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Numbers look decent; more playing time likely in absence of key subs
By Brian Windhorst Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Wednesday, Oct 24, 2007
INDEPENDENCE: For understandable reasons, more attention has been paid to who isn't playing for the Cavaliers than who is.
At this point, with the start of the season one week away, the focus is turning toward the Cavs' haves, not the have-nots. At least, that is the way the Cavs are attempting to look at things. The absence of Anderson Varejao, Sasha Pavlovic and Eric Snow has led to a somewhat-gloomy training camp and a depleted second unit that has been repeatedly vanquished in the five preseason games.
But that doesn't have anything to do with the current starters, who have quietly played reasonably well in limited time. Whether it's a result of planning or downright necessity, those starters are going to play far more minutes in this week's final two preseason games, at Toronto and at Boston. And probably when the season begins, too.
''We get paid to win games, and that's what we have to do,'' Cavs coach Mike Brown said. ''There's nobody that's going to come through the door that is going to save our behinds; the only way is by looking in the mirror and getting it done ourselves.''
Brown has kept the front line's minutes down in the early going, which is one of the reasons why the Cavs are 1-4 in the preseason. Tally the results from the first and third quarters, when the starters have played, and the Cavs are actually outplaying their opponents.
LeBron James has shown midseason form, leading the team in points, assists, and steals in just 23 minutes per game. Daniel Gibson has still not been able to become as much of a creator as the Cavs need from the point-guard spot he has just as many turnovers as assists but he's shooting the ball extremely well, hitting 46 percent from 3-point range.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Drew Gooden are rebounding well, which is a Cavs staple. Larry Hughes hasn't shot the ball well but seems to be pleased with the new offensive concepts, and he is making an effort to get to the basket more.
Most important to Brown is that the starting unit is also playing defense well. It even falls back on concepts from last season that the Cavs have not yet gone over in training camp while the focus is on offense.
''We've played really well,'' James said. ''The starters understand what it takes, and we know the system, so it is a little easier for us.''
In the short run, Brown's plan might be to rely on the starters to get the job done as he attempts to piece together a rotation that he can trust behind them. That is going to mean in
creased responsibility and a bigger workload for the front line, a concept the players have been discussing.
''We've talked about it,'' Gooden said. ''You have teams out there like the Phoenix Suns, and their five starters play more than 30 minutes a game, and if that is what we have to resort to, so be it.''
Jones working hard
The absence of Varejao and an ankle injury to Cedric Simmons left the door open for one of the free-agent big men in training camp to fill a void. Dwayne Jones, playing on a nonguaranteed contract, has been that man, impressing his coach with each practice and becoming a virtual lock to make the opening night roster. Jones isn't proficient at much, but he is a strong rebounder and plays with a lot of energy, which has shown up in the preseason, as he's averaging an astounding 18.8 rebounds per 48 minutes.
''I'm glad I got the opportunity; I've been working at it,'' Jones said. ''I don't care how I got it; I'm just glad I've been able to take advantage of it. Hopefully I have earned a spot, but it is not up to me, and things can change fast.''
LeBron on Kobe
James was asked after practice Tuesday about the possibility of Kobe Bryant being traded. It has basically been the NBA's hottest topic since June and has been rekindled of late since Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss told reporters he would be willing to trade his signature star. The Chicago Bulls, a Cavs rival in the Central Division, are a potential landing spot.
''Hopefully he's not traded to the East, but it looks like he's headed this way,'' James said. ''If he does, they say Chicago is the No. 1 place. It would be fun to play against Chicago four times a year. We're two competitors, and we love playing against each other.''
Brian Windhorst can be reached at bwindhor@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/cavs/.
INDEPENDENCE: For understandable reasons, more attention has been paid to who isn't playing for the Cavaliers than who is.
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