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Mo Williams' speed creates opportunities for Ilgauskas' jumper
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Thursday, Oct 09, 2008
INDEPENDENCE: Prevailing wisdom says the Cavaliers brought Mo Williams in to serve as that long-needed No. 2 to LeBron James, giving the team another scoring option.
But Williams might be the fountain of youth for center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Entering his 11th season as a Cav, he's the team's elder statesman and readily admits that occasionally he feels all of his 33 years.
Last season, he averaged 14.1 points and 9.3 rebounds in 30 minutes per game. In the first preseason game Tuesday at Quicken Loans Arena, he hit for 16 points and grabbed six rebounds in just 22 minutes. He holds no illusions about what he can do in the coming campaign, but he recognizes that Williams could be a difference-maker.
''I don't know, I got a lot of pick and pops before Mo. I don't know if you can attribute it to him, but having him on the floor, his quickness creates problems for the defense, so when I go to set the pick and roll for Mo, the big guy can't worry about me,'' he said. ''He's got to leave me alone and go out to him. Sometimes I don't even have to set the pick-and-roll because Mo
comes out so quick.''
The connection revealed itself as Ilgauskas shot more than 60 percent from the floor against the Toronto Raptors, draining those 15- to 20- foot jump shots with ease.
''He brings a different dynamic than LeBron . . . for Z to be able to get some good looks off the ball, which is something I think fans will see most of the year,'' coach Mike Brown said. ''If Mo and Z want to play pick and roll, all Mo has to do [is call the play] and he's got it. We'll look for it, but Mo's the point guard and like I tell any of my point guards, their play call trumps my play call.''
Ideally, Williams' ability to penetrate, something that's been missing in the point guard position, will help Ilgauskas' rebounding. With opposing defenses collapsing, taking themselves out of their set, that frees teammates to crash the boards.
Williams' net effect will be to help develop a more up-tempo game, something that might be expected to hinder Z's game. He doesn't necessarily believe that's the case.
''We'll have to run smart, look for our opportunities and if they're not there — good defensive teams are going to make us play half court,'' he said. ''Whether it's the regular season or the playoffs, we're not going to outrun everyone to win a championship. We're going to have to win it in the half court a lot of times, especially in the fourth quarter and that's where I'll be effective, I hope.''
Reducing the roster
The Cavaliers reduced their roster to 17 today by releasing center Lance Allred, whose tenure with the team began with a 10-day contract last season. They also released guard Michael Dickerson.
The team excused Dickerson, who was trying to return to the league after a five-year absence, to tend to some personal matters on Oct. 1, and he hasn't been able to return. He plans to resume his comeback when that is resolved.
Talent on loan?
Daniel ''Boobie'' Gibson said he wasn't even close to leaving the Cavs in the summer as a restricted free agent. In fact, he didn't even use an agent to negotiate his deal; he relied on his father. He said that the money wasn't a major concern.
''Right now it's a matter of how much I love the game and [I'm] just ready to get back on the court,'' he said. ''No matter how much I play for, I would still play the game for free.''
He'd better not tell General Manager Danny Ferry that.
Quick shot
Guard Delonte West still hasn't returned to the team. He was excused last week to take care of some personal issues.
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/sportsblitz/.
INDEPENDENCE: Prevailing wisdom says the Cavaliers brought Mo Williams in to serve as that long-needed No. 2 to LeBron James, giving the team another scoring option.
Get the full article here.
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