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Do IT this week: Layering
Official says he's so dynamic, he can play several positions; shooting guard started for Raptors but may be called on to come off the bench in Cleveland
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Tuesday, Jul 14, 2009
INDEPENDENCE: Anthony Parker calls himself the Danny DeVito of the Parker clan.
With superstar sister Candace making her mark in the WNBA, you can understand why Parker, the newest free agent addition to the Cavaliers roster, might feel that way.
Parker, however, who averaged 10.7 points, four rebounds and 3.4 assists while starting for the Toronto Raptors last season, won't be filling a small role for the Cavaliers. In fact, assistant Cavs GM Lance Blanks touted Parker's ability to play several positions, calling Parker a ''chameleon.''
''Whatever role he plays, he'll be fine because he's that dynamic,'' Blanks said after introducing Parker at Cleveland Clinic Courts Monday.
While Parker, who signed a two-year deal, is known for his ability to shoot, he also can play defense on the perimeter, according to scouting reports. The Orlando Magic certainly revealed that to be a Cavs vulnerability in the Eastern Conference Finals this past season.
Parker underplayed his defensive prowess.
''I think I can defend. I wouldn't consider myself a lockdown defender,'' he said. ''I don't know of too many lockdown defenders in this league.
''I think my strength is team defense, just being in the right place at the right time. Certainly with the type of defensive team in Cleveland, I fit in. It makes my job a lot easier when everyone is on the same page. They proved last year they're a very good defensive team.''
The Cavaliers were interested in Parker for the past three or four years, Blanks said, with members of the organization attending games when he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli Premier League.
Apparently other teams, including the Magic and Miami Heat, wanted him as well. The Raptors were also interested in re-signing him.
Although he started at the shooting guard position last year, he realizes that he may be called on to come off the bench, a reality for most former starters in the NBA, he said. He also said with a team that includes LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal and the attention they will probably draw, he will get his opportunities.
Ultimately, it came down to what would be the best fit for the 34-year-old, who played college hoops at Bradley University. He said that he felt comfortable with the coaching staff, the other players on the roster and the organization as a whole.
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read the Cavs blog at http://www.ohio.com/thomas. Follow Cavs coverage on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cavsabj
INDEPENDENCE: Anthony Parker calls himself the Danny DeVito of the Parker clan.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Canton, OH
Posted 07:51 AM, 07/14/2009
34 years old ??? SHEESH. . . .
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:57 AM, 07/14/2009
Cavs are not done another major move is already in the works.
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:58 AM, 07/14/2009
slovesko 34 isnt that old considering that this is only his 9th year. Actually he is in his prime. sure shaq is old too, but i see them using both him and Z to back each other up so niether of them have to log alot of miniutes. these guys arent old they are vets! dont get it twisted.
Posted 11:05 AM, 07/14/2009
Dudefahq,
You're lieing to yourself.
Everyone keeps talking about this Parker guy like he's the best signing this season....
Well maybe because he's the only signing this season.
Don't count Andy either, he's not considered a new piece. The Shaq trade was a good move but they needed to sign a top quality player and they didn't.
The Pistons and Celtics improved dramatically and I'm not sure we gained much ground yet after all the teams moves.
Norton, oh
Posted 11:23 AM, 07/14/2009
Wait...how did the Celtics and Pistons improved dramatically. Kevin Garnett's body is starting to deteriate and the help he got was Rasheed Wallace. Also, it is the same old Pistons except they added Ben Gordon and Charlie Villaneuva. Those two don't really strike me as major difference makers. The one thing everyone on this board keeps forgetting is the Cavs have Lebron. What makes you think that Lebron will not improve like he has done in all his past seasons. I am guessing that the two teams to beat in the East will be Cleveland and Orlando. So far I believe the Cavs have had the better off season than Orlando.
akron, oh
Posted 01:31 PM, 07/14/2009
If he is the Danny DeVito, will we get to see Rhea Pearlman courtside?
akron, oh
Posted 01:32 PM, 07/14/2009
@KBADM: Who is left to aquire?
Posted 01:11 AM, 07/15/2009
dudefahq, what in the world are you talking about? 34 is 34. There's a good reason Toronto kicked this guy to the curb. He's a slightly darker, less out of control Count Pavlovic.
And it always cracks me up whenever they say they've been "interested" in a guy for years. They gave the same line of bull about Delonte West. Well, if they supposedly were so "interested," then why wasn't he acquired before now? It's not like the chump was untouchable.
Why not simply lure Bob Sura out of retirement? He's only 36, he'll fit right in.
Posted 07:28 AM, 07/15/2009
Come on, "Come on".
You honestly think that adding Gordon and Villaneuva while subtracting Allen Iverson wasn't a dramatic improvement? The Pistons already have a solid team. If you look at it in these terms...
Add Villa to take the minutes McDyess had. = Big benefit.
Add Gordon to come off the bench and add offense. = Big benefit.
The Celtics added Wallace, who make them more versatile with an "inside-outside game".
Now a healthy KG, Wallace and Rondo can play their own version of the triangle offense with a solid bench can produce when needed.
The Majic stayed nuetral to me. Vince Carter is overrated and always hurt when it comes to crunch time. They lost a few players that were viable contributors to get him. Vince Carter is no Hedo Turkolu and their bench isn't as good as it was last year.
If they sign Odom then they made a good move but he's going to want to start and I'm not sure that's going to happen here in CLeveland. Andy seems to be set up for the starting PF this season with the contract he just signed.
Posted 10:50 AM, 07/15/2009
The Pistons added offense, but neither Gordon or Villanueva play good defense. Detroit will make the playoffs but aren't contenders. I think Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando are the class of the East. Anyone that thinks Boston isn't a factor is out of their minds. Heck, they gave Orlando a better series than Cleveland did without Garnett.
elyria , oh
Posted 11:06 AM, 07/15/2009
sooo
elyria , oh
Posted 11:08 AM, 07/15/2009
do ppl really trust parker to start instead of delonte?
elyria , oh
Posted 11:11 AM, 07/15/2009
i think we are gonna have to wait and see how garnett plays next season to really be able to tell whats good. and james you know will be better too but cleveland always has to worry no matter what cuz we got baddd luck
