While no one should be concerned with the three game losing streak for the Cavaliers, there should be worry about how soon Mike Brown will adjust to the trade. Since getting Antawn Jamison a little less than a week ago, the coaching staff has lost track of Jamario Moon.
Moon has picked up a DNP-CD (did not play-coaches decision) in two of the last three contests. Coincidentally, the Cavs have lost all three games. Its difficult to figure out why the former Harlem Globetrotter is the odd man out.
Moon is a plus defender, can shoot the ball when left open, and can get up and down the floor. He is a more complete player than two of the guys who are in the rotation ahead of him in the last three games, Daniel Gibson and Jawad Williams. And that’s not to be critical of either of those players.
Gibson is a good shooter, but he doesn’t handle the ball particularly well, and although he’s a better defender than he was as a rookie, he’s still not a shutdown guy. Williams had some moments when he moved into the rotation after the injury to Mo Williams, but he’s leveled off as the league has adjusted to his game.
Both players are legitimate NBA players, but the Cavaliers are an elite team.
It appears that Jamison will move into the starting lineup tonight, with J. J. Hickson likely to go to the bench. However, Brown could move Anthony Parker to the second unit while starting James in the backcourt with Mo Williams, and using Jamison in the small forward spot.
Parker has been struggling lately, although not as much as some fans would indicate. He has played well on the defensive end.
Remember though, that he was essentially signed to come off the bench. Replacing him in the starting lineup would leave the Cavs a shooter short, but it would make the wine and gold long and athletic. They would be able to be more of a fast breaking unit.
Brown also has to watch the minutes being played by LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal. James has been getting more than 40 minutes per night on a regular basis lately, and O’Neal must be kept fresh for the playoffs and should be limited to around 25 minutes per night, even with the loss of Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
It’s not a time to panic, but it is time to nip a three game losing streak in the bud tonight against New Orleans. It could be the first step in another long streak of good play if Mike Brown can make his adjustments.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 