiana.  This podcast has an obscene (and obscenity-filled) amount of audio mailbags, followed by a 40 minute convo with the Pacers podcast of record.  (0:00) Bob resurfaces to address the choke(28:35) Mike Facci, of Setting the Pace, joins Bob to talk Cavs-Pacers

Fear the 'Fro breaks down a turd of a Game 1, as the Cavs have surrendered home court to the Indiana Pacers.  Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith torched the Cavs on three-pointers and despite a solid effort in the second half, the Cavs came up short.  Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, breaks down the game and what silver linings, if any, exist.

Fear the 'Fro is back, joined by the boys from the Indiana Pacers podcast of record... "Setting the Pace"!  Bob Schmidt, Alex Golden, and Mike Facci sit down to preview the series and discuss their thoughts heading into round 2 of the NBA Playoffs.  Make sure to check out their podcast, which you can find in the links below: Setting the Pace on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/77fZ7GLLkZuGtk1J8PQ7GG?si=abbd9f48a55c412cSetting the Pace on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SettingThePaceAPacersPodcast

1,2,3... Cancun for the Heat!  The Cavs send the Heat off into the long, dark night with an absolutely emasculating drubbing.  Tyler Herro no shows.  The second round awaits, and the Cavs are playing near flawless basketball at the right time.  Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, breaks down the end of the series, what lies ahead, and the audio mailbag is thriving.  Plus, a huge development for the Enemy of the Pod!

Fear the 'Fro breaks down a HUGE game three victory in South Beach, as the Cavs look poised to advance.  Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, then discusses the DPOY win for Evan Mobley, the Cavs stifling defense vs. the Miami Heat, and a celebration of the depth of the Cavs showing up on a playoff stage.

Fear the 'Fro breaks down a Game 2 win, in which the Cavaliers set records in the 2nd quarter with 11 triples, but nearly gave up their lead in the 4th quarter.  Bob Schmidt talks about Donovan's heroics, Davion Mitchell, Evan Mobley and our boy Sam Merrill.  

Fear the 'Fro dives into the first playoff win of the 2024-25 season, as Ty Jerome puts on a 4th quarter masterclass.  Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, recaps the Cavs big win, discusses the NBA awards voting results, Evan's struggles with Bam Adebayo, and dives into a CBA wrinkle that gives the Cavs a distinct advantage in their quest to retain Ty Jerome.(0:00) Recapping the big Game 1 win vs. the Miami Heat(8:22) Audio Mailbag: Where Did You Go?(10:52) Audio Mailbag: Bontemps Awards Voting Record(13:33) Mobley Struggles In Game 1(17:20) Ty Jerome and The Advantages the Early Bird Structure Provides

Fear the 'Fro settles the debate once and for all about why Evan is the Defensive Player Of The Year.  Mike Lucas ("McNuggets") from the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, joins Bob to debate who has the strongest case for DPOY and who should make 1st Team All-NBA.  Then we dive into our other awards.  Link to the Data: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1c0FMJQtCIWB6epYN8uuSo6siHtzXj5q2pfW2eVI-P_E/edit?usp=sharing

The East runs through Cleveland!  The Cavs take care of business against the Bulls, behind a massive effort from Darius Garland, and a three-point barrage.  Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, breaks down the win, and the DPOY agenda work conducted by DG and Evan Mobley in the postgame press conference.(0:00) Cavs vs. Bulls: A Recap(11:15) Campaigning for Sidequests: Garland and Mobley stump for DPOY

Fear the 'Fro recaps the Cavs victory over the San Antonio Spurs, as they are just 1 win away from clinching the East.  Then we answer mailbags about Isaac Okoro, debut a new Knicks songs, and Bob makes his case for why Evan Mobley is clearly the NBA Defensive Player Of The Year.(0:00) Cavs vs. Spurs Recap(24:52) Evan and the DPOY Case

The Cavs got vengeance Sunday against the LA Clippers, as Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley humiliated Ivica Zubac, and a massive third quarter was enough to propel Cleveland to their 3rd 60-win season in franchise history.  Bob Schmidt, of Fox Sports Radio, breaks down the game, and chats with Adam Auslund in the aftermath of the loss.