After the Cavaliers apparently tried to get into the NBA draft at the end of June, and although the team has only been slightly involved in the free agent rumors, the wine and gold continue to be in the news. It looks as though GM Danny Ferry rekindled talks to deal for Sacramento guard Mike Bibby, with the Cavs reportedly giving up forward Drew Gooden and guard Damon Jones. A third team was needed to make this happen, but supposedly San Antonio was that team, and it backed out, making a trade with Houston instead.
What’s next? One of the free agents Ferry was interested in was Steve Blake, but the former Maryland star signed with the Trailblazers last week. This gives Portland depth at the point. They currently have Blake, Sergio Rodriguez, and last year’s starter, Jarret Jack. I liked Jack in his college career at Georgia Tech, and it would be a good move by the Cavs to deal for him. He has size (6’3"), can penetrate, and can defend. He’s also only in his third year in the NBA, so he’s still young. He also led the Yellow Jackets to the Final Four while in college.
Reports have the Cavs giving up Sasha Pavlovic and Jones in a transaction to bring Jack to Cleveland. Although Pavlovic impressed many this season, he still has ups and downs as a player. He disappears for long periods of times in games, and even though he makes athletic moves to get to the basket, he has had problems finishing. He is far from a finished product at just 23 years old, but is he really a starter on a great team? If Ferry and Mike Brown have doubts, perhaps this is the deal they should consider.
Besides, the Cavs have other options at the shooting guard spot. Daniel Gibson’s best spot is there, although at his size and with Brown’s emphasis on defense, he probably not a starter there. The first shot at getting Pavlovic’s starting spot would probably go last year’s first round pick, Shannon Brown. Brown played well in the NBA Summer League the past two weeks, showing the same style of play he flashed in college at Michigan State.
What is obvious is that it is very likely last year was Jones last season wearing the wine and gold. Pretty much every trade rumor involving the Cavs includes Jones, who wasn’t happy with his lack of playing time last winter. Jones can still shoot, but his one dimensional game makes him a poor fit in the coach’s system. The team is also shopping Gooden, mostly because of his inconsistency and inability to defend the pick and roll to Brown’s satisfaction. A deal involving Gooden would make resigning Anderson Varajao a must.
What is promising is that the Cavs’ front office is not sitting on their laurels. They recognize this team is far from perfect, and they understand upgrades must be made to get back to The Finals and win their first title. An offensive coach and system will hopefully be part of the tinkering as well.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 