After a disastrous west coast trip, which featured a 55 point loss to the defending world champion Lakers as well as more injuries cropping up, the Cleveland Cavaliers return home tomorrow night to take on the Phoenix Suns.
The wine and gold have lost 13 in a row, and 23 of their last 24 games, and really there is no hope on the horizon.
Their best player, Anderson Varajao, is out for the season with a torn tendon in his foot. Their starting point guard, Mo Williams, has been in and out of the lineup with a hip problem.
Thus, coach Byron Scott is forced to give a lot of minutes to guys who were recently signed (Alonzo Gee), are undrafted rookies (Manny Harris and Samardo Samuels), and played much of the season in the D-League (Christian Eyenga).
That’s a recipe for a dismal season.
Now all Cavs’ fans can hope for is seeing how the team stands in the draft lottery and what kinds of trades will be made before or at the NBA trading deadline.
Unfortunately, the players GM Chris Grant would like to deal are aging, have bad contracts, or just aren’t very good.
Antawn Jamison fits two of those categories. He definitely a guy who could help a team making a championship run. Heck, that’s why the Cavaliers traded for him last season.
The veteran is averaging 16 points and 6 rebounds per game. However, he’s 34 years old and will turn 35 in June. He also has a large contract which still has another year to go after this season. And his numbers are down this season from his career norm, and at his age, it is doubtful he will get better next season.
Grant would love to trade him for young player with some upside, but who is going to make that sort of deal?
Williams presents a similar situation for the front office. The best way to market him is as a Jason Terry type player, a guy who can come off the bench and provide instant offense and can handle the ball as well.
However, the 28-year-old is a lifetime 44% shooter, but this year is hitting just 39% of his shots. Even worse, for his career he has made 39% of his three-point attempts, and is making just 27% of his tries this season.
Yes, the hip injury is probably a factor, but Williams’ shot has appeared flat since his injured his elbow last season. And a flat shot is an inconsistent shot.
Varajao would be the most desirable player in the eyes of other teams, but he can’t be traded since he is out for the season. Contending teams would have craved his hustle, rebounding, and defensive ability.
Daniel Gibson might interest some teams, but he’s another player who needs to stay healthy. He’s had problems with this in the past, and has missed much of the last month.
It has been rumored that the Bulls are interested in the sharpshooter.
Grant would love to make a move for either Jamison and/or Williams, but it won’t be easy to move them. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but don’t count on the Cavs getting a potential superstar in return.
Seriously though, can Grant wait until the end of next month when the deadline comes? Watching losses pile up is no fun for the fans and the owner.
No one wants a team to make moves for the sake of making moves, however, right now this team is losing in blow out fashion on a nightly basis.
Chris Grant needs to make this team competitive, and the sooner, the better.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 