Ball or Nuthin' » Cavs

Here’s What the Cavs Should Do With Their Picks

T Lamont — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:55:09 +0000

After losing ‘the King’ over the summer, the Cleveland Cavaliers were finally the beneficiaries of some good vibes at last night’s NBA Draft Lottery.

The Cavs, owners of the league’s worst regular season record, were ultimately rewarded with the first and fourth picks in the 2011 NBA Draft which will be held in June.

The unfortunate news for the franchise is that there’s no sure shot #1 selection this time around. The last time Cleveland landed the top choice, they had a no-brainer and gobbled up the local Akron, soon-to-be NBA icon, LeBron James. But for the upcoming draft, Cleveland management will have to do a little more work to get good grades.

The talent pool in this year’s draft is not very plentiful on franchise-type players. In fact, most scouts and analysts feel that there are potentially only two players at the college level with All-Star / franchise player talent – Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams. Thus, the Cavs will be forced to make a decision between those two electric talents.

Most mock draft boards have Kyrie Irving slotted as the number one selection. This is primarily based on observed game talent and assessed skill, and perhaps, a bit of the hype factor.

But although I have been the biggest fan of Irving’s game ever since his demolition of the Michigan State Spartans early in the college season, the Cavs should go in the opposite direction. And here’s why:

Size matters- Derrick Williams is listed at 6’10″. Kyrie Irving is listed at 6’2″. The NBA has a long, drawn-out history that suggests that big men rule the paint, and therefore, rule the NBA. 11 of the past 12 NBA titles have been won by teams that had an offensively and defensively talented big man or big men (Lakers – Shaq, Gasol-Bynum; Heat – Shaq; Spurs – Duncan; Celtics – Garnett). This season we may be witnessing the exception to the rule (as a lot of the league’s best pivot men have aged), but a specimen like Williams has the potential to help Cleveland control the boards and protect the rim. As for going the point guard route – - in the past three decades, there’s only one case of a 6’5″ or under player leading his team to a championship (Isaiah Thomas). Go with the big man first.

Versatility- There’s no player in the NBA with the combined versatility than Williams has shown. Williams would come from the NCAA ranks with the proven ability to block shots, shoot threes, handle the rock, rebound and get buckets from the low block. Think of the top bigs in the Association. Garnett, Howard and Griffin don’t have three-point range or ball-handling ability. Dirk has no defensive presence or interior power game. Williams packages these attributes, along with his extreme athleticism, to give Cleveland the best opportunity to rebound after losing the NBA’s best talent since MJ. He can impact a game a so many ways, plain and simple.

NBA has its share of good point guards- This is absolutely not a knock against Irving, but the list of good point guards has grown over the past few years. While Irving’s skill set is exceptional, the Cavs may want to consider the possibility that their point guard of the future doesn’t have to come from this year’s draft. Maybe the Cavs can use the #4 pick to pry someone with promise from another team. Even if they can’t, their efforts should be focused on acquiring a player like Williams – who has an unmatched skill set at his particular position.

Irving is the best point guard prospect in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Mysterious injury- How healthy is Kyrie? Irving was out of the Duke lineup for months with a vague toe / foot injury. Somehow, he made his way back into the lineup during the NCAA Tournament, but why? Was he hoping to further enhance his NBA draft stock? Or was he truly invested in boosting the Blue Devils’ chances to make a deep run in the tourney? Regardless, Williams clearly looked to be at his best during tournament time – particularly during a game in which his Arizona Wildcats manhandled Irving’s Blue Devils.

So, if Cleveland uses its first pick on the Arizona stud, what do they do with their next pick at #4?

This is a bit trickier. If they do pick Williams (as they should), it all depends on what Minnesota and Utah do with their #2 and #3 selections, respectively. Minnesota, who seems to pick at least one point guard in every draft, would almost be forced to choose Irving because he would be the undoubted top talent on the board. Then, the Jazz would be on the board. They have a variety of needs – the most glaring of them being at the point guard position (to fill the shoes of the traded Deron Williams). Utah is set in the paint with Al Jefferson and Derrick Favors, so, in all likelihood, they may be eyeing Kentucky’s Brandon Knight.

If either of the above mentioned floor generals slip to the four spot, the Cavs will certainly jump on them.

Otherwise, Cleveland might be better off shopping the pick around the league. There will be some level of talent available in the 2012 NBA Draft with Baylor’s Perry Jones, Kentucky’s Terrence Jones, and North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes remaining in school. An early look at the mock draft board (which will certainly fluctuate) reveals several upcoming freshmen who may surface as possible early-entry candidate including point guards Austin Rivers and Marquis Teague.

Now, the wildcard in this analysis are the international players that have entered the draft. nbadraft.net has the Cavs selecting Kentucky center Enes Kanter (which should be a ‘no-no’), followed by two international players – Jonas Valanciunas and Jan Vesely. Who knows how they will fare in the Association? However, it is a fact that only one international player has ever truly become the face of a successful franchise and he just dropped 48 in the Western Conference Finals last night.

The key for the Cavs is to make sure that they don’t settle for what this draft has to offer which, in reality, is not a whole lot as far as they are concerned.

Sure, it’ll be tempting to Cleveland to take what it can get now. But focus and insightful roster choices are what turns franchises around. And after the turnaround that they experienced this year, they’d definitely appreciate some movement in the opposite direction.

Game 5 Win Could Help LeBron Turn the Corner

T Lamont — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:14:28 +0000

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Greatness. A word with about as many variations in its meaning as people in the world.

Yet, we all strive for it collectively and, perhaps more importantly, individually.

That greatness is often realized after a daunting task has been overcome, or surpassed, if you will. That is, on the side prior to greatness, there is usually a degree of suffering that comes at the hands of a troubling obstacle.

Last night, maybe LeBron James was able to clear the final hurdle on the path to realizing the expectations that were laid before him.

Since middle school, James has been groomed to become the top NBA star in this still-new millennium. But unlike many others who were well-hyped extremely early in their amateur careers - such as O.J. Mayo, Sebastian Telfair and Derrick Character too name a few - LeBron has validated the praise that was heaped upon him. His career averages of 27-7-7 (points-rebounds-assists) have basically solidified his standing as a future Hall of Famer. James has even upped those averages to 29-9-7 in the postseason.

Wherever LBJ went, Boston had four guys on him.

But anyone following the NBA knows that, while James has lived up to the hype, he still hasn’t lived up to his FULL potential.

After a brief taste (since his Cavs were swept it was more like a sip) of the NBA Finals in 2007 against the San Antonio Spurs, LeBron has failed to come close to making another appearance. Each subsequent season seemed to bring about more promise for his and his Cleveland mates, but alas, they would ultimately flame out in the playoffs due to mismatches that their opponents were able to exploit.

Personally, it was the 2007 run that saw LeBron finally slay the first of his trying nemesis, the Detroit Pistons. Detroit was a veteran team that, in 2006-07, had completed a brilliant regular season. In the Eastern Conference Finals that year, James put the Cavs on his back during his signature 25-point 4th quarter and overtime performance, which many considered to be his breakthrough. Sure that more experienced and well-rounded Spurs clubbed Cleveland in the Finals, but you had the sense that LeBron’s presence on the NBA’s biggest stage was going to be something that the fans could count on annually.

Well, fast forward four years. LeBron failed to bring Cleveland what they had longer for. Partially because of the the team that became his new nemesis – the Boston Celtics.

In 2007-08, the Celtics had a dream season. The acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen instantly rejuvenated Paul Pierce (who suddenly became much healthier on a regular basis), and rescued Boston from its previous abysmal state. Of course, they were dubbed “The Big Three”, and were too much for any team to handle – including Kobe and his Lakers. From that point forward, Boston, when healthy, has consistently proved itself to be the top team in the East (recall that Orlando knocked them off to reach the 2009 Finals in the absence of Garnett).

If LeBron didn’t have any angst towards the Celtics, it would be hard to believe. It was James’ struggles against Boston that set forth the series of events that jilted Cavs fans forever. The infamous Game 5 performance during which LeBron’s heart to win was questioned. The free-agency flirtation with different organizations. The off-season suspense of whether he was coming back to Cleveland. And, finally, the ultimate betrayal and mockery on national television.

Or at least that the way most of the sports nation sees it.

Or perhaps LeBron was just desperate. He has looked into the face of his latest nemesis and realized the truth: that it would take more than one superstar to beat them.

Even after LeBron retreat to South Beach, he was initially failing to defeat the demons of his past. In his first three games against Boston as a member of Miami, neither he, nor his new teammates, could seal the deal to upend the veteran-laden squad.

James and Dwyane Wade ruthlessly attacked Boston's interior defense.

But then this year’s Eastern Conference Semifinal came around. Miami, on the strength of two, crowd-inspired home court victories, were able to surge out to a 3-1 series lead. However, the most daunting part of dethroning a champion is closing them out.

And four years after he initial breakthrough, LeBron did it again.

Last night, with the game knotted at 87, James hoisted a triple from the corner. Despite the outstretched hand of Paul Pierce distorting his view, LeBron’s shot went through the net to give the Heat a three-point edge.

Moments later, King James extended that lead - this time with an improbable fall-away three from the wing, but with Pierce draped all over him. Again, the result was three points for Miami.

With Boston clearly reeling and needing quick scores, they tried to get the ball into Pierce’s hands. James saw it coming, stepped into the passing lane, swiped the ball and was off to the races for a crowd-pleasing two-handed rim rocker that served as the icing on the cake with under 30 seconds remaining.

In total, LeBron scored the last 10 points of the game. In about two minutes, James’ erased the pressure of his regular season shortcomings and his team’s foreshadowed success. He had pulled the plug on the Green Monsters.

With L.A. taking an unpredicted early exit, the stage could be set for James – with his new arsenal – to be the headlining act in this year’s edition of the NBA Finals.

And for LeBron, nothing could feel better than to finish what he started four years ago.

Cavs Making History…Without King James

T Lamont — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:16:48 +0000

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The Cavs, once a nightly staple on SportsCenter, have become just that again, but for all of the wrong reasons.

Monday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost their 25th straight NBA game – all in the same season.

That’s something that no other team has done in the history of the league.

Reflections on the Cleveland organizationduring the King James’ regime revealed what many people didn’t want to believe – that LeBron was an overworked slave. The proof is in the pudding, which would be the team’s lack of success this season.

But a struggle was suspected. A catastrophe – maybe not. But should it have been?

It’s amazing to fathom. This team, which won 127 games in its last two full regular seasons, was hinged on James being a part of the organization indefinitely. And now, what has developed is what happens when a team of role players – none of whom have an ability to create a shot for himself – tries to compete in a league saturated with players who have that ability (particularly given that most of the players grew up imitating Michael Jordan).

Unlike other futile teams, the Cavaliers are unable to put one consistent mismatch on the floor. A starting unit which includes Ramon Sessions, Anthony Parker, Christian Ayenga, Antawn Jamison and J.J. Hickson is very troublesome, indeed. On pure adrenaline perhaps, the Cavs stormed out of the gate to win seven of their first 16 games. Albeit, Mo Williams and Andersen Varajeo were healthy, it was still quite stunning to see their early season success. But upon further examination of Cleveland’s lineup, one would have to wonder…

How much longer can this losing streak go on?

Dejected looks on the faces of Cavs players have been a common sight this season.

At some point, the Cavs will break this infamous streak, but it won’t be a predictable event. Every other team in the league has at least one dynamic, All-Star caliber player. Minnesota has Kevin Love. Sacramento has Tyreke Evans. New Jersey has Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. Even Toronto has 20-plus point scorer Andrea Bargnani, and budding star DeMar DeRozan. On the front of a consistent lack of success this year, the Cavs can only be matched by the Washington Wizards on the road. The Wizards have lost every game they have showed up to play away from home, dropping their first 25 games. Thus, the date of February 13 versus Washington (at the Q) has been circled as a possible end to the Cavs’ streak. But it more likely may be an end to Washington’s streak. The Wizards have actually posted an above .500 record at home (13-12), and indication that they simply need maturity and the requisite mental toughness to compete on the road.

And unlike the Cavs, they have direction in the form of a highly touted draft pick (John Wall) and some talented pieces (Nick Young, Andray Blatche) whom they feel will aid them in an attempted return to respectability.

But at the conclusion of this season, Cleveland should have a stranglehold on being the team with the highest probability of attaining the top pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

And all of a sudden, the Cavs are back where they started eight years ago.

“With the #1 pick in the NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select…”

Who will it be this time? Unfortunately for them, it won’t be another LeBron James. The road back to contention will be much longer, and will include more than one lottery pick.

But for Cavs’ fans, hopefully, it won’t include many more historical feats like the current one.

Open Letter to Cavs Fans: Please Don’t Act a Fool

T Lamont — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:00:34 +0000

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Dear Cleveland, all of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers supporters wherever you may be tonight:

As you now know, your former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this summer, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

In many ways, this was announced with a several-day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports…and probably, the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this was bitterly disappointing to all of you.

But in the face of adversity, I implore you not to act a fool tonight.

LeBron James is a basketball player. LeBron James is also a person. He chose the path that his heart desired. To play with friends. To enjoy a warmer climate. To presumably have a better chance at winning an NBA championship.

He did not choose to play where he could have made the most money. He did choose to make sacrifices to the way that everyone perceived him. He did choose to make sacrifices to his individual statistics.

Don’t let the hype surrounding “the King’s return” persuade you to do something regrettable in the presence of other disappointed Cavs fans.

Dan Gilbert's inability to keep things professional is only further igniting Cleveland's fire towards James.

All in all, remember that we have all made choices. They may have seemed good to some. They may have seemed bad to others. Nevertheless, we made those choices based on our own personal assessment of what we needed in our lives at that time. As Cavs fans, a better strategy would be to keep your energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience directed toward the much bigger goal of building the championship team you have long deserved.

So, tonight, enjoy the excitement ushered into town by your former hero. Have fun, and passionately support your hometown Cavaliers.

And remember at the heart of it all…it’s just a basketball game. The “decision” made by James is not going to affect whether you have shelter, how you feed your family, or whether you can sleep comfortably tonight. Save your wrath for the circumstances that adversely affect things of that nature.

Because when the smoke clears – - what you do tonight will provide the most telling insight into your character.

And Cleveland, it’s time to rise above what people expect of you.

LeBron Goes GQ; Carmelo Ready to Leave Denver

T Lamont — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 02:56:06 +0000

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Throughout their development, LeBron James seemed to stay just one step ahead of his competitor and friend, Carmelo Anthony.

Now that the “Summer of LeBron” has come to a close and the “Decision” has been made, James can firmly place his focus on moving forward with his new team…but not before gaining some closure for the backlash that he received during his free-agency period.

LeBron’s story, entitled “Three Weeks in Crazyville”, will be featured in the September issue of GQ magazine. In it, he is interviewed by J.R. Moehringer regarding various topics emanating from his experiences in the midst of the most discussed free-agency in NBA history.

After being blasted by Cleveland natives, Dan Gilbert and Charles Barkley, here’s what he had to say about each of his critics:

LeBron on Clevelanders:

“And Clevelanders, because they were the bigger-city kids when we were growing up, looked down on us.… So we didn’t actually like Cleveland. We hated Cleveland growing up. There’s a lot of people in Cleveland we still hate to this day.”

“Maybe the ones (fans) burning my jersey were never LeBron fans anyway.”

LeBron on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert:

“I don’t think he ever cared about LeBron. My mother always told me: ‘You will see the light of people when they hit adversity. You’ll get a good sense of their character.’ Me and my family have seen the character of that man. (Gilbert’s reaction) made me feel more comfortable that I made the right decision.”

The top three players in the 2003 NBA Draft.

LeBron on Charles Barkley:

“Charles was probably trying to be funny. It wasn’t funny to me.”

Well…there’s not much else that we wanted to here from LeBron…that just about covers it. Now we’ll all wait and see what happens in Miami in the fall.

And by next summer, there’s a possibility that another mega-team may be formed. This time, the potential destination would be the Big Apple.

All eyes have been focused on Nuggets All-Star Carmelo Anthony for several weeks now. The Baltimore native curiously left a 3-year, $65 million extension on the table. Leaving that type of scrilla on the table sends a message loud and clear to Denver’s front office – “I don’t want to be here.”

Expect Denver to catch this message loud and clear – especially after watching Cleveland get its hopes shattered by an exiting James with nothing to show for him in return. The good thing is that they have the requisite time to field enough offers to ensure that they are able to come close to getting equal talent in any potential trade scenario.

But from ’Melo’s standpoint, this was one time that staying one step behind LeBron paid off – - in a big way.

There’ll be no “Decision,” there’ll be no free agent touring – just a clean getaway and a chance to start all over again.