Cavs Fans: Get off the Bridge!!

 

Yes, the Cleveland Cavaliers have lost five in a row, the last four on the road.  They also have two more games on this trip, playing Golden State and Utah.  After a couple of home games, they go back on the road for three more games.  The wine and gold’s record has dipped to 20-16 on the season.  But, seriously Cavs fans, it’s not that bad.  This is no time for panic.

 

The team could have won all four of these games.  They lost by one to the Lakers and Nuggets, and by two to the Trail Blazers.  Phoenix defeated the Cavs by nine last Saturday night, but Cleveland was only down three with two minutes to go.  It’s not like they are getting blown out.  They are also playing without starters Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden.  This is still a team with many new players, and they are still getting used to each other.  Usually, that means mistakes during crunch time, leading to close defeats.

 

I understand it is much more frustrating for a fan to lose close games than to be beaten by 30 points.  However, it means the Cavaliers are a good team, just not a great one.  I’ve heard fans call talk shows worrying about making the playoffs this season.  They are still the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, a full five games ahead of the ninth place Chicago Bulls for the last playoff spot.  At this point, it is way, way too early to be worried about a return to the draft lottery. 

 

This reaction is part of the "woe is me" mentality that Browns GM Phil Savage talked about when he came back here.  Listen, I don’t think anyone is happy that the Cavaliers lost five in a row.  But, to compare this team to clubs like the Bulls, Magic, and Celtics is ridiculous.  The wine and gold is much better than those clubs.

 

Another note on LeBron and the boys.  There have been rumors of the Cavs being interested in center Mark Blount and guard Marcus Banks from Boston for Drew Gooden and Damon Jones.  This would be a bad trade for Cleveland.  Blount’s weakness is rebounding, and to lose one of the teams better boarders for him would hurt the team defensively.  Upgrading the point guard position is needed, but not at the cost of Gooden. 

 

MW