Some random thoughts on the Cavs’ deal to acquire Mo Williams:

—Hate losing Joe Smith. Guys like him don’t come along often. Consummate pro. But … as they say … whoever they are … you got to give something to get something. Besides, I'm an old fuddy-duddy who takes a liking to guys like Smith. It's why GMs are hired to make decisions and the decisions are not left to sentimental old fart sportswriters.
—Nice to hear that Mo Williams has worked with Daniel Gibson in the offseason and acted as a bit of a mentor. Friendship does make the heart grow fonder.
—Think this helps Wally Szczerbiak?
—Poor Joe Smith. Guy does everything anyone can ask. Works hard. Fills his role. Contributes. Did a tremendous job in the playoffs. Now he goes to Oklahoma City. Sheesh, Toto, this just does not seem right.
—Clearly the Cavs are not afraid to spend money. Williams brings $43 million in future contracts with him.
—I wish he’d be described as a pass-first point guard, but at the same time the Cavs may have solved two problems in one trade. They got a guy who can handle the ball, penetrate AND score. Not bad.
—Hope the Cavs do not lose Delonte West. He’s a good player. And he’s an American original.
—That’s three pretty good guards to play in different tandems – West, Gibson and Williams.
—The Szczerbiak-Sasha Pavlovic influence seems to be waning a bit, does it not?
—The Cavs are being quiet, but they must like first-round draft pick J.J. Hickson. A lot.
—They also must have high hopes for Anderson Varejao. He has to be better this season than he was at the end of last.
—Anyone besides me remember Ben Wallace playing so well in the fourth quarter of Game 7 in Boston? Guy stood up to Kevin Garnett. Actually got jaw to jaw with one of the great talkers in the NBA. How refreshing was it to see that from a player from Cleveland? As Toby Keith might say, Ben is not as good as he once was, but he’s as good once as he ever was.
—Final verdict on the trade: The Cavs gave up a guard who was not going to contribute and a good guy on the frontline but a guy who also is 33 with shaky knees. They got a 25-year-old point guard who can score. It’s a plus.
—Yes, strong stands like that one are what this blog is all about.