The Cavs got crushed by the Mavericks tonight. They are a deeper and better team. But that’s not the story.
There’s 81 games left in this season, which is obvious but worth pointing out at this juncture. Because at the moment the Cavs are getting worse and not better. They are going to need some time to get what is ailing them straightened out. Time they have, there is absolutely no reason for them or the fans to start to panic, but it isn’t going to be easy and that’s what we’re going to talk about.
There’s no use blaming the absence of Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic on this one, that’s not what is really hurting the Cavs right now. Nor it is the inability of the front office to get a point guard. At this point in their history, the Cavs are fractured emotionally and it as plain as day both on the court and in the locker room.
There’s been lots of stories written about this, many by me, over the last several months. None of it is new and none of what I am about to write is breaking news. But at this point, what is happening needs to be explained and I’m going to try to do it for you.
For the last two years, there’s been mostly harmony here at Quicken Loans Arena. Danny Ferry and Mike Brown have fostered a family atmosphere and Dan Gilbert has funneled money into the franchise. Veterans were paid. Young guys were hungry. LeBron James was exploding. Mike Brown was teaching defense. The facilities became amazing. The operation is first class. Everybody was happy and excited and, for the most part, everyone got along. Playing as the sum being greater than the parts plus a superstar, the Cavs won 100 regular season games and four playoff series.
The natural progression of things has changed and the Cavs family is now feuding as they deal with the transition. Young players are holding out because they want their money now. Veteran players being eased aside are angry about playing time, some wanting more, some wanting to be traded. Mike Brown’s attempts at teaching offense have been bumpy to say the least. The front office is keeping a closer eye on the future than the present.
All of this is combining and has been since the Cavs season ended last June. It was a storm on the horizon. It is the undercurrent of why the Cavs are playing sick since the start of training camp, because they are sick. It shows in they way they conduct themselves, it shows in what they say to the media and to their family members about the team, it shows in the effort and focus level they are putting out on the floor for the last month.
LeBron James, who has a good of a feel as anyone, has said two things of interest to me in the last week. One is “If we don’t get this fixed, we’re going to keep getting blown out.” He’s right about that one. And “‘I’m not going to allow our team not to play well. I won’t let those guys not work hard in practice or not work hard in games.” That one is going to be an extreme test of his powers based on what is going on right now.
Paul Silas always used to say, and I refer to it all the time, that “In the NBA, ain’t nothing going to be a bed of roses.” That and his line: “Happy wife, happy life” couldn’t be more true. So the Cavs are going through the thorns right now and it is to be expected. In some ways, they are going through a backlog of thorns from the last two years.
It will be interesting to see how it plays out, and I’ll be attempting to describe it to you. There’s at least five months to watch the drama unfold.
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Considering the subject matter, it makes perfect sense that Preparation H ads are now running on top of your blog. I am not making this up. It says “cleanse & soothe, pain relief on contact,” then shows pictures of the medicated wipes and the cream. Where else can you read about both the Cleveland Cavaliers and burning and itching?
There are 81 games…
There have been lots of stories…
Really disappointed how the Cavs really raised the white flag near the end of the 3rd quarter. They made a nice little run, and then the Mavericks got bailed out on a few deep 3s – and then the Cavs kinda sulked. Not a good sign. Sure looks like we are all going to take one on the Chin for the next 2 months at least. To a man, they really didn’t look out of basketball shape. But as a team, they looked out of sync and each individual really looked hesitant – like they were scared. Drew Gooden did his pump-fake thing he does when he’s scared. LeBron wouldn’t shoot jumpers, Hughes made bad shooting decisions.
I’m really amazed at the lack of “star” treatment LeBron gets from referees. I know that’s not why we lost, but I’ve been noticing this for the last 2 years. He REALLY never gets the benefit of the doubt anymore. Not calling his quadruple pump foul a shooting foul was absolutely ludicrous, and calling him for a charge when someone flopped and then NOT calling Devin Harris for the charge at the other end on the next possession was really bad.
Well, I’ll push the panic button if we’re on the outside looking in come March.
Playing like a team that wants its coach fired…
This offense that Potato Head has installed is a travesty.
This team plays best when Z and Gooden and Lebron are
posted near the basket. The ball goes in and out from the
cutters to the post men and the bigs pick their spots to
turn and shoot less than 10 footers. Every time the bigs
handle the ball more than 10 feet away from the basket
everyone else stands around and watches them lose the
ball to another runout. It is also hilarious to watch Z and
Gooden show on these high pick and rolls on defense. It
takes them another time zone to get back low and watch
another posterpasting by the roller. The Grinch sits there
and thinks about more Grinchisms while Boat Shoes signs
another CBA prospect that plays 1 on 5 (Simmons). And why
is Ira Newble in the game at the start of the 4th down by
23? Larry completely ignores everyone else and Lebron refuses
to take a jumper when supposedly he worked on it all summer.
SAD.
Definitely unprepared but it’s okay.
The GM didn’t start his offseason until mid-October and held his draft last week, as BW pointed out in his recent article. On that timetable, the players will show up in about four months, about early March. They’ll be in mid-season form by the first week or two in July.
The Cavs should forget the old guys and give Hughes’ 15 shots to Gibson. Then buy out Damon Jones and Donyell. The two greedy free agents plus the no-names the Cavs picked up this Autumn can come off the bench (Desmond Jones, Duane Brown and Clyde Simmons?).
Wow. That was excrutiating to watch. Where are all the Shannon Brown disciples now? I told you all someone with XX chromosomes has no chance to be successful in the NBA. 0-5 with 3 turnovers in 5 minutes. That’s boatshoes’ #1 draft pick guys. And they didn’t pick up his option for next year, so he’s basically gone. We’re in trouble. Please don’t let Billy Simmons and Gnarls Barkely be seers.
Yikes. That was freaking ugly. All the way around. Well, except for Z’s offense and rebounding. He came to play. Lebron has never played a worse game since he’s been a Cav. Never. And good observations from the commenters who mentioned him NOT taking any jumpers when he supposedly worked so hard on them over the summer. I did like him attacking the basket, though. However, I’m a bit perplexed as how he didn’t have a single rebound until half way through the third quarter. One of the things that separates James from other players is that if he doesn’t have his scoring game, he brings something else. Last night he just blew chunks.
But, with that being said, I’m hardly worried about James. Larry Hughes is another story. Bah…For the money we’re paying him, and YES that is VERY important in pro sports, he absolutely blows. Enough of him. Maybe Boobie needs to shoot more. He’s the only guy that can actually shoot, so the looking to penetrate more, maybe, should be reigned back a bit.
Just another game that shows that if James has a bad game this team cannot compete. They need more help.
I tried to tell the 2 Clowns on Cleveland rants the Cavs would be in deep trouble this summer and they blew me off. Danny Ferry must correct his mistakes in selecting damonjones, larry hughes and donyell marshall! LeBron needs players who can put the ball on the floor and create their own shot. I don’t like a big man coming in the game looking to throw up a 3 pointer(donyell) can’t rebound, doesn’t block shots, can’t post up, etc. Hughes is pitiful-he’s got to go-now!! Jones can’t defend worth squat, won’t take the ball to the basket and can’t create his own shot off the dribble. I love LeBron but the coach has to make him develop a post up game by Demanding that he do it. Until they get the players who can put the ball in the basket LeBron shouldn’t be bringing the ball downcourt unless they’re on a fastbreak. Bring the ball to him down low and clear out! Mike are you reading this? We need to get the personnel straightened out now or we’ll lose LeBron after this contract-Mr. Gilbert are you reading this?!!!!!
I love how the announcers were quoting Mike Brown coming out of halftime bitching that the team was losing defensive focus after THEY HAD SCORED 34 POINTS IN THE HALF!! (Sorry about the yelling but c’mon, dude). Their offense has gone from bad to worse and I seriously doubt that Pavlovic and Varejao are the answer. All the defense in the world ain’t gone win very often when you’re on track to score a whopping 68 points a game. Frankly, I’m sick of hearing about defense from this organization. They held Dallas to 92 points last night but still got demolished because — news flash — you have to score points to win. If Mike Brown won’t bring in an offensive coordinator he needs to go. At least it would be fun watching them lose 120-104. As it is, I’m embarrassed watching these games.
And yes, Larry Hughes is an unmitigated disaster.
Cavs take time outs to come up with a play to dribble the ball for 23 seconds and Larry chucks up one and hits the 24 second clock. I’m not sure if he’s just that bad of a shooter or was he trying to hit the clock in anger b/c they simply ran out of time to figure out this new offense… which is the same one for the past 2 seasons.
Z… he scores, but good lord is he slowing down. Seeing as the Cavs shoot about 25%, Z gets lots of chances at tip ins.
Drew has yet to show signs of increased basketball IQ consistently. Okay, that sounds a bit too Republican for my blood, but Dang if it’s not true.
Booby is not a point guard and he’s too small for a shooting guard. Meaning, he’s a guy you bring off the bench in certain situations.
James? Where did the real LeBron James go and who is this in his body?
The rest of the orange bench looks indifferent. They don’t seem like they enjoy wearing a Cavs uni. And the two players that really showed their youthful and sometimes effective energy haven’t signed yet.
Mike Brown… went to Europe in the off season to check up on how to deliver a workable offense. I’ve come to the conclusion that when most teams don’t show their complete offense in the pre-season, the reason why the Cavs didn’t is b/c they still don’t have one. Brown has come up with nadda. Zero. He didn’t deliver.
I know the Cavs can’t lose them all. Just a few years ago they only won 17 games. However, this team, predicated on defensvie that can’t sign two of it’s best defenders and can’t score bodes well for the comodes. So my fearless prediction after this mess is 15 – 67 leaving the Whine and Cold with hopes of a lottery pick.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Lebron’s game falling off coincides with the hiring of Mike Brown. James played and was developing as a player much better under Paul Silas. I believe that after 5 seasons in the league lebron is mentally worn out. The Cavs have/are running lebron into the ground in a similar fashion that the magic did to T-Mac. If Lebron ever wants to win anything he must demade a trade at the end of this season.
We can sit here and talk about all the things that are wrong with the Cavs all day if we want to, but the fact of the matter is when Lebron shoots 2-11 and Larry Hughes shoots 2-13, the Cavs will almost never win. 4-24 from your two primary scorers is just not good, and the Cavs do no have anyone on the roster that can make up for that
The thing is, those shooting numbers are absolutely atrocious, but for Hughes, they happen far too often. James, I’ll let slide, well because he is James and every good player has an off game from time to time scoring the ball. My beef with him last night was his intensity, or rather lack thereof. In the past, he would make up for an off shooting game by grabbing a ton of boards or really hustling on the defensive end (rebounding too). Last night he did none of that. About the only thing he did well last night was to be on the floor, thus having to make the mavericks worry about him. This freed up the help to well, at least attempt to win a game. Again, if James has a bad game, this team can’t win. That’s an indictment on the team, not James.
I thought Hughes played a great game aside from his awful shooting. He was our only decent perimeter defender and he wasn’t a turnover machine.
One game is too small of a sample size to discount him, but I’m guessing he’ll shoot 42% again and be one of our best players.
If you really want to show how you feel, then persuade people to stop showing up at home games. There’s aren’t 20,562 season-ticket holders, and empty seats speak volumes. As it now stands, Gilbert is laughing at each and every one of you. So long as James is still in town and there is a fawning media spinning excuses and false hope until finally anybody with a functional brain wants to puke up chunks of brown lung, it is what it is.
I love the latest eye-rolling nonsense. Something about families. Why that’s just peachy. If this was a family, my late father’s belt would have distintegrated by now. Forget the Preparation H. Everybody from the ballboy all the way up to Gilbert would require an ass replacement surgeon.
LeBron was pretty darn lethargic at times last year, too. He’s got to be pretty unhappy with the front office.
Recent talk has revolved around some expiring contracts in two years. Do you think Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson would wait for some kind of down-the-road rebuilding effort, to start about seven years into their careers?
It’s time for LeBron to start calling the shots. Jordan got rid of his coach, and Magic did the same. They both knew what they needed to win and they insisted on it. If LeBron wants the same kind of career they had, in Cleveland, he’ll have to start throwing his weight around soon. Goodbye Danny Ferry!
Yeah, Matt, but it hasn’t been just one game for Hughes. For a myriad of reasons, he has been terrible offensively (again for the investment the Cavs have in him) since he has been here. And he will never be a good shooter. It’s just not happening. Yes, he played some good defense and played the passing lanes well last night, though.
Larry, you do realize Jordan got Collins fired prior to his 6th year, and won his first championship in, you guessed it, his 7th season? So yeah, Jordan did wait around to get a championship roster.
Jordan? Yeah, but there were major moves being made. There was the great trade of Olden Polynice for the rights to Pippen. Oakley, one of the league’s best power forwards, was moved for Cartwright, who was 31 years old at the time and backing up Ewing. That was a huge gamble. Oakley was a top-notch player and only 24. For God’s sakes, the prior season, Oakley had 35 rebounds IN ONE GAME. They gave Oakley’s spot to Horace Grant, also a major gamble. And wise tinkering with the more minor players on the roster. They happened to run into a roadblock with the Pistons, then broke through. The roster had serious talent that got better and better and better.
Now compare this to Ferry and what he’s done and the players he’s acquired despite having Paxson’s money to burn. Incredibly poor comparison. Incredibly poor general manager.
James must take control of his own destiny, which eventually will be the Knicks or the Nets. But until then, I doubt this guy is used to humiliation, nor enjoys it. He must take control of his own career, and do the same thing that Earvin Johnson did. He has to demand a trade. When Johnson did that, the very next day Paul Westhead was fired, and Jerry West was made the general manager. James should demand a trade LOUDLY. Otherwise, he’s screwed.
Alan, what’s the point of all that drivel? We know how you feel about Ferry. I wasn’t asking you, I was asking larry d, the one who made the original point. Although, who knows, maybe you’re making posts under the name larry d to make it look like there are others who hate the Cavaliers as much as you do and who still waste their time talking about a team they hate like you do.
I don’t hate the Cavs reckut nala. I want them to be better than they are. I don’t think the front office philosophy fits the kind of team that best fits LeBron. Since no one in the media will say it, I use a little hyperbole out of frustration.
Currently the Cavs have probably the best prospect since Jordan, they just went to the finals, and everyone’s talking about making some smart decisions so the team can start a rebuilding project in two years. It just doesn’t make sense and I’m just guessing that’s how LeBron feels.
I just hate the fact that every time there’s a post, it’s the same 2 people ripping whatever Brian writes, and the same 8 to 10 people praising it. Nobody applies critical thought here. I suppose I’m the most disappointed with myself for continuing to read the comments when I rarely read anything other than grandiose hyperbole and gigantic assumptions about the thoughts and intentions of the front office, coaches, and players.
I fall somewhere in between, I guess. I do not think Danny Ferry has shown himself to be a good GM at all. As I’ve said before, the only move he’s made that I thought was a REALLY good move was the Flip Murray trade, and even that only benefited the team for a couple months. But I also think Ferry is hardly as godawful as you and alan make him out to be. I know you don’t like this argument, but the fact that this team made it to the NBA Finals last year shows that this team isn’t AWFUL. They’re not good, but they’re not awful. LeBron deserves better, without a doubt. It’s entirely unfair what is asked of LeBron…..to keep carrying this team to overcome Ferry’s setbacks.
I dunno, I guess I just think you and Alan’s words would carry more weight if there was some element of unbiased thinking behind them. For example, you knew no matter what happened with Sasha, Alan was going to complain about it. And sure enough, we pay a fair amount for him, and Alan couldn’t wait to rip the team for signing him. There’s just no point when you know exactly what people are going to write before they even do it. And that’s why I said I’m so mad at myself for reading what you guys write.
Always 2 con, 10 pro? Hey, maybe there’s only 12 people that read this blog and write comments. And the funny thing is, it’s the two cons that, in retrospect, always seem to have been right.
All I know is that in any sport, when guys who essentially are a universe better than everybody else on the roster combined, when that guy demands a trade, good things usually happen. Or, at the very least, SOMETHING happens. Sometimes, a hard choice needs to be made. Either the star goes, or the front office goes. Well, James ain’t going anywhere.
So, to answer your question, I thought that larry’s opinion had to be loudly echoed, because this NBA franchise has pretty much run out of viable options that don’t otherwise strongly relate to what larry wrote.
Sure, I’m going to complain about Pavlovic’s signing. Not because they signed him, but because Ferry took a stand. Which was effective as Custer’s. In fact, I think Custer had greater success. I hate ineptitude. I hate spin. If somebody f*cks up, I want somebody to say, “I f*cked up. I’ve made mistakes, and I pledge to work my ass off to never do that again.” Mea culpas go a long way. If Ferry said that, then a helluva lot of people would get off his back.
What are you right about Alan? You’re the one who disappears for weeks when the team is successful. You b*tch and b*tch and b*tch, but the fact is, the last 2 seasons have been the 2 most successful seasons in Cavaliers history. Not that they should be content….obviously they have MUCH work to do. But it’s laughable how bad you think things are.
When did I disappear when the team was “successful?” I was around when they beat the decrepit shorthanded Wizards and Nets, so I suppose that’s successful. I had to leave town when they beat the Pistons, and some vinegar douchebag named “Rick” is now calling me “comaguy” because somebody here demanded to know where I was with my family, and I was stupid enough to answer him. Anyway, they beat one actual good team out of three. And then the Spurs made them look like a junior high school team. And now we have this.
Do the Mavericks look like a team that would ever lose to the Cavs in a seven-game series? I mean, they were missing Josh Howard, and they still clobbered the Cavs in an away game. I know it’s only the beginning of the season, but come on.
If you’d read the print media outside of Cleveland and Akron, you’d read that the Cavs, and by extension Ferry, are being universally slammed. For good reason. All except in Cleveland and Akron, where this guy has some sort of weird stranglehold over a lapdog media. So when people like larry d. or doc or myself or whoever write the few counterpoints to all the fawning, that’s why. Because there really are no media counterpoints. And until a local media guy finally starts to break away from his pack, then there will never be a need for a Ferry mea culpa, because until people stop packing the arena, who cares? Money talks. If people are still filling the arena, then why should Ferry’s boss give a crap what schmucks like myself are saying about Danny Ferry and his Timberwolves, The Sequel?
Here is one prediction I will make with respect to the local media: Bill Livingston is the only guy within a 75-mile radius that has any semblance of fangs. Because James is so great, the Cavs will always have a chance to advance. Always. He’s that freakin’ good. If the Cavs are eliminated in the first round, or even in the second round, Livingston will be calling for Ferry’s head. And unfortunately, he will be the only local print guy doing it.
What’s your point about the Mavs? Read my post again. I said the Cavs shouldn’t be content with where they’re at and there’s much work to do. Of course we can’t beat the Mavs. They’re an entirely better team. But there’s no disputing the past 2 years were the most successful in team history. Things aren’t good, but they aren’t as bad as you make them out to be either.
I suppose it all rides upon your definition of “success.” I don’t see it like you do. Honestly, in light of the probability that 40 years from now, when the sports media is having one of those fun debates as to which was the worst team to reach the Finals in the 100-year or so history of the NBA, I am not going to be looking at it as a source of pride that the 2006-2007 Cleveland Cavaliers are probably going to be ranked #1. That’s all I’ll need, the other dead guys in the graveyard mocking me. Give me something to hang my hat on.
.
suc·cess /səkˈsɛs/ [suhk-ses]
–noun
1. the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.
2. the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like.
3. a successful performance or achievement: The play was an instant success.
4. a person or thing that is successful: She was a great success on the talk show.
My definition of success? Gee, I dunno…100 wins in 2 years (only done once before in team history) and an NBA Finals appearance (never done before). Look, you can say that this is just evidence of the sad history of the Cavs, and I would agree. Hardly a point of pride. But I stand by my statement, and no matter how hard you keep trying to twist it, you can’t…..The last 2 seasons were the most successful in team history.
The 2003-2004 Timberwolves won 58 games. Who cares? If it really meant anything, then Kevin Garnett wouldn’t be one of the 20 black guys living in or around the Boston area.
People around Cleveland are so starved for any kind of winner, that the marketing departments of the individual sports franchises prey on people like they’re Dracula. Gilbert may be a Detroit guy, but he knows Cleveland business like he’s lived in Cleveland’s suburbs his entire life. The only difference is that instead of blood, he’s sucking hope. Sorry, but personally, I (and a lot of other realistic old farts) got all sucked out at least 15 years ago.
Keep the faith, kiddo.
Do you even read what I write before you post the EXACT same thing you wrote before. That same post which still has no relevance to my point. READ WHAT I WROTE. “I said the Cavs shouldn’t be content with where they’re at and there’s much work to do. Of course we can’t beat the Mavs. They’re an entirely better team.”
What faith do you want me to keep. When did I say we were going to win a title with this team?? Seriously, tell me when. You’re reading comprehension skills are so weak you can’t even decipher the meaning behind what people write. You do this all the time. Rather than debate the points people make, you try to twist around the whole point of what they’re saying. Let me say this as clear as possible for the guy who claims to be old but reads at a 2nd grade level…..MY POINT IS NOT THAT THIS TEAM CAN WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP. MY POINT IS THAT THINGS ARE NOT AS BAD AS YOU MAKE THEM OUT TO BE, AND NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU REFUSE TO ADMIT IT, THE PAST TWO SEASONS WERE VERY SUCCESSFUL, DESPITE THE FACT WE GOT NOTHING OUT OF IT.
Point well taken, reck.
But the 2003-2004 Timberwolves won 58 games. Who cares? If it really meant anything, then Kevin Garnett wouldn’t be one of the 20 black guys living in or around the Boston area.
People around Cleveland are so starved for any kind of winner, that the marketing departments of the individual sports franchises prey on people like they’re Dracula. Gilbert may be a Detroit guy, but he knows Cleveland business like he’s lived in Cleveland’s suburbs his entire life. The only difference is that instead of blood, he’s sucking hope. Sorry, but personally, I (and a lot of other realistic old farts) got all sucked out at least 15 years ago.
Keep the faith, kiddo.
First, I didn’t write whatever it was that was written at 4:17 PM. Somebody took the liberty to write a post for me. Second, I still don’t know what “very successful” is supposed to mean. Box office? OK, successful.
Don’t worry, Alan, I knew it was funny. You never concede anything. You not understanding what successful means….that’s more like the Alan T I know and have grown to loathe.
What’s to concede? It’s my own opinion. Honestly, I believe some of Embry’s teams were more “successful.” It’s a relative term. In terms of box office business, which is all Gilbert actually cares about, they’re far more successful. But in terms of what’s going on down on the court? Nah.
Embry’s teams never won 100 games in 2 years. Never made it to the NBA Finals. These are FACTS. Successful is not relative. In what way can you argue those teams had more success than this team?
Really? Then what do you call the 1991-1992 and 1992-1993 teams? They won 111 games. And who cares if they never made it to the Finals. From where I sit, neither did last year’s Cavs. They coasted on LeBron’s back on a magic seeding carpet before flying into a big tree.
When you’re a “success,” you’re not mocked and disrespected by everybody and their mother. Unless you’re the band ‘N Sync.
That’s a good start for being an actual professional sports success. Don’t be mocked.
So, yeah, success is relative.
Yeah, I forgot that they were the one other time the team won 100 games in 2 years. That one was my mistake.
“And who cares if they never made it to the Finals. From where I sit, neither did last year’s Cavs.” Um, no, look it up, the Cavs were in the NBA Finals last year. Success is NOT a relative term. “Good” is a relative term. You can argue Embry’s teams were better. I would agree with that. But you can’t argue success. No matter which way you try to look at it, the Cavs last 2 seasons were successful.
This is so dumb, arguing over the definition of “success.” With $28 million in cap space that Ferry had, and add that to LeBron James, anything less than a championship isn’t successful. Bottom line.
I mean, who in their right mind walks around town saying the 80s Browns were successful? Successful at what, giving Mike Junkin a job? And who really considers the Buffalo Bills to be successful? Successful at what, losing games that matter?
There’s plenty of people who consider the Bills to be amongst the most successful teams of the 90s. 4 straight Super Bowls. Are you crazy? That’s being awfully successful. But just because you’re successful, it doesn’t mean you’re content. I think that’s where you’re being confused. I’m not saying in any way the Cavs should be happy with the team they have or with the success they’ve had in the past. I’m with you that this team needs to get better. But to say the last 2 seasons were not successful is just silly.