Even though the Cleveland Cavaliers roster gets more and more depleted every day, they continue to pick up victories. Last night, Daniel Gibson joined the injured list, which already includes Anderson Varajao, Sasha Pavlovic, and Drew Gooden, but the shorthanded Cavs still won a critical road contest in Atlanta, 100-95 over the Hawks. Does anyone still want to file complaints about the overall job Coach Mike Brown has done?
Last night’s starting lineup included Ira Newble at power forward and Eric Snow at the point. It is a tribute to both veterans that they have stayed ready for their opportunity even though they have each gone through stages where they have rarely played. The same is true for Damon Jones, who has worked his way back into the rotation. Danny Ferry looked for character in signing players, and this situation is exactly where that attribute comes into play.
Of course, the most important member of the wine and gold shook off a jammed thumb to play 44 minutes in the win. LeBron was simply his normal self, scoring 26 points, grabbing 11 boards, and dishing out 7 assists. Much has been made about the talent, or lack of it, that James plays with on a nightly basis. Remember that Kobe Bryant missed the playoffs one year, and finished in the lower half of the West in another after Shaquille O’Neal left. Granted, the Western Conference is tougher, but James has the Cavaliers competing and winning most nights, no matter who is playing along side him.
I have heard talking heads saying Ferry doesn’t need to add more talent because the team is winning. However, why not make it easier for LeBron? Getting another all-star type player would only enhance James’ game. His willingness to find open teammates would make an above average player into an elite player. Can you imagine how good a player like Mike Miller of Memphis would be with Cleveland? He would get so many open looks, his numbers would only go up.
I realize the restraints the Cavs and Ferry are under. They have many bad contracts on their roster, and very little desirable talent. I’m sure many teams would like Gibson and Varajao, but they can be key parts to a title contender. In order to make deals without giving up that type of talent, you need expiring contracts, which outside of Newble, Ferry doesn’t have until next year, when Snow, Marshall, and Damon Jones’ deals will end after the ’08-’09 campaign.
Until then, the Cavs are doing their best to get back to the Finals. Most experts are now saying the Eastern Conference champs will be either the Celtics, Pistons, or the wine and gold. They are definitely still an elite team in the East. The performance of guys like Newble, Snow, and Jones boys will only enhance their chances in the playoffs. With LeBron, anything can be possible.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 