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Cleveland Struggles
Six games into the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a disappointing 3-3, with losses to Boston, Toronto and Chicago. Fairly or unfairly, the criticism has already begun. A lot is expected of King James and his Cavs. Especially considering the fact that it could be James’ last season in Cleveland. It is widely believed that Lebron would only leave if the Cavs fail to win it all this year. And if one really thinks about it, a championship should ensure Lebron staying put. It is hard to imagine he would leave for another team after winning a championship with Cleveland. But do the Cavs really have what it takes?
Adding Shaq in the offseason certainly satisfied Lebron’s desire for a dominant post player. Even during last season, King James approached management and expressed his interest in bringing Shaq to Cleveland. Not to take anything away from Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who is a great player in his own right, but he is simply not a guy who has the ability to dominate in the paint. A great shooter, especially considering his size of 7′3, but not really your typical center. Anthony Parker was also a solid addition. A proven scorer internationally, Parker should fit in nicely with the Cavs and benefit from James’ and Shaq’s ability to find the open man when doubled.
However, one weakness that was very apparent last year when Cleveland lost to Orlando in the playoffs is the inability of Cleveland’s forwards to step out and stretch the defense. Boston has two forwards in Garnett and Wallace, who can score from anywhere on the court. Orlando has added two players with the same type of quality in Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass, who is also capable of making the mid-range jumper. This is something that Cleveland will struggle with all year unless they are able to add another forward to their squad. It has been apparent in their 3 losses that teams plan on exploiting the Cavaliers’ inability to defend the pick and roll. And on the other end of the floor, Cleveland’s bigs have a hard time executing the same play because the pick and roll is easily defended when your bigs can’t shoot.
Does this mean Cleveland isn’t among the elite teams? Not at all. The Cavs still have a legitimate shot at the title, and GM Danny Ferry is smart enough to recognize the need for a more versatile forward. He certainly has the bargaining chips needed to go out and shop for one.
