The Cavaliers are finishing up a horrendous pre-season where not only did they lose, they were trounced in every contest. The pre-season doesn't count, but I do think that it matters some. At least from a confidence standpoint and from the perspective that teams get to see what kind of depth they have. For the boys from C-Town, both of those aspects look bleak.
Let's take a look at how the Cavaliers followed up their first ever trip to the NBA Finals after beating the loathed Detroit Pistons in six games on the strength of a transcendent performance by one LeBron James.
- Several failed attempts to acquire Mike Bibby got every one's hopes up and dashed them just as quickly. Whether it was a case of GM Danny Ferry not wanting to part with big man Drew Gooden or young guards Daniel Gibson and Shannon Brown, or if it was a simple salary numbers game doesn't matter anymore. The deals did not go through and now, with Bibby missing 6-8 weeks, the chances of acquiring him before February's trade deadline (if at all) look dismal.
- Along with Bibby would have come Euroballer Luis Scola. Scola is widely regarded as the best European big to come to The Association in some time. Again, something prevented that deal from getting done and Scola looks poised to entrench himself as the Houston Rockets starting PF.
- LeBron was dazzling to say the least in the FIBA Americas tournament as the USA qualified (easily) for an Olympic birth. LeBron appears to have at least developed some confidence in his jump shot and appears to be going up straighter and releasing more consistently. This could be what he needed to be even more reliable than he ever has.
- Ferry made attempts to move into the first round on the eve of the NBA Draft but did not do so and sighted there not being a player there that merited making a deal to do so.
- A lot of time and rumors passed and Danny was able to steal Devin Brown off of the FA market for a one year deal. If Brown can bring some toughness and a little scoring in addition to hustle and getting "garbage" points, the pickup will be well worth it. On 82games.com, his stats as a PG are encouraging although I'm not real sure that that is the most effective use of Devin Brown.
- It looks like the Cavs might have some interest in guard Earl Boykins, a local boy, and veteran forward Juwan howard. Both would be solid additions and help buoy the potential losses of Anderson Varejao (who has clearly lost his mind) and Sasha Pavlovic. Although I am not certain I want to see a second unit of Devin Brown, Donyell Marshall, Eric Snow, Earl Boykins, and Dwayne Jones on the floor together very much.
- Dwayne Jones, a big man and noted rebounder with some shotblocking ability appears to be progressing nicely. He should be able to stick on the roster through the camp cuts and be a solid contributor for Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
Now, It will be interesting to see whether or not the simple factor of continuity and the additions, both real and potential, will be enough to return the Cavs to the Eastern Conference Finals or further. Cleveland opens up their season on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks who should be hungry after a disappointing and historic first round ousting by the Golden State Warriors. The early schedule looks rough but one thing is for certain, LeBron will simply not let this team get too far behind the eight ball too quickly.
I will be doing a running live diary of the game which will be posted shortly after it's conclusion. Until then, Rise Up and get ready to greet your reigning Eastern Conference Champion Cleveland Cavaliers.
All for one, and one for all, I am The Donnage.
Peace, Love, Hoops.
