Cavs Get to Pounding

Well Well Well.....after practically downing two games straight, the Cavs showed that they had sense and captured their first win of the young NBA season!

(Final Score Cavs Vs. Wolves: 104-87)

At least we can get a little bit more relaxed! I guess the Cavaliers finally had enough and realized what their flaws were. Then again, it is way to early in the season and still an adjustment period for the Wine and Gold to make final decisions.

But anyway, for the first time in 3-games the Cavs showed flashbacks of last year's dominant and successful team. There was ball movement, excellent 3-point shooting, an amazing 35-points off the bench and the BIG one: DEFENSE!!!!

The Cavs immediately jumped on to the Timberwolves and never looked back! It was a great come back and for once (in 3-games) the rotation didn't look disjointed. I was impressed with this game, since I did not really predict such a blow out. Overall however, I'm not too excited since it's just the Wolves.

Wolves or not, the Cavs played well as a team, you would have thought Delonte West was on the floor with them as they crushed the Wolves into pieces in their very own Minnesota Arena.

The 55-percent 3-point shooting and 35 bench points, is the reason why they won this game. The Wolves just could not handle the Cavaliers outside offense.

The Cavs play the Bobcats next, lets see if they can dispose of them just as the reformed Boston Celtics did.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER FROM THE PREVIOUS GAME: ANDY VAREJAO: 13-pts, 11-rb, & Just one foul.

PLAYER OF THE NIGHT: BOOBIE GIBSON: 14-pts, (4 of 8 3-pt Shooting).

OTHER STATS:

King James: 24-pts, 9-rb, 6-assist
Shaq: 6-pts 7-rb (Not very effective on offense)
Mo Will: 20-pts, 6-assist (Poor FG percentage)

Remain consistent!

Remain Optimistic!

Expecting The Best!

Tonight is the night where the Cavaliers should take advantage and pick up their first win. They are playing a lighter team, and instead of taking it for granted - they should really learn each other.

If the Cavaliers sink 0-3, then Mike Brown can pack his crap up and exit NOW. If they win, it's still nothing to be excited about, since the Wolves are probably an exhibition for Cleveland.

Their defense has been lack luster, so it's best they jump on the Wolves tonight to secure and early start. I've noticed to early that the Cavs are playing sloppy, tired and without pride.

Yes! They lost the glue of the team (Delonte West) but they have to adjust without him - and that starts right now, although he was such a defensive threat.

I think it's possible that they can get back to their killer defense that they had last year, even with an old slow front-court.

It's a work in progress - I hope to see 1-2 after tonight's contest vs. the Timberwolves.

Cavs Sit at - 0-2

It is virtually impossible to summarize the Cleveland Vs. Toronto Game, considering that I did not sit for the entire contest (lack of interest). But I can give a very educated input as to why the Cavs are in a 0-2 hole right now!

Final Score: 101-91 - Raptors.

The Cavaliers are obviously uncomfortable. Z is not used to coming off the bench, which is a minor disruption in the rotation. Anthony Parker is not prepared to play with LeBron and he lacks the defensive edge that Delonte West had. The Cavs clearly miss him.

There is no solid PG behind Mo Williams (and he seems uncomfortable without Delonte beside him), which means that Gibson is the only option off the bench. Tonight he had 12-points going 4-8 at the arc, which isn't bad at all. The bench added 26-points overall and that is excellent for the Cavs, but still they lost....??

The rotational problems will continue to be a hassle with the Cavs. There was no pre-season for this team, so their preseason is happening now. The flu and injuries caused the team to never have the early opportunity to play together, so now they must suffer in the regular season.

Mike Brown has no idea how to hide his flaws. He sucks as head coach. Yes you are a defense first coach, but on the offensive end he does not know a THING! The Cavaliers lost their Offensive Coach this summer to Detroit, which means Brown is left to coach alone. I say fire him now, and give a new coach time to figure out a real rotation.

It's all going to be tough, but they will pull it off. Last year the Club started of 1-2 and still went on to win 66 games.

STATS:

LeBron - 23-points 11-rebounds 12-assists.
Varejao - 0/5 FG - 2-Points
Shaq - 12-points 7-rebounds
Mo Will - 15-points
Team FG - Whopping 34%.

There is much room for improvement! Lets remain optimistic. "ONE GOAL."

Trouble Adjusting?

With all the new faces being vital pieces to the Cavaliers' rotation, they seemed, uncomfortable, out of rhythm and basically just LOST. Yes the Cavs lost the Season Opener at home to a fired up Boston Celtics team (95-89). Both are exceptional teams, but Boston played better.

At the beginning of the game, the Cavs jumped out the gate and hopped up to a quick 13-2 run. They kept the Celtic’s stars in check, but the bench was obviously the underlying difference.

It is way too apparent that Mike Brown is constantly out coached. He was lost as to how he should rotate “his” team.

As soon as Mike Brown started rotating everything slowed down, as well as the Cavaliers’ run. The Celtics began to spurt into a 14-7 run on the discombobulated team.

The worst performing, atrocious line-up was certainly: Daniel Gibson, Mo Williams, Jamario Moon, Andy Varejao and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. They looked as if it were a pre-season game. Then again, they had no pre-season to play together, since the flu and injuries ripped the team.

Without LeBron, Shaq and Parker on the floor the team is a -15. They missed 6-baskets in a row and the Celtics ran up into the Cavs Offense and Defense. This was where the game began to shift! I started to really think of how horrible the Cavs were playing on defense. Then and there my mind was made up: Boston steals game 1!

After seeing that the Cavs were slowing down on both the offensive and defensive ends, the Celtics took advantage and started keeping Shaq out the paint, which was something they had to do quick because he was dogging Perkins. He doubled up with 10-pts and 10-boards. Overall, I believe he was not very effective down the stretch. In the 2-nd half it was like, hey Shaq, do u REALLY consider yourself a missing link? Well...Playing like that I don't!

What’s very sad is the fact that there were too many minutes for key players. Andy with 33, LeBron with 45, Parker with 40 and Mo with 35. UNEXCEPTABLE.

The rotation got so disjointed because Shaq and Z were in at the same time. Z did an OK job off the bench, but most of his spark came at the end of the game. Inconsistency does not scream championship, I’m sorry. Z should be the main starter, because the Cavs only had trouble with him when they played LA and The Magic. Shaq needs to stay fresh for the postseason!

Oh and that JJ Hickson guy needs to re-injure himself if he’s only going to contribute fouls, it’s really sad and nothing to be proud of overall.

They obviously need to get their bench and defense in check. The bench was outscored as usual and Ray Allen was able to have a good game without Delonte West chasing him down. They really need to put West back in the rotation ASAP, especially if Gibson is going to play like that.

Upset. The Cavs are going to lose some games and take some time to get into rhythm with the new roles. No timetable is to be wasted at this point!

Mini Preveiw

The Eastern Conference is looking very powerful this year, since teams have made changes here and there to bolster their roster with different talents. Of course the Cavs are my favorite to win, but people tend to disagree after last years upsetting loss.

With all the changes that have been made in the East, I believe the end of the regular season will look like this:

1. Boston Celtics
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Orlando Magic
4. Washington Wizards
5. Atlanta Hawks
6. Chicago Bulls
7. Miami Heat
8. Toronto Raptors 8.

TUNE IN AND WATCH THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS. THE BOSTON CELTICS IN A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SEASON OPENER.

CAN THE GREEN PULL IT OFF WITH A NEW 3-POINT SHOOTING RASHEED WALLACE AND HEALTHY A KG?

OR

ARE THE CAVS GOING TO KEEP THE HOME RECORD SWEET AND HANDLE THE CELTICS, WITH A NEW STRIKING PARKER AND SHAQ?

THE CLUTCH STARTS NOW!!!

Quotes

It was such a long wait, but the season is right here. TOMORROW is the day that the Cavaliers open their '09-'10 season against the Boston Celtics - October 27, 2009!!!!!!

Everybody has different feelings at my school (The High School of Sports Management), so i decided to ask around!

Louis Pierre (Senior @ HSSM) - "They got bigger, more experience, inside presence and extended the 3-point line."

My Comment - Absolutely true, they should get pass the Orlando Magic now.

James Cooper (Junior @ HSSM) - "Of course they are going to make the playoffs, but Shaq will clog the paint and it will be hard for them to get pass the Celtics.

My Comment - I Disagree. Shaq and LeBron are both superstars and they will certainly find ways to work around their problems.

Boobacar Diallo (Senior @ HSSM) - "It's not going to work out with two bigs in the middle (Shaq - Z)"

My Comment - I disagree, Shaq and Z are not the only bigs and they are not the entire rotation, there is certainly other options.

John Aguilar (Junior @ HSSM) - "I think with Shaq on their team they can take it. Shaq is a beast."

My comment - Very true, but of course with a healthy Shaq.

Jahleel Fenelon (Junior @ HSSM) - "They need to take some pressure of LeBron during clutch moments (in the new season).

My comment - Very true, we saw a lot of that in the Cavs-Mag series last season.

Nijala Ealey (Sophomore @ HSSM) - "I want them to win, they need to make a good come back, since a lot of them got in trouble and sick"

My Comment - I agree, especially after last years disappointment.

Ms. Janu Williams (School Guidance Counselor) - "They completed the missing link(s)."

My Comment - It's that simple, they had no inside pieces, but now the puzzle should be completed.

Mr. Donohue (Sports Journalism Teacher @ HSSM) - "With a healthy KG (Kevin Garnett) then Boston is my favorite to win"

My Comment - I believe they will get far, but the Cavs are looking at the No. 1 Seed in the Eastern Conference.

Shantia Chavis (Junior @ HSSM & HUGE fan of Mo Williams) - "This year I believe the Cavs can take the championship ONLY if they play as a team and not let LeBron do everything."

My Comment - ....Couldn't have said it any better Mrs. Williams.

Franklin Mundle (Junior @ HSSM - Fellow Cavs Fan & Former Captain of the Junior Varsity Team) - Cleveland is going to win the Championship and unseat the Lakers."

My Comment - That's what we are hoping for!!!

Michael Smith (Junior @ HSSM - Fun Rival and Laker Fan) - "The Cavaliers season should be successful, but they may fall short in the playoffs AGAIN"

My Comment - Using the new additions properly, that should not happen.

Thank You Everyone That Contributed A Quote!

On a Personal Note

I never thought I would meet LeBron James - but Nike, Inc and Athletes For Charity gave me the opportunity to see him in person. As a result, to show my appreciation towards LeBron, Nike and Athletes for Charity, I entered the essay contest on the event and I won first place. The Prize was: $150 in Nike Product.

LeBron James “More Than a Game” Community Day

On Sunday September 20 2009, my school granted me an invitation to LeBron James “More Than a Game” Community Day at Basketball City (Pier 36). Being there was a dream come true for any true fan that admires LeBron “King” James. Without question, the event was well thought out and very successful. From live performances to the pick-up games, everything was a huge success and I was extremely thankful that I was able to attend this event for free. Seeing LeBron James made me very cheerful, considering that he is such an influential leader. His background makes his life and accomplishments all the more since he went through many early struggles in life. Not only is LeBron the best basketball player in the game, but he is also a business man, that will forever be a positive influence in my life and many other people globally.

Every part of the event was appealing but LeBron’s entrance on the stage was the culminating moment. As previously mentioned, it was a dream come true, since LeBron is my favorite basketball player and it was a personal goal for me to meet him face to face. What really made this my best part was my position standing front and center. When “King” James took, his seat it signified the most jovial moment in my memory. Furthermore, the modest and professional attitude of James made me enjoy the event more. The fact that LeBron’s friends indicated that success has not altered his personality demonstrated the qualities of a leader and true friend. Additionally, no part of the event disappointed me, the two-hour wait for LeBron turned out to be worth it. I never thought I would ever get that close to LeBron; as a result, I was very blissful.

LeBron James is a very advanced and perceptive basketball player, but that is not the only exceptional part of him. His life is “More Than a Game” of basketball. The aforementioned excerpt means that LeBron playing basketball at a high level is not the only part of his life. His struggles and everyday problems before fame were also included. “King” James’ life went beyond being a dominant player he saw conflicts just as any other person would. My best prediction is the movie, “More Than a Game,” will give the world a perfect understanding of LeBron’s life behind the basketball court and we can see why it is not only a game.

Ever since the “More Than a Game” event, I have decided what I want for the future and I am very thankful. The day was well planned and I was left with an abundance of joy, since I had the opportunity to meet my idol and the NBA’s MVP. In the future, I will remember this event forever; it was the best moments of my life and the best event that I have ever been to. Thankfully “we are all witnesses,” to the achievements of LeBron “King” James.

Any Reason to be Nervous?

As I lay it down the Cavs are an offensive threat, especially compared to last year but it just goes both ways, and I think their defense is weaker, considering that Shaq in the line up as well. O'Neal is one of the worst pick and roll defenders in the NBA, which was already a problem for Cleveland.

What is bugging me the most is the fact that the Cavs host the Celtics this Tuesday, Oct 27. They lost their preseason game to Boston Wednesday October 21st.

The Celtics did not play all their stars. There is no reason why the Cavs trailed by as much as 21-pts in the 3rd quarter. Although I cannot draw conclusions because the team is experiencing health issues, I must say I am a bit nervous.

With possibly two new starters and Moon in the main rotation, the Cavs have a lot of adjusting to do.

I'm rooting for the Cavs; however, everything takes time.

3-MORE DAYS UNTIL TIP OFF!!

ONE GOAL

Is Everything Really Upgraded?

The main things that the Cavaliers were looking for during this off season was depth in their bench and taller players.

They did an admirable job at meeting these requirements; however, I just don't think everything is perfect as yet.

Compared to last year, the Cavs' offense has improved. It has become a repetitive statement that, "Defense wins Championships" and the Cavaliers' Shooting Guards are the perfect examples.

The position is up for grabs between Anthony Parker(6"6) and Delonte West (6"3).

Anthony Parker MIGHT be the best option offensively but defensively, I see a slice of Swiss cheese: GOOD, but some holes here and there.

Parker is a really good player and was a starter before he came to Cleveland. Delonte West has been dealing with personal problems and his spot might be in jeopardy. West is an outstanding interior defender and his small size allows him to keep up with quick guards like Rajon Rondo. He also has very quick hands and arguably, one of the best defenders in the NBA.

On the other hand, Parker does not have that title. He lacks the aggressiveness that Delonte uses to throw other Shooting Guards around and the quick speed that allowed West to average 1.5 steals per game.

Any day I will use Delonte West to guard a very quick PG, and without a doubt, Mike Brown will always put West on the better point guards.

Size does matter, but it isn't all that counts. Little Delonte West is a perfect example of big things coming in small packages. He might be small but he is a better defender and an amazing team hustler. If it's not LeBron running for the loose ball, it's obviously D-West.

Last year in the post season he was obviously the Cavalier's 2-nd option after LeBron. Both played over 80-minutes per game combined.

Even Mo Williams isn't quick enough to get into the lane, which explains why LeBron is usually the one guarding the exceptional Point Guards.

Unless Cleveland can find a shooting guard that is Anthony Paker's, height, but has Delonte's incredible speed and defense, then they did not really upgrade overall on the Shooting Guard position.

I've heard it too many times, "Defense wins championships" thus making Delonte the best starting material at the 2-position.

Let's Focus on the Center

At such an old age, Ilgauskas' aging limbs are starting to catch up with him.

Ilgauskas is 34, and he is considering retirement after spending his entire 11-year career with the Cavs.

Of course the Cavs are prepared for an additional deep run in the playoffs; however, huge concerns loom past this year.

Shaq has one year left in his NBA contract and most importantly, LeBron is in the final year of his contract. I predict that he will opt for free agency, especially if my Cavs do not win the Championship this year. It’s a good chance that Shaq would leave to.

This season will bring new experiences for Big Z. For the first time in his career he will be coming off the bench.

Big Z has not legitimately decided on his future, but he's closely looking at the options. I say stay! He will slow down the defense, but on offense it’s a nightmare, since he is a 3-point shooting center.

It all began here, it is best that Z finishes hear. Although he did not do a great job against Dwight Howard in the playoffs last year, Z still has some gas in his tank. And now that he has Shaq as a teammate, he is even more deadly.

FINISH YOUR CONTRACT BIG Z, WE NEED YOU!

Do We Go Big or Small?

The Cleveland Cavs have appeared to be the NBA's most versatile team. Besides them having many big-men and athletic forwards, they also have an outstanding amount of shooters including LeBron.

Now that they are the best PROJECTED team in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers are probably the NBA's most versatile as well.

LeBron – PG
Danny Green – SG
Jamario Moon – SF
Ilgauskas – PF
Shaq – C

That equals the incredible heights of, 6'8" - 6'6" - 6'8" - 7'3" - 7-1." That's enormous.

People believe that Z and Shaq at the same time would slow down the defense and if you want to argue that, then fine I'll agree. But what if instead we added 6'11" Varejao for Z?

It’s funny to me, and I really would love to see teams struggle as they try to match-up with that, also defensively, that group would be very acceptable.

Aside from that, the Cavs could still produce a rotation of players that would be able to get up and down with ANYBODY in the league.

Mo Williams – PG
Delonte – SG
Jamario Moon – SF
LBJ – PF
Varejao – C

The key to this line-up, of course, is Mr. 23 at Power Forward. Remember game five of the Eastern Conference Finals? LeBron annihilated Petrius and he was basically unstoppable at the low post area.

CONSIDER

LeBron – PG
Anthony Parker – SG
Moon - SF
Shaq – PF
Varejao – C

The match-ups are incredible mismatches.

Other teams… I’m sorry, but add a loss to your statistics, once you enter the "Q" this season.

• Projected Record: 60-22

• ONE WEEK UNTIL TIP-OFF !!

Follow Up. . .On FLU - Team

LeBron James surprised everyone Friday October, 16 2009 as he played with the flu and scored 22-pts in 19 minutes. This was his come back to the starting 5; shockingly, the Spurs beat the Cavaliers (105-98).

LeBron played pretty well and went 7 of 14 from the field and he also caught 6-boards. As I said in my previous article, he and two teammates tested positive for Influenza A, which held him out of the Cavs’ preseason game against the Washington Wizards

Moreover, Tony Parker had 22-points to lead the Spurs. Who cares, come regular season time, I do not project the same results. The Cavs will dominate and hopefully improve the 66-16 mark from last year.

Mo Williams had 15-points and had 6-assists for the Cavs, while Shaq made just 3 of 11 FG and he finished with 8-pts and 13-rebounds.

Jamario Moon scored 12-pts and Russell Robinson had 11 for the Cavs.

Lebron has said he believes he may have gotten the flu from the shot he and his teammates got recently to fight the virus. The Cavs treated LeBron, Darnell Jackson and Coby Karl as if they had the H1N1 virus.

In Conclusion:

Delonte West, who has spent time away from the club this month while dealing with personal and legal issues (gun charges), was with the team but didn’t play. I guess he is waiting for general manager Danny Ferry decide when Delonte is ready to return.

D-West, is being treated for his bipolar disorder and has awaiting misdemeanor weapons charges after he was arrested in Maryland carrying three loaded guns. Let’s hope that all is well with D-West and the rest of the team, because OCT 27, 2009 – is right next week!!!!!!

Vaccine Much?

All year there has been a lot of buzz about the Cleveland Cavaliers; however, most of it was positive and perhaps beneficial to the Cavaliers and their Coach.

The most shocking and NEGATIVE news that has been released is the N1H1 or Swine Flu. Readers, you are probably wondering, why is Desmond speaking about the bug and the Cavs.

Well... three Cavaliers including LeBron James have tested positive for the Flu. Many people love to just add swine to things, even if it is the regular flu but LeBron has allegedly admitted to having the Flu, which kept him out of the Cavaliers preseason game; against rivals, Washington Wizards. The Cavs lost by 4-points in this contest.

What makes the scenario worst is that the other teammates are showing flu like symptoms. If the entire team is infected, their would not be any Cavs, and that would be very unpleasant to everyone, RIGHT?

This flu thing needs to go away like now. It has been a disruption in the Cavs training camp. No time is this valuable, when the season begins on Oct 27, 2009. It is best the team gets the best possible treatment, so that they are prepared for their season opener against the Boston Celtics.

The Cavaliers have a game Friday October, 16 at San Antonio, LeBron James, Darnell Jackson and Coby Karl WILL PROBABLY NOT PLAY!

What's Been Happening?

The Cleveland Cavaliers won 66-games last season; but as we know the Magic shockingly beat them in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Happily, ever since the playoffs the Cavs have spent they entire summer bolstering a roster that already had some talent. Talk about off-season, no rest for the Cavs.

Anywho, as I said before the Cavs won 66-games before. Yeah that's great, best record in the NBA. However; that was before: center Shaquille O’Neal, guard Anthony Parker, forward Jamario Moon and forward Leon Powe. Talk about improving the improved! Go Cavs.

Now all the off-season moves strengthens an already strong team. The Celtics and Cavs, open the season on Oct. 27 2009, (@ the Q). Boston should be very worried.

Consider that the Cavs gave up Sasha Pavlovic, Ben Wallace, Tarence Kinsey, Lorenzen Wright and still possibly Wally Szczerbiak in order to upgrade the roster. They lost nothing from those sad players, and gained a lot in return.

By getting O’Neal, Zydrunas (who I believe would be a starter for many of the NBA’s teams) is coming off the bench. Know what that means? The team's second unit is already powerful.

Now lets add Parker, Moon and eventually Powe after he recovers from a torn ACL near the All-Star break, to the bench and the Cavs’ roster has taken major strides to improve. As I said before, they gave up NOTHING.

Who said the Cavaliers were done? They still have rights to forwards Joe Smith and Rob Kurz. Not the best players, but they can become great second unit players, or should I say helpers?

Well reports on Saturday indicated that Atlanta Hawks were close to signing Smith for the veteran’s minimum. (Blah! They can have him. He wouldn't make a big difference in this team).

The Cavs eliminated the Hawks in the second round of the playoffs this past year in a sweep. Very easily.

It's very sad for Smith, since he picked the Hawks over Cleveland, with the same deal. Maybe he doesn't like the playoffs very much.

Anyway Kurz is a 6-9 forward, who can hit long-range shots. He averaged 3.9 points per game last season, I've never saw him play, but people say he can shoot 3-pointers very good. A need for the Cavs.

Besides Cleveland is running out for money, so Kurz is a good bargain.

O’Neal’s hefty contract, did not effect with the signing of Parker, Moon and Powe. They still got the job done, without breaking the luxury tax. Smart management for the Cavs.

Parker signed a two-year deal worth approximately $6 million.

Moon signed a two-year deal worth approximately $6 million.

The injury filled forward Powe, signed a two-year deal worth $1.77 million. Not bad at all.

As for Kurz or another player who knows. I know that know timetable is imminent!