It's Time For A Change

 

The other day this site talked about the lack of effectiveness of the Cleveland Cavaliers bench.  If you assume that GM Danny Ferry is trying to swing a deal to bring more talent to the team, that move would be made to deepen the roster.  However, what can Coach Mike Brown do until then?  Here is one solution to alleviate the problem at least a little bit. 

 

The basic concept is not to have similar styles on the floor at the same time.  You don’t want to have periods of the game when you don’t have any inside presence, or no one willing to take a shot, or no one who can create his own shot.  This can be done by adjusting who starts the game, and adjusting the substitution pattern.  Currently, Brown starts two inconsistent players:  Drew Gooden and Eric Snow.  These type of players should come off the bench.  They should be replaced in the starting line up by Anderson Varajao and Sasha Pavlovic.  Brown stresses defense and Varajao is a better defender than Gooden.  Why Sasha?  It would move Larry Hughes to the point at the beginning of the game which keeps a defensive player at guard, and Pavlovic is a more complete offensive player than either Damon Jones (shoots only threes) or Daniel Gibson (not as strong on D).

 

This would bring Snow off the bench, reducing his minutes, making him more effective when you need a defender down the stretch of close games.  Also, Gooden would be free to be more of an offensive threat when he comes into the game.  If either player isn’t productive that night, their time could be adjusted easier.  Next, it’s time to sit Donyell Marshall down.  I would suggest actually using Scott Pollard as the other back up big man, and Daniel Gibson should be made part of the rotation as well.  He should be given steady time as a reverse guard. 

 

This would make the primary bench guys Gooden, Snow, Pollard, and Gibson.  Being able to go nine deep would allow the starters to get more rest, which not only would help in the 4th quarter, but also later in the season.  What about Damon Jones, who has played much better than last season?  He’s a specialist.  Period.  His game is too limited to get a regular spot in the rotation.  If the Cavs fall behind, Jones can get in to see if he can hit some threes to get the wine and gold back in the game.  Otherwise, he would be anchored to the bench. 

 

Marshall and Shannon Brown would be the 11th and 12th men.  If Marshall is going to be upset with his role, then the front office should approach him about buying out his contract.  I would like to see what Dwayne Jones could bring to the table, but there currently is no spot for him.  David Wesley and Ira Newble should be offered around to see if anyone is willing to pick up their contracts.  If Marshall can be moved, Newble isn’t a bad guy to have on the end of the bench.  It’s that he’s grossly overpaid. 

 

This set up allows the coach to use his preferred style of play, defensive oriented basketball.  Starting Varajao provides better defense and rebounding early in games which should allow for some fast break opportuinities.  Bringing Eric Snow off the bench will give the team some grittiness when they do go to the subs.  Regardless, this team needs a wake up call.  The loss to Philly brought that very much into focus.  Going 3-4 on a west coast trip isn’t bad.  Dropping a home game after one day off following that trip can be excused.  Losing to the worst team in the East at home can’t be tolerated. 

 

Mike Brown needs to get some players’ attention.  A change in playing time would provide a splash of cold water in the team’s face.

 

JK