Cavs 06-07 season thread

[aurorabuckeye13]

here's the article from si...

Cavs trade Jackson for Celtics' Jones

Posted: Friday October 13, 2006 12:33PM; Updated: Friday October 13, 2006 12:33PM

BOSTON (AP) -- Luke Jackson, a swingman who was the 10th pick in the 2004 draft, was traded Friday from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Boston Celtics for center Dwayne Jones.
In two seasons since leaving Oregon, the 6-foot-7 Jackson averaged 2.7 points and 7.8 minutes per game in a total of 46 games. He played 36 games last season but missed 32 with a broken left wrist. Boston also received cash considerations in the deal.
Jones averaged 1 point and 2.2 rebounds in 6.2 minutes per game in 14 games for Boston as a rookie last season. He signed with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent out of Saint Joseph's and was traded in a deal that also brought forward Wally Szczerbiak to the Celtics.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

[Bucks21]

Anyone going to the preseason game tomorrow night? My girlfriend's dad got us two tickets in a suite and does anyone know if lebron played tonight? I didn't see the game(because of my high school game) and if he didn't play that means he will atleast play some tomrrow night. BTW getting rid of Jackson at the moment is a great move, we are going to need to clear some cap so we can resign Wild thing this offseason.

 

[buckeye247]

Shannon Brown looks like a Mini-Lebron James with less talent. I think he will be a solid player off the bench. He has impressed me this preseason.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Cavs impressive beating Celtics

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

MANCHESTER, N.H. - LeBron James didn't play for the Cavaliers Friday night and that might have been good news in a way.
Without James and the usual double teams he draws, the Cavs were able to debut some new schemes and rotations from the offensive playbook. The result was a rather impressive performance. It was a 91-82 victory over the Boston Celtics, an outcome in direct contrast to the preseason opener earlier this week.
Showing some new looks, the Cavs pounded the ball into players in the post and around the paint with slick back-door cuts and precise ball movement. They piled up 22 assists and scored 42 points in the paint.
After allowing 27 first-quarter points, the Cavs' defense tightened up and allowed just 55 points the rest of the way. The Celtics shot just 38 percent.
Larry Hughes continued to show confidence in his outside shot, scoring 14 points with four assists. Zydrunas Ilgauskas made 7-of-11 shots for 14 points.
Anderson Varejao got himself in much better position for rebounds than in the opener, pulling down 11 in 21 minutes. Damon Jones, who started in place of James, scored 12 points and made a pair of 3-pointers.
``Overall I was more impressed with the effort tonight,'' Cavs coach Mike Brown said. ``We did unveil something new offensively. We think it is something we really like.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Cavaliers trade Jackson, ease cap

They get rebounder from Boston in return

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

MANCHESTER, N.H. - This trade has a little something for everyone.
The Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics made a relatively minor swap on Friday, just hours before facing each other on the floor in an exhibition game at Verizon Wireless Arena. But the players involved are only half the story.
In a deal that came together quickly Thursday, the Cavs sent guard Luke Jackson and cash to the Celtics for forward/center Dwayne Jones.
Jones is a prospect in his second season, now with his third team after being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves and traded to Boston last year. Known for being a solid rebounder and shot blocker, Jones spent most of last season in the NBA Development League, where he averaged 11.7 rebounds. His offensive skills are more limited.
Jones suffered a bruised tail bone during training camp with the Celtics and didn't play against his old team on Friday and isn't expected to play for the Cavs in tonight's home exhibition game against the Washington Wizards.
``Dwayne is a young guy who is a good defender and he helps our depth,'' Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said. ``We had a lot of guards and we felt we could make this move. We wish Luke the best of luck.''
Where the Cavs made strides Friday was on the accounting ledger, setting up some flexibility for later in the season. The deal is complex. By swapping Jackson and his $2.1 million salary for Jones, who is on a minimum guaranteed contract of $664,000, the Cavs picked up a $2.1 million trade exception. They can use that exception to acquire a player anytime in the next year or as part of a larger trade to balance out salaries.
The Cavs kicked in around $1.6 million in real money to make the deal happen, but actually lowered their official payroll for this season by $1.4 million. Before they were just $1 million under the NBA's luxury tax threshold of $65 million, a line they didn't want to cross. Now they have $2.4 million in space under the tax to work with should they wish to make a move later in the season.
Aside from all that, the deal also made Jackson's day. The No. 10 overall pick from the 2004 Draft has been plagued by injuries since joining the team. Jackson has battled a back injury suffered in preseason workouts before he ever became a Cav, twice undergoing surgery to fix bulging discs in his lower back. He also missed nearly two months last season after breaking his wrist during a game, another injury that required surgery.
While he has tried to heal, the Cavs had somewhat passed him by, signing and drafting a flurry of guards. It was unlikely the Cavs would've picked up the option on his contract for next season by the Oct. 31 deadline.
Those circumstances led Jackson to first ask for a trade last spring, a wish that finally was granted.
``There's a lot of guards on that roster. I'm not sure I would've gotten an opportunity there,'' Jackson said Friday. ``I'm happy to be with the Celtics. I think Danny Ferry did me a favor.''
James, Gooden rest
LeBron James did not play Friday night, though it wasn't unexpected. Cavs coach Mike Brown said he would not play James in back-to-back preseason games. James said he would probably suit up tonight against the Wizards.
Drew Gooden also got the night off as a precaution. He has been nursing a sore left quad, which limited him in practice Wednesday and Thursday.
The Cavs probably will rest a number of players tonight with Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Larry Hughes the leading candidates to take off the second night of the back-to-back games.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

Gibson having fun as student of NBA


Saturday, October 14, 2006

Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter

Daniel Gibson won a high school state title and was an honorable mention All-American and he set the University of Texas record for 3-pointers made in a season.
None of that will help Gibson now.
Gibson, the Cavs' second-round pick in the 2006 draft, is starting all over as he tries to make his mark in the toughest position in the NBA - point guard. Compared to college, there are more demands on this level, the playbook is thicker and the level of performance must be raised higher. Gib son is ready for the challenge.
"I didn't know what to expect in the NBA," Gibson said. "My dad told me to go in and just play because this is still basketball. Basketball is what I love to do and basketball is what I know how to do.
"My dad told me to just relax, be myself and have fun. That's what I've tried to do."
On Friday night, the Cavs defeated the Boston Celtics, 91-82, at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, N.H. Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting. The Celtics' Wally Szczerbiak led all scorers with 21 points.
Gibson planned to have fun in his first NBA training camp but it also has meant plenty of work. He had to make several adjustments, including raising his voice.
"I've never been that vocal out there on the floor because I've always tried to lead by example," Gibson said. "In this league, the point guards are looked upon as leaders, so you have to be able to tell guys what to do. Eric Snow told me regardless if I'm a rookie or not, guys have to feel comfortable when you tell them stuff."
Becoming a vocal leader is only half the battle. A successful point guard must know what he is talking about while directing traffic. That means plenty hours of study once practice is over. Gibson routinely takes a DVD of that day's practice or game home for further viewing.
"That was a big difference," Gibson said. "We have plays with more than one option and as a NBA point guard, I have to do more than just know what I have to do. I have to know what everyone's doing. I'm watching film to do everything I can to be prepared so I can be ready when coach calls my name."
Once Gibson returns to practice the following day, he follows the same routine of getting to the gym early to work on shots and participate in drills. He's also one of the last players to leave because he finishes the day with more drills and more shots. Gibson also spends time with veterans David Wesley, Damon Jones and Eric Snow.
"I like his willingness to learn and ask questions," Snow said. "The talent is there. His work ethic and his willingness to learn means it's only a matter of time before he gets better. It's extremely tough for a young guy to play this position but Daniel's been doing a good job so far."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4671

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Wizards 93, Cavaliers 89

Out of loss comes good

Hughes looks healthy. Varejao active as ever. Rookies show skills

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

CLEVELAND - At this point in the preseason, it isn't really about winning and losing. At least the Cavaliers hope not.
They blew a 15-point third-quarter lead and lost 93-89 to the Washington Wizards Saturday. No matter, much was accomplished before the Wizards rookies and free agents beat their Cav counterparts in the fourth quarter.
The game wrapped a weekend in which the Cavs showed some significant growth after a bit of a letdown in the preseason opener last Tuesday. Especially from Larry Hughes and Anderson Varejao, who have seen extended minutes while several other front line teammates have been resting.
Getting his second start in as many nights, Varejao led the Cavs with 14 points and seven rebounds. He's been as active as ever, getting his hands on numerous balls around the rim and generally creating havoc. In the three preseason games he's averaging 10.6 points and 7.6 rebounds.
``A lot of it has to do with Andy's understanding and feel for the game,'' Cavs coach Mike Brown said. ``He got big minutes against front-line players last year and it has translated into a strong start to the preseason thus far.''
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the finger injury that wreck Hughes' first season in Cleveland. He is showing a growing comfort level in finally recovering. He's shown good touch around the rim and his jump shot has returned to health rapidly. He scored 13 points with three rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes Saturday. That followed a 14-point performance Friday night.
LeBron James returned to the lineup and stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 22 minutes. Rookies Shannon Brown and Daniel Gibson each scored 10 points, but were both on the floor when the Wizards made their comeback and stormed to victory.
Lots of resting
The Cavs continued their preseason policy of resting front line players Saturday. Eric Snow and David Wesley took the Wizards game off after playing Friday night. Drew Gooden also sat out. He's still being bothered by a left quad strain that caused him to miss Friday's game as well.
Mike Brown said he will continue to give the veterans rest over the course of preseason back-to-backs. There are two sets of them this week as the Cavs play Tuesday-Wednesday and Saturday-Sunday. James is expected to skip at least one game this week.
Hunter cut
Forward Brandon Hunter was waived by the team Saturday, reducing the roster to 17 players. Hunter played 17 minutes in two preseason games, averaging 2.5 rebounds. Center Ondrej Starosta is also expected to be waived sometime in the near future, leaving a battle for final roster spot to guard Stephen Graham and newly acquired forward Dwayne Jones. Because Jones' contract is guaranteed and Graham's isn't, Jones is the favorite to win the position.
Call him Boobie
Gibson's nickname, Boobie, has caught on in the Cavs' locker room. Not to be confused with Snow, who is known as Pookie, or Hughes, who is known as Boogie.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Toting firearms part of NBA life

Many players see no problem with registered guns

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

CLEVELAND - Seeing the headlines, reading the stories and watching the commentary shows, members of the Cavaliers organization quietly felt for their Central Division brethren last week.
The Indiana Pacers were embattled after an incident involving four players at an Indianapolis strip club. The overall health of guard Stephen Jackson, who was punched and hit by a car, certainly was a concern. But so was the public relations nightmare the Pacers, and in some ways the entire NBA, was dealing with as three players had licensed firearms with them when police arrived.
Late night clubs, guns and NBA players. The pundits and columnists quickly went to work with predictable results.
But many in the NBA, including the Cavs, aren't about to apologize. When it comes to bringing registered handguns with them for a night on the town, Cavs players believe in the necessity and right to carry them legally. Some feel the need to carry a gun more than others.
``I plead the Fifth on that,'' Shannon Brown said. ``I am conscious that there are people out there who don't have my best interest at heart. If you have a pistol and it's registered, I see no problem with it.''
From the time players enter the league as rookies they are put through a series of programs intended to educate them about how to manage risks when out in public. The Cavs maintain a relationship with various area police departments and attempt to keep players informed of potential trouble spots along with advising them on other ways to protect themselves.
The players, though, said that still isn't enough. Considering security and safety is a component of each night out.
``If someone wants to get to you, they are going to get to you,'' LeBron James said. ``I don't carry a gun. But when I go out I always have guys with me. I have no problem with people carrying one as long as everything is licensed.''
James has employed several different bodyguards over the years, some of the them off-duty police officers. While many NBA players go out with groups of friends and family, having private bodyguards is somewhat rare.
``Some guys feel they need their own gun for protection, sometimes they need it for safety,'' Damon Jones said. ``After what happened in Indiana, there was a buzz around the whole league because it was one of our guys and you hate to see someone put in that situation.''
Most restaurants and bars in Ohio have posted restrictions on bringing guns, even those that are licensed, into the establishment. The Indianapolis Police report said the Pacers players who had guns -- Jackson, Jamaal Tinsley and Marquis Daniels -- at the strip club that infamous night last week all left them in their cars. Jackson later retrieved his and fired it several times in the air in the club's parking lot.
The NBA's collective bargaining agreement also bars players from bringing any firearms to any NBA arena, practice facility, or site of a promotional or charitable appearance on behalf of the team. In addition, it prevents them from carrying a gun traveling on any NBA-related business, such as road trips.
Of course, those are rules for NBA players, not for people they could potentially run into at a bar, a club, a restaurant or even more traditionally benign places like gas stations and convenience stores. As long as that is the case, it appears players will continue to retain the option to take matters into their own hands.
``It all depends on each person's feelings,'' Brown said. ``There are people out there who aim to hurt you. You've got money and they feel they can take advantage of you.''
With all these realities, the Cavs believe that they won't have to deal with the same problems the Pacers and other professional sports teams have run into. They point to their infrastructure and how they've been particular in selecting character players to be a part of the roster. At least that is their hope.
``Everybody goes out and has fun and so forth,'' Cavs coach Mike Brown said. ``I've been with these guys for a year and the guys we've brought in we've done our homework on in terms of background checks. We feel lucky. We don't think we'll have any of those issues. We've talked about these things. I really don't believe we'll put ourselves in situations like that.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

CAVALIERS
Varejao improves his game


Sunday, October 15, 2006

Branson Wright
Plain Dealer Reporter

Anderson Varejao has estab lished his basketball identity with his floppy hair, the endless energy, the dives for loose balls and the tenacious rebounding.
He has not gone away from that style, at least during the first three games of the preseason. But a few adjustments may have made his game even better -- a consistent 15-footer and passing to the open man.
"I tried to work on everything coming into the season," Varejao said. "I worked on my defense and my offense. I'm going to have more time to play this year and try to show a little bit more of my offense."
Varejao was impressive on Saturday night but he sat the bench along with the other four starters in the fourth quarter as the Washington Wizards rallied to a 93-89 defeat of the Cavaliers in preseason action at The Q.
Larry Hughes scored 13 points and LeBron James had 12 in 22 minutes. Antonio Daniels led the Wizards with 15 points.
The Cavs jumped out early. Varejao, who started in place of Drew Gooden, who took the night off, wheeled and dealed by running the floor and scoring inside. He scored eight points in the first quarter and the Cavs led by nine.
"Andy's doing a great job," Gooden said of Varejao. "He provides energy, he rebounds and he plays good defense. That's what we need. One of our knocks is that we're not a deep team but with Andy, Donyell [Marshall] and Damon [Jones] and the young rookies coming along, we are a deep team."
Varejao also makes the Cavs deeper because he's healthy. He missed the start of last season because of a dislocated right shoulder he suffered during the summer. Now, he's at full strength from the start.
"This year is better because I'm here from the start with everyone," Varejao said. "I know the plays better and what coach wants. I know everything now. It's a different situation compared to last year and that's why I'm looking better."
Varejao and the Cavs looked better as they led by 15 late in the third but the Wizards rallied with a 33-18 run during the fourth quarter to seal the victory
"The second half we did a poor job," coach Mike Brown said. "Our defense was not consistent and they basically knocked down anything they wanted to and that's why they ended up with 47 percent shooting from the field."
Hunter waived:
The Cavaliers waived forward Brandon Hunter on Saturday. Hunter, out of Ohio University, played a total of 17 minutes in two preseason games. The roster is now at 17. The league roster maximum of 15 must be set by the end of the month.
ABA, CBA tryouts:
American Basketball Association and Continental Basketball Association free-agent tryouts are Oct. 21-22 in Columbus. The registration fee is $100. For preregistration and for more information call: (614) 341-SHOT.
Snow clinic:
Eric Snow will host 50 father-child duos from the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative today at The Q for a basketball clinic. The clinic is part of a joint effort between the Cavaliers and Snow's Shoot 4 The Moon Foundation.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4671

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

Better play easy to point to

Cavs' Hughes works hard to overcome finger injury

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

CLEVELAND - Larry Hughes spent the offseason working on his English.
No, not the spoken word, the art of it. The delicate spin and touch put on a ball around the basket, the definition of touch. In short, he re-learned how to make a layup.
During workouts in Chicago during the summer, Hughes, a Cavaliers' guard, would spend about 45 minutes a day just working on layups and short shots. Not exactly higher learning for an NBA player, but something that was much needed.
Coming back from trauma to the middle finger on his right hand, Hughes had almost no feel at the end of last season. He routinely missed layups in the Cavaliers' stretch run, raising concerns about his future because his ability to drive and to finish was one of his best qualities.
In training camp and three preseason games, Hughes has shown strong signs of recovery. Not only has he been able to be active defensively and in handling the ball with his much healthier hand, but also his touch on short shots and mid-range jumpers has been flourishing.
Hughes is averaging 11.7 points in 20 minutes per game in the preseason. The more telling number is his 56 percent shooting percentage, which is stocked with strong layups in traffic and jumpers from 18-to-20 feet.
``The difference is pretty obvious,'' Hughes said. ``I'm able to follow through, I'm able to get the ball on my fingertips. You can do a lot more when you can actually hold onto the ball with your dominant hand.''
When Hughes reported for camp two weeks ago, the revelation that he still couldn't make a fist with his right hand due to continued swelling and scar tissue on his twice-operated-on middle finger was a concern. So was the prognosis from doctors that it might never return to 100 percent.Or that it might not be until February before his hand is healed.
Hughes insisted that the condition of his finger would enable him to return to the sort of player whom he was two years ago, when he averaged 22 points and earned a $70 million contract from the Cavs. The early returns indicate that he might be right.
``He's had a tremendous camp so far,'' Cavs coach Mike Brown said. ``He worked his tail off in the summertime. At the end of last season, it was tough because he came back after missing 40-some games, and he was two or three steps behind. He's more comfortable now, and it is showing.''
The finger still limits him in some ways; it might for the rest of his career.
It still aches after games or workouts, and the Cavs trainers are keeping a close eye on it. If his play in the early going continues to hold true, Hughes is predicting a big season.
``I feel a lot more comfortable, a lot more healthy,'' Hughes said. ``I always said that people really didn't see the true me play last year.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

NBA NOTEBOOK
Cavaliers encouraged by Hughes? recovery

Monday, October 16, 2006


FROM WIRE REPORTS

TONY DEJAK ASSOCIATED PRESS Larry Hughes was limited last season by trauma to the middle finger of his shooting hand.


During summer workouts in Chicago, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Larry Hughes would spend around 45 minutes a day just working on layups and short shots. Not exactly higher learning for an NBA player, but something that was much needed.
Coming back from trauma to the middle finger on his right shooting hand, Hughes had almost no feel at the end of last season. He routinely missed layups in the Cavaliers? stretch run, raising concerns about his future because his ability to drive and to finish was one of his best qualities.
In training camp and three preseason games, Hughes has shown strong signs of recovery. Not only has he been able to be active defensively and in handling the ball with his much healthier hand, but also his touch on short shots and mid-range jumpers has been flourishing.
Hughes is averaging 11.7 points in 20 minutes per game in the preseason. The more telling number is his 56 percent shooting percentage from the field, which is stocked with strong layups in traffic and 18- to 20-foot jumpers.
"The difference is pretty obvious," Hughes said. "I?m able to follow-through, I?m able to get the ball on my fingertips."
When Hughes reported for camp two weeks ago, the revelation that he still couldn?t make a fist with his right hand because of continued swelling and scar tissue on his twice-operated middle finger was a concern.
So was the prognosis from doctors that it might never return to 100 percent. Or that it might be February before his hand was healed.
Hughes insisted that the condition of the finger would enable him to return to the sort of player whom he was two years ago, when he averaged 22 points and received a $70 million contract from the Cavs. The early returns indicate that he might be right.
"He?s had a tremendous camp so far," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He worked his tail off in the summertime. At the end of last season, it was tough because he came back after missing 40-some games, and he was two or three steps behind. He?s more comfortable now, and it is showing."
The finger still limits him in some ways; it might for the rest of his career.
It still aches after games or workouts, and Cavs trainers are keeping a close eye on it. If his play in the early going continues to hold true, Hughes is predicting a big season.
"I feel a lot more comfortable, a lot more healthy," Hughes said. "I always said that people really didn?t see the true me play last year."
Dribbles
Indiana Pacers guard Stephen Jackson says he was just trying to protect three teammates when he fired a handgun and was hit by a car during a fight outside an Indianapolis strip club. Jackson faces a pretrial hearing on a felony charge of criminal recklessness and misdemeanor counts of battery and disorderly conduct Nov. 1, the same day the Pacers open their season in Charlotte, N.C. ? Four more Oklahoma City businessmen are joining the ownership group that hopes to buy the Seattle Super-Sonics. Cayton I. Bennett, chairman and managing partner of Professional Basketball Club LLC, announced in July that his group would buy the Sonics and WNBA Storm for $350 million. The sale is subject to league approval and is expected to be addressed at the NBA Board of Governors meeting on Oct. 24.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

All these articles are getting me excited about the season. Andy and Hughes look like they are going to be better than ever and we all know LBJ will be LBJ. If we play good defense we have as good a shot at the finals than anyone...

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

New Cavs kids face block

Fans like rookies, but veterans will have first shot

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

CLEVELAND - There is a general fascination with anything that is new, the assumption often being that it is improved.
That's why there seems to be keen interest among the Cavaliers fan base in rookie guards Shannon Brown and Daniel Gibson, who get a special ovation each time they enter a game. After watching both score 10 points, including a combined five 3-pointers, in last Saturday's preseason game against the Washington Wizards, there might be a thirst to see more.
But the reality is, at this point, it doesn't appear as either will have a spot in coach Mike Brown's rotation once the regular season starts.
The Cavs got out of the in-game development business when they started signing veteran free agents to fill out the rotation. Improving young players is still on the list of priorities, but it won't happen at the cost of dealing with a high volume of youthful mistakes.
In other words, the Cavs have five veteran guards who appear to be ahead of the two rookies at this point in Eric Snow, Larry Hughes, David Wesley, Damon Jones and Ira Newble. Mike Brown has made it clear he will go with his veterans at the start of the season. It appears as if Shannon Brown might even have to serve some time on the inactive list and Gibson is a candidate to be sent to the NBA Development League at some point.
``There's no pressure to play them because we have experience,'' Brown said Monday as his team prepared for tonight's home exhibition game with Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv.
``They make mistakes that our veteran guys don't make, mistakes that may not be obvious to the general public.''
This is a recurring process in the NBA. Every year, rookies with an upside have to bide their time even if there is an interest to see how they can handle themselves. While Shannon Brown and Gibson have impressed the coaching staff with their poise and sense of belonging, in the loss to the Wizards both were on the court as the Cavs gave away a 15-point lead and lost.
``I know the talent is there, the opportunities will come, but there will be bumps,'' said Snow, who has been mentoring the rookies and telling them stories of his rookie season, when he was stuck behind guards Gary Payton, Nate McMillan and Detlef Schrempf with the Seattle SuperSonics.
``The hardest thing for them is the transition. One can say all the right stuff, but if you have any kind of competitiveness in you, it is tough.''
As the season wears on, there will likely be chances when one of the veterans in front of them is struggling, or there are injuries. Until then, unless there is a significant philosophical switch by the head coach, the newbies will have to be patient.
Maccabi story
Maccabi Tel Aviv is a long way from home, but it will have fans tonight at Quicken Loans Arena. The Jewish community has purchased large numbers of tickets. One of the strongest teams in the Euroleague, Maccabi beat the Toronto Raptors in Toronto last October. But it has lost two superstars, Anthony Parker (Raptors) and Saraunas Jasikevicius (Pacers) to the NBA. The team has lost all three games to NBA teams on the current tour.
``I don't know anything about them,'' LeBron James said. ``It is just another preseason game we'll prepare the same way for it.''
So, James isn't impressed, OK. Some of the Maccabi players aren't impressed with him either. ``For me, LeBron is just another great player,'' Maccabi's Derrick Sharp told Israeli media. ``I played against Anthony Parker numerous times during practices and I don't see any differences.''
New commercial
James' new Nike commercial, the LeBrons II, is expected to start running soon. As in last year's, James plays four different roles at once. The catch phrase comes when the real James is prodded by ``Business LeBron'' to dunk . . . after he locks his silver Bentley. James throws one down, which prompts the old LeBron character to exclaim: ``Ain't been nothing good like that since Sanford & Son.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

CPD

CAVALIERS
He has finals say here


Tuesday, October 17, 2006 Burt Graeff
Plain Dealer Reporter

All the talk about the Cavaliers marching to the NBA Finals is fine and dandy, but . . .
Perhaps it should be somewhat tempered, says point guard Eric Snow.
Snow, 33, and about to begin his 12th season, knows NBA Finals. He's the lone player on the team's 17-man roster who has fi nals experi ence - play ing on the 1995-96 Seat tle team that lost in six games to the Chicago Bulls and on the 2000-01 76ers team that lost in five to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The presence of LeBron James, parlayed with taking the then-defending champion Detroit Pistons to seven games in the second round of the playoffs in May, has fueled NBA Finals talk.
"We can say all that, but there is a lot that comes with [reaching the finals]," cautioned Snow.
"Are we capable of reaching the finals? Yes. There is more talent on this team than the one I played on in Philadelphia. But there are the intangibles."
Such as . . .
"Health, that's always one of them," Snow said. "Playing on the same page. Continuing to get better through the course of the season.
"Teams who make the finals have to win the games they are supposed to win and get the home-court advantage."
Snow said it hurt the Cavaliers to miss the playoffs two years ago, when a 42-40 record came up one game short.
Making it then would have been good just from the experience of playing in the playoffs," Snow said. "There is nothing like the experience of the playoffs.
"For us, making the playoffs was our goal in previous years. Now, it's just an appetizer."
Snow and Larry Hughes are ticketed to open the season in the backcourt for the Cavaliers, who face Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv in an exhibition game tonight at The Q. Veterans David Wesley and Damon Jones figure to get the bulk of the backup minutes, but rookies Shannon Brown and Daniel Gibson have been impressive.
Brown, a first-round pick from Michigan State, is averaging 8.7 points and 1.33 steals in 21 minutes of three exhibition games; Gibson, a second-round pick from Texas, is averaging 6.1 points in 15 minutes per game.
"[The rookies] have looked great," Snow said. "They have both worked hard and they have listened.
"The talent is there. The hardest thing will be the transition from college to the pro level."
Snow was a rookie on the Seattle team that reached the NBA Finals.
"I was fortunate enough that I had plenty of guys on that team who offered advice - guys like Gary Payton, Nate McMillan and Sam Perkins," he said.
"That's why I offer the advice I do to our guys. I try to give them as much guidance as I can."
Finally:
James likes what he sees of the current training camp and exhibition season. "We are 10 times ahead of how we started training camp last year," he said. "We know each other now." . . . Coach Mike Brown said that several veterans, including James, will sit out one of the next two games - tonight or Wednesday night against Toronto in Rochester, N.Y. James said he will play tonight . . . Brown, on rookie point guard Gibson, who is the quickest player on the roster: "I am not only surprised at the way he shoots the ball, but I expected him to get rattled, and he hasn't. He is smooth. He has been a pleasant surprise."
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[Brutus1]

All these articles are getting me excited about the season. Andy and Hughes look like they are going to be better than ever and we all know LBJ will be LBJ. If we play good defense we have as good a shot at the finals than anyone...

Ditto.