Report: Stephen Jackson Wants Trade to Contender

The Warriors aren’t going anywhere, so this isn’t surprising.  I think the Cavaliers would be the best fit for him.  I have a trade idea that I think would get the deal done.  The Warriors would trade Stephen Jackson and would receive Delonte West, J.J. Hickson, and Darnell Jackson.

ESPN: Golden State Warriors forward Stephen Jackson says he has requested a trade and prefers to be dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers or any of the NBA’s three teams in Texas.

Jackson’s wishes are rooted in a desire to play for a team that consistently makes the postseason, he says, something the Warriors have done only once in the past 15 seasons.

“At this point, I’m 31 years old. I have four or five years left,” Jackson told Dime Magazine on Friday. “I want to be in a situation where I can continually be in the playoffs and get another ring. So that’s where my mind is at now.”

Jackson, speaking to the magazine in New York during a promotional event for a shoe line, said the status of his demand is pending.

“It’s not about a decision I made,” he told Dime Magazine. “It’s just things are in the air right now. I really can’t get too much into it right now.”

When prompted with a question from the event’s host about the Warriors’ playoff chances, Jackson, who was attending the event with former teammate Al Harrington, told the crowd: “I don’t think I’ll be a Warrior next year. I’m looking to leave.”

I’m No Punk I Just Want To Be Paid

Coming off something of a disappointing season and the losing of a series in the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA . One can well understand the urgency of Danny Ferry as GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers . Ferry knows that in order for the franchise to remain relevant and to be still in the good graces of their superstar , LeBron James . The GM will have to surround the player with talent that’s commensurate to James’ liking and his talent.

LeBron James (left) and Shaquille O'Neal seen here prior to the 2006 NBA All Star Game . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ L . Otero ............

Now , while many might question the team’s acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns via a blockbuster trade, as seemingly is the custom concerning O’Neal. As of late the only thing that one can associate with O’Neal and his game . May well be the fact that he’s still somewhat quicker on his feet than that of former star of the ” The Golden Girls ” , Betty White . Agility and guile are no longer a part of Shaq’s repertoire. But Ferry’s presence of mind may well have been , that in order to keep his erstwhile star happy, he had to do something extravagant. O’Neal’s game though with flashes of brilliance still, as he deems fit to use it. It’s a long way off from what it once was. In Phoenix , he was ill-suited to the team’s up tempo style. And seeing him lumbering up and down the US Airways Arena like a pregnant pachyderm wasn’t at all how one likes to remember the once dominant superstar.

In the midst of this all we now have to remember that James is in the final year of his contract. And with the gluttony of elite free agents due in 2010 . It’s understandable that the player is hedging his bets at present. He’s stated that it is his wish to remain a Cavaliers’ player at present. But it wasn’t so long ago , he was stating that he could see himself spending his entire career with the franchise. That may well have been pleasing to ear of the franchise’s owner, Dan Gilbert . Bearing in mind, that Gilbert got a large cash infusion by selling a minority stake in the franchise, to a prominent Chinese businessman. And he no doubt views having James within the fold , will make the franchise much more of marketing tool for the Far Eastern market. And at the same time raise both theirs and that of James’ visibility, there also in that particular market.

James (center) seen here with Rich Paul (left) and and former high school teammate Brandon Weems (right) at an event for the launch of the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes , held at the Ed Davis Community Center in Akron , Ohio . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Jason Miller ................

Clearly this’ll be a make or break year , for not only James but also for O’Neal and the Cavaliers’ franchise. And if they’re to have any semblance of success. Then it’ll not only James and O’Neall but also the rest of the team to makes themselves all the more prominant in that success on the field of play. The nucleus of the team will be built around James , Mo Williams , Zydrunas Ilgauskas , Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson. But much of that’ll also be predicated upon the benchwarmers also contributing to the productivity of the team as well.

And for coach Mike Brown , he too can ill afford to have this team underachieve this season. Anything short of an appearance in the Confernce Finals . And more likely than not , he’ll be out of his position as coach of the Cavaliers. The situation for the franchise is as grave as that !

Source Yahoo Sports in conjunction with AP :

LeBron says he wants to keep his options open

By Tom Withers AP Sports Writer

AKRON, Ohio-(AP) LeBron James is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers until after the 2009-10 season, when he can become a free agent.

At an event to unveil his latest signature sneaker for Nike , James , who has given no indication as he plans to leave the Cavs, made his strongest comment yet about to his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a contract in 2006 with an option so he could have more flexibility once it expires . cont’d …………….

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In no uncertain terms, anything less than appearance in either the conference or NBA Finals. And a win of the latter and the probability will be that James will depart from the franchise , where he’s made it his home for the last six years. And as much as it might anguish the Cavaliers’ fans. The player has done as much as he possibly can, given the resources made available to him. That being said when one considers that this time around he’ll have O’Neal in his corner. If he should fall short of what had been previously accomplished by both Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade , with Shaq as a partner . Then the daggers may well come out and questions’ll be asked if James is now merely cashing it all in , merely for the riches from a franchise willing to shell out a king’s ransom for his services.

Global icon or not at the end of the day if it ain’t about the success. Then it’s got to be about those lovely bones !

It’s The NBA Cheerleaders! Guys You Just Gotta Love This Game!

It’s never a dull thing to see the cheerleaders of the franchises entertain the voiciferous fans of the NBA. In large part, besides the game itself, that may well be one of the primary reason why more than 60% of the males attend a game. Other than for the alcoholic beverages and the camaraderie of the male bonding that no doubt takes place. But then I digress, as it’d be totally impudent to think that’s the only thing on our mind when we attend a game ? We’re there to show our rabid support for our favorite NBA team, or for the band-wagon jumpers amongst us , our favorite teams.

' Come on and shake it , come on shake it like a Polaroid picture ! The Los Angeles Lakers Cheerleaders . Need one say anymore ?

I’m not saying that I’m an astute scout of the female form and talent. But I know what I like when I see it. And let’s just leave it at that. Those of you with a differing opinion , feel free to participate in the discussion. However, do remember to leave the smut at the door , as this still remains a public domain.

That's it girls keep those pointed assets upfront. You we like 'em ! The Boston Celtics Cheerleaders at the TD Banknorth Garden Center in Boston, Mass,.

And off-course I know that we all have our favorites when it comes to the cheerleading teams. Those on the West Coast’ll no doubt favor the teams out west. Whereas those in the East may well show that East coast bias. Be that as it may, you’ve gotta’ love these girls ! Hey Bruno , we don’t need your type here ! LOL, LOL, LOL !!!

Well these young ladies from the 76ers' cheerleading squad certainly know their stuff. They've got the balls . Now let's see how far they're prepared to travel ?

Need I remind you that these are but my humble offerings to you all. You’re quite welcome to make your own suggestions in this instance. As they’re always welcomed.

Los Angeles Clippers Cheerleaders. Afterall they're the Clippers. And at least they did something right . You've got to give credit where it's due haven't you ?

Before , during the intervals at half-time and post-game , these are the girls that the organizations rely upon to provide us all with the majority of the entertainment. Nevermind the fact that they also work within their various communities providing assistance in a number of beneficial ways , socially and charitably.

When Nets' CEO Bruce Ratner moves the team to Brooklyn. I suppose the Nets' name may well be vanquished . But then again if Jay-Z has anything to do with it , they'll still be known as the Nets in form or another. The cheerleaders of the New Jersey Nets.

Now there those amongst who may well feel that this isn’t necessary and it has nothing at all to do with the game of basketball. But less we forget the business of sports is primarily about entertainment. And anything that’s gleaned from it financially is merely a bye-product of that success.

Well unashamedly proud as I am. I share the delight in bringing you the dancers of the San Antonio Spurs' cheerleading and dance squad.

As an avid and unabashed supporter of the San Antonio Spurs , I can’t go without showing you their cheerleaders. It’s not as if they aren’t glamorous enough to look at. But then again that’s the bias now coming out in me.

Well now that owner Dan Gilbert and GM Danny Ferry have seen fit to acquire 'The Big Aristotle' and then to sell a 25% equity stake in the team and Quicken Loans Arena to a Chinese entrepreneur. One has to wonder if members of the Cavaliers' cheerleading squad will begin to learn Mandarin ? It could very well help should the 'bottom' fall out for the Cavaliers this upcoming seasn

And what of the only professional NBA team in the state of Ohio , the Cleveland Cavaliers , I hear you ask ? Well as long as they’ve got LeBron James , that team will somehow still remain relevant. And now with the Shaquille O’Neal now in the mix, there. The expectations for the organization and the team is undoubtedly high. And I’d dare say that the team’s new-found Chinese investors are expecting an immediate return of dividends for that somewhat large investment. Team owner Dan Gilbert , may not have sold his soul to the Devil. But the feeling is, he might as well have.

Considered to be amongst the very best of the dance troupes in the NBA . The Miami Heat dancers take it to a level all of their own, and then some !

Within the state of Florida , where I reside . We have two professional NBA franchises, with two very distinct identities. But only of these two teams, only one can lay claim that they’ve been a champion. The Miami Heat are that team. Whereas, the Orlando Magic came close, but it was most certainly nowhere near close enough.

The Orlando Magic dancers performing at their home-court venue, the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.

For the Magic , though the season for them could be deemed a magical one . The fact that the disappointment of losing in the NBA Finals (2009) to the Los Angeles Lakers was deemed a tremendous blow for the organization and their very rabid fans.

So guys, as I close out this post. I hope that at least you’ve found it to be enjoyable , somewhat informative and refreshing. If not then I can only conclude that you live a very hum-drum life, without any real excitement within it. But then again, I’d like to think that my assumption is wrong. Hit me up with a comment concerning the piece. I’ll looking forward to reading them all with a great deal of intent. Thanks, as always !

Lamar Odom or Carlos Boozer To The Miami Heat? Sorry, I Can’t Dignify That With An Answer

So the free agency period is here and a number of teams around the league have begun to retool their rosters for next year. Now as much as it pains me to say this. The Miami Heat are doing little to persuade their All Star guard Dwyane Wade , that they mean business in strengthening their roster.

Lamar Odom (left) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Carlos Boozer (right)of the Utah Jazz. Both players are said to be targets of the Miami Heat. There's a remote possibility that both players could be signed to complelment Dwyane Wade, the Heat's All Star guard. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Alastair Walsh ..........

Now far be it for me to suggest that the two players they’re said to be assessing with a view to signing are not worthy of playing alongside Wade. But in Carlos Boozer and Lamar Odom , you’re basically getting two players who consistently tend to underperform, given their undoubted talents.

But in all reality there’s no way that in viewing the addition of either Boozer or Odom, would one assess that the Heat would become a legitimate contender within the Eastern Conference of NBA . Not with the splash made by the Boston Celtics in signing Rasheed Wallace . Which in effect places them right back on top as the prohibitive favorite within the conference. Whilst the Cleveland Cavaliers believe that their fate may well lie in the fact , that in acquiring Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns , they can redeem themselves after their loss in the conference finals.

And whilst Wade is under no immediate pressure in signing a contract. He’s stated that he’d like to see the team improve the roster greatly, in order to become and remain more competitive.

Dwyane Wade seen here in a postseason playoff game against the Atlanta Hawks . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images / Isaac Baldizon ..........................

Speculation is now rife that either of the two players will be making South Florida their home. And for the Utah Jazz’s Carlos Boozer , he’s made it known that he expects the team to make a sign and trade deal that’d create such a move.And with the state’s other NBA team , in the Orlando Magic aqcuiring Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets , the matching of the offer made to backup center Marcin Gortat. It can be said Miami team President Pat Riley is under due pressure to appease Wade and prove to him that he wants the player to remain and challenge for postseason honors.

The fans in Miami remain resolute in the fact that they’d like see Wade remain in a Heat uniform. And if anything play his entire career with the team. But as of now that may well be asking too much. Obviously with the unrelenting state of the economy , a number of teams around the league have trimmed their payroll and looked to get the best players available within what they deem to be fair market value . However, in the case of Wade how do you assess a player of his stature ? Much less players such as Carlos Boozer or Lamar Odom. Granted , Odom had a wonderful postseason in assisting the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA title. Buth theirs was one of a concerted team effort , wherein Kobe Bryant willed and led the team with great aplomb to the series win and title. His teammates merely followed the example, with which he led.

The intricacies of the game as it now stands. It’s not now just about the talent on the floor. But even more so about the financial wizardry of the front executives and what they believe to be feasible and in the best interests of a franchise in order to attain success. Such are the vagaries of today’s game , that an executive is almost as important , if not more so than a player on the floor.

Yahoo ! Sports :

Heat targeting both Boozer and Odom

By Adrian Wojarnowski Yahoo Sports

LAS VEGAS- Pat Riley has listened to Dwyane Wade express his unease with the Miami Heat sitting out the Eastern Conference arms race this summer. As the Boston Celtics , Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic elevated themselves as championship contenders, the Heat president sold his superstar on patience, promising to surround him with talent for the long run.

Now the Heat are working furiously to deliver Lamar Odom and Carlos Boozer to the shores of Biscayne Bay. The Heat are trying to sell Odom on a five-year $34 million contract, at the mid-level exception, and a league executive with knowledge of the talks says Miami has also hatched a three-way proposal with the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies to secure Boozer.

The essentials of a possible deal would include Miami sending forward Udonis Haslem and Dorrell Wright to Utah. Because Memphis under the cap, Utah could move Wright’s $2.8million salary to the Grizzlies and save itself approximately $5.6million with salary and luxury-tax payments. Memphis could probably get cash and picks for its trouble. The Heat would have to then send one more small contract to make the math and salary exchange work.

Miami would pay Boozer his $12.7million salary this season and own his Bird rights to sign him to an extension next summer.

The deal isn’t considered imminent, but the Jazz are working hard to find a suitable trade forn Boozer. Utah is determined to match the Portland Trailblazers’ $32million offer sheet for restricted free agent Paul Milsap . Utah has until the end of the week to match or lose the young power forward to the Blazers. Most league executives believe they’ll match the offer , regardless whether they’ve moved Boozer.

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Financial expediency has to be the norm , given the state of play. And one has to consider that the NBA for all of its profound success in the marketing of its produt as a global brand. Even they now realize that budgetary belts need to be tightened. The franchises themselves can’t ever envisaged that this economic crisis would take such a toll on their patron, the fans. So much whatever gesture in terms of an altruistic nature may well be the only way that they can keep those interested in supporting their teams.

The Dumbing Down Of A Franchise ……

The Detroit Pistons as a franchise team were the envy of a number of teams around the NBA. Their remarkable stretch of consistency over the past six years spoke for itself. And in their esteemed GM Joe Dumars they perhaps have one of the best young general managers in the entire NBA.

Pistons’ GM and Head Of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Ian McIntosh ………

And granted the Darko Milicic experiment went about as successfully as having one’s tooth pulled without the assist of having anasthesia in order to abate the pain. But herein lies a fact from 2002-08 they won 6 divisional titles, 2 conference titles, and to cap it all their third NBA championship title in 2004. There they defeated the league’s poster child in terms ostentatious success, the Los Angeles Lakers. Defeating the storied franchise 4-1 in the best of the seven games series finals . Less we forget the Phil Jackson coached team was ladened with stars and future Hall of Famers in the guise of Gary Payton, Karl Malone, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Byant.

An angst ridden Allen Iverson looks up at the scoreboard after a Pistons’ loss at the Palace of Auburn Hills. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Michael Russo ………

However, this past season we saw the upheaval that can be brought when a monumental mistake can be made from a disasterous decision. Dumars thought it best to trade away his erstwhile point guard Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for former NBA scoring champion Allen Iverson.And whilst no one would doubt the heart of Iverson. It has to be be said that this isn’t the same player who captivated the hearts of many from his heydays with the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson , nowadays is more a viable candidate as a triage patient than he would be on the roster of an NBA franchise. At this juncture one would have to question the resolve of Dumars and what he might’ve been thinking at the time.

Former Mavericks’ coach Avery Johnson. He was widely considered to be the front-runner for the vacant Pistons’ head coaching position. picture appears courtesy of espn.com/nba/ Tim Arthur ………….

Now after a lackluster season where they underperformed greatly , posting a (39-43) record , barely squeaking into the playoffs. The franchise is without a coach. As Dumars fired Michael Curry, who many felt was unable to communicate with the players on the Pistons’ roster. It almost certainly didn’t help that Iverson barely played in any games , constantly befelled by recurring injuries. And to top it all when the player was told that he would benched for the remainder of the regular season. It could be viewed that the writing was on the wall . Not only for Iverson , but also for the fate awaiting Curry, himself.

Austin Daye taken in the first round by the Detroit Pistons. Daye is seen here on stage at the Wamu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY,. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Ivan Kusmanov ..........

Iverson for his part wasn’t at all happy with the situation , as he voiced his disapproval and discontent. But adding insult to injury was the way with the Pistons were cast aside by the LeBron James’ led Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. That series if anything was indicative of how woefully inept this Pistons’ team had become. And it may well have been the watershed moment for Dumars. He’ll now to have to disassemble the roster and try to find the integral pieces that will once again make the Pistons a perennial contender.

Curry now formerly of the Detroit Pistons seen here coaching the team in a regular season game against the Charlotte Bobcats. picture appears courtesy of the charlotteobserver.com/sports/

In the midst of this all Dumars still has to fill the vacancy as to the Pistons’ coaching position. The person thought to to be most likely candidate was former Dallas Mavericks’ coach Avery Johnson . But as may well have been the custom the two were either not of the same mindset . Or merely from the fact that a renumeration package couldn’t be reached. The interview process obviously didn’t go all that well. Either way it leaves Dumars with the unenviable task of trying to lure a top line coach to take over the vacant position.

Chauncey Billiups (1) seen here with then teammate Richard Hamilton during a regular season game for the Detroit Pistons. picture appears courtesy of guardian.uk.co/sports/basketball/ Tony Stephenson …………

And the second candidate on Dumars’ wish list is said to to be Cavaliers’ assistant coach John Kuester. There’s also talk that the Boston Celtics’ assistant Tom Thibodeau could also be in the mix for the vacant position. Thibodeau is the primary architect of the Celtics’ much vaulted defense. At this juncture however , it can only be viewed as mere speculation.

Whatever the future may well now hold for the Detroit Pistons. It has to be said that insult was most definitely added to injury with regard to two particular maneuvers made by Joe Dumars. The first was taking Darko Milic and making him a first round draft pick. When in his stead he could have chosen Carmelo Anthony. And quite obviously the other was the trading away of Billups to the Nuggets in exchange for Iverson. While we can all agree that Dumars was the primary architect behind the franchise’s resurgence and the capturing of an NBA title . It has to be said that he’s also been behind the dumbing down of the franchise.

Former Pistons’ first round draft pick Darko Milicic seen here in a rare moment when he was actually in a Pistons’ uniform and playing well ? picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Craig McIntyre ………..

In part much of this may well have been from the fact like everyone else around him. Dumars felt it was good to try and keep up with the Joneses. But the failures have manifested themselves in such a way. That it is very hard to view the direction that the franchise now must take. Albeit that the teams now in the Eastern Conference such as the Orlando Magic, Cavaliers and Boston Celtics have gotten better . As the Pistons have regressed and entrenched themselves in mediocrity.

As a fan of the NBA , I would hope to see the franchise rise again. As its history has proven what it is capable doing. Teams such as the Pistons with their renowned history sometimes have to be beset by real adversity if they’re to learn from their mistakes. Let’s just hope that stubborn pride won’t stand in the way of Dumars as he seeks to rebuild the franchise once again.

Offseason Report: The Remaining Free Agents

The 2009 Offseason has started to heat up with the contract agreements of Ron Artest with the Lakers, Hedo Turkoglu with the Raptors, and Trevor Ariza with the Rockets, and Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva with the Pistons, but there are still many top-level free agents available that could mean the difference between a championship and disappointing June for many teams.  For example, the Lakers are no guarantee to repeat if they aren’t able to re-sign Lamar Odom, and the Celtics will be low on big men and wins if they can’t sign Glen Davis or Rasheed Wallace.

Among the biggest names still available are Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Paul Millsap, Jason Kidd, and Mike Bibby, though it is reported that Bibby with reach an agreement to return to the Hawks soon.  Jason Kidd has recieved interest from the New York Knicks and his team last season, the Dallas Mavericks.  Most likely he will reach a deal soon, or go to the Lakers or Cavaliers for the veteran minimum for a chance to win a ring.  After a disastrous 08-09 season, Allen Iverson is looking for a team that will take him.  Last season, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, the team instantly got worse and barely made the playoffs while the Nuggets instantly got better and become championship contenders.  Iverson has been reported to be interested in the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats, two lottery teams that aren’t anywhere close to championship contention.

Most likely, Lamar Odom, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, Ramon Sessions, Andre Miller, and Glen Davis will re-sign with their teams, but free agents such as Shawn Marion, Anderson Varejao, Leon Powe, Nate Robinson, David Lee, and Rasheed Wallace are looking for a new home.  Wallace has received a ton of interest from the Boston Celtics and their Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, while also getting calls from the Orlando Magic.  The Celtics have already said that they will not be re-signing Leon Powe because he is injured, so expect him to sign with a team part-way through the season once he is healthy.  Glen Davis on the other hand, did excellent for the Celtics in the postseason in place of the injured Garnett and will be demanding the mid-level exception from teams.

Sources: Shaq Traded to Cavs for Wallace, Pavlovic

This deal will surely help the Cleveland Cavaliers since they get a big man who isn’t a jumpshooter (Ilgauskas) or someone with no offensive game (Wallace and Varejao).  As long as Shaq doesn’t clog the lane and slow down LeBron, this should really help the Cavs.

ESPN: The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns have come to an agreement on a blockbuster trade that sends Shaquille O’Neal to Cleveland to team with LeBron James, according to league sources.

The deal has been agreed to in principle and is expected to be finalized Thursday according to sources.

Cleveland will send Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for the future Hall of Famer.

The trade gives the Cavs a player they’ve coveted since February. With center Zydrunas Ilgauskas starting to break down, adding Shaq to the roster gives them a dominant force in the middle. The Cavs were obviously unhappy with their ability to defend Dwight Howard in the playoffs and bringing Shaq into the fold should help.

For the Suns, the move is a straight salary dump. Pavlovic’s $5 million dollar contract next season is only partially guaranteed for the amount of $1.5 million. Factor in the disparities in the contracts between Wallace, Pavlovic and Shaq and the team will save $4.5 milliion next season. However, when you factor in the savings they’ll reap on the luxury tax, it will be closer to $10 million in savings. That savings can be amplified if Wallace decides to retire and the Suns buy him out of his contract for less than the $14 million he’s owed next season.

The trade is a pretty strong admission by the Suns that they screwed up when they traded Shawn Marion for Shaq in February of 2007. Marion was a free agent this summer and, had they let him walk, their savings would’ve been $21 million not the $5.5 million they’re saving in this deal.

When the Suns made the trade they had the best record in the Western Conference. This year they finished in the lottery. With Shaq gone, the question is … are the Suns finally rebuilding?

Sources say that the team would still like to compete. They still have veterans Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa. They also have the 14th pick in the draft this year and second year player Robin Lopez.

Chris Broussard is a senior writer at ESPN The Magazine. NBA reporter Chad Ford contributed to this report.

Offseason Report: Cleveland Cavaliers

Offseason Report

The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in 6 games in the Eastern Conference Finals after recording the best regular season record at 66-16, as well as having an 8-0 playoff record up until that round.  The Magic were able to beat them with their huge advantage in the frontcourt.  LeBron James is the only frontcourt player on the Cavs that is an all-star, while the Magic have 3 all-star caliber frontcourt players in Hedo Turkolgu, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard.  Orlando also had a huge advantage in bench scoring.  Mikael Pietrus of the Magic outscored the entire Cavaliers bench by himself multiple times, and along with Anthony Johnson and Marcin Gortat, the bench play gave the Magic a huge advantage.  The Cavaliers main concern is acquiring a powerforward or center, and at least 1 bench player.

Unlike the Celtics, the Cavaliers will be doing most of their reconstructing through trades.  Cleveland was offered Shaquille O’Neal for Wally Szczerbiak and Sasha Pavlovic before the trading deadline, but mistakenly they declined.  With O’Neal they would have most likely made the NBA Finals in a primetime matchup with Shaq’s former team, the Lakers.  Since Szczerbiak’s contract is expiring, they can no longer trade him.  The Cavaliers will most likely approach the Suns with a Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic for Shaquille O’Neal deal.  Both Wallace and O’Neal have expiring contracts, but since O’Neal is a far superior player, the Suns would not downgrade their talent with no financial gain. 

The Bucks’ Richard Jefferson and the Raptors’ Chris Bosh are the biggest names that will be availabe this offseason.  Richard Jefferson would be the perfect 6th man for the Cavs, and Chris Bosh would be the perfect big man to go with LeBron James.  With Chris Bosh the Cavaliers would be equipped with a much needed post presence.  Also with the 6’10″ power forward Bosh, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the Cavaliers best big man, would still be able to start at center.  Although Richard Jefferson is a small forward, the same position of LeBron, he is able to play shooting guard and would also give the Cavs a deadly small-ball lineup if they decided to put LeBron at power forward and Jefferson at small forward.  The Cavaliers would have a hard time getting both of them since Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Ben Wallace would have to be traded and the Raptors wouldn’t want to give up Bosh for  next to nothing unless absolutely necessary.  Richard Jefferson or Vince Carter could be had easily for just the expiring contract of Ben Wallace or Zydrunas Ilgauskas.