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Do IT this week: Layering
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: 06:56 p.m. EDT, Sep 26, 2009
Two kings on one court?
The primary question of Cavaliers training camp is whether LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal — the King and an undisputed hall of famer — will be able to coexist. O'Neal said he was here to ''win a ring for the King'' during his introductory news conference in July. That didn't quell talk of possible problems and a Wall Street Journal article published in August said the two superstars hadn't spoken. There's an easy reply to that: So what? It would be a surprise at this stage of his career for O'Neal to believe that he can carry this team. While with the Miami Heat, he showed that with a ring within his grasp, he can step aside and allow someone else, in that case Dwyane Wade, to lead. The bigger question might be whether O'Neal still has enough in the tank after averaging almost 18 points and nine rebounds last season.
Back to the lab
The relationship between James and O'Neal will likely spill over to the rest of the team. And with five new players, including Shaq, on the roster — rookie Danny Green, Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker and Leon Powe (though he won't be available until the second half of the season) — that will be a big deal. The Cavs had uncanny chemistry last season. How that plays out this year will be an important factor in determining how far they can go.
Who's No. 2?
Who will be the starting shooting guard? Even before Delonte West's arrest on weapons charges Sept. 17, the belief was that he was heading to the bench in place of Parker, who started 71 games for the Toronto Raptors and averaged 10.7 points, 4 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Why? Parker's size is a big reason. Although West plays well against taller players, he has shown that he can do well starting or coming off the bench. No one knows what coach Mike Brown and General Manager Danny Ferry are thinking, but West's arrest certainly didn't help him. They've walked a tightrope with West because of his behavior and they will have to handle this situation carefully.
More in reserve?
With his scoring ability, ball-handling skills and all-around toughness, moving West to the bench can only help the team's biggest liability. During the regular season, the Cavs' reserves averaged only 25.1 points per game. In the playoffs, it fell to 14.8 points per game. Brown disguised the problem by often having West and Mo Williams working together with the second unit. It was one of two areas exposed when the Cavs faced the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals. The Magic's reserves torched the Cavs for 34.1 points per game in the series. Whether it's Parker or West coming off the bench, the Cavs get a boost there. Add to the mix that center Zydrunas Ilgauskas will likely come off the bench and that should provide a boost.
Will youth be served?
Daniel Gibson, who had a difficult season after signing a multiyear contract worth a reported $4 million per season, needs to rebound. The Cavs also need their young big men — J.J. Hickson and Darnell Jackson — to come of age. Hickson showed an occasional flash last year before being shut down with a back injury. As for Jackson, he just works hard.
Seeking a wingman
Though Moon has a reputation for playing good perimeter defense, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to get significant minutes on the court. Again, the Magic exposed the Cavs in this area in the conference finals. Hedo Turkoglu took his act to the Toronto Raptors, but Rashard Lewis is still with the Magic, and Vince Carter has joined him. This could remain a vulnerability.
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
Two kings on one court?
The primary question of Cavaliers training camp is whether LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal — the King and an undisputed hall of famer — will be able to coexist. O'Neal said he was here to ''win a ring for the King'' during his introductory news conference in July. That didn't quell talk of possible problems and a Wall Street Journal article published in August said the two superstars hadn't spoken. There's an easy reply to that: So what? It would be a surprise at this stage of his career for O'Neal to believe that he can carry this team. While with the Miami Heat, he showed that with a ring within his grasp, he can step aside and allow someone else, in that case Dwyane Wade, to lead. The bigger question might be whether O'Neal still has enough in the tank after averaging almost 18 points and nine rebounds last season.
Back to the lab
The relationship between James and O'Neal will likely spill over to the rest of the team. And with five new players, including Shaq, on the roster — rookie Danny Green, Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker and Leon Powe (though he won't be available until the second half of the season) — that will be a big deal. The Cavs had uncanny chemistry last season. How that plays out this year will be an important factor in determining how far they can go.
Who's No. 2?
Who will be the starting shooting guard? Even before Delonte West's arrest on weapons charges Sept. 17, the belief was that he was heading to the bench in place of Parker, who started 71 games for the Toronto Raptors and averaged 10.7 points, 4 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Why? Parker's size is a big reason. Although West plays well against taller players, he has shown that he can do well starting or coming off the bench. No one knows what coach Mike Brown and General Manager Danny Ferry are thinking, but West's arrest certainly didn't help him. They've walked a tightrope with West because of his behavior and they will have to handle this situation carefully.
More in reserve?
With his scoring ability, ball-handling skills and all-around toughness, moving West to the bench can only help the team's biggest liability. During the regular season, the Cavs' reserves averaged only 25.1 points per game. In the playoffs, it fell to 14.8 points per game. Brown disguised the problem by often having West and Mo Williams working together with the second unit. It was one of two areas exposed when the Cavs faced the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals. The Magic's reserves torched the Cavs for 34.1 points per game in the series. Whether it's Parker or West coming off the bench, the Cavs get a boost there. Add to the mix that center Zydrunas Ilgauskas will likely come off the bench and that should provide a boost.
Will youth be served?
Daniel Gibson, who had a difficult season after signing a multiyear contract worth a reported $4 million per season, needs to rebound. The Cavs also need their young big men — J.J. Hickson and Darnell Jackson — to come of age. Hickson showed an occasional flash last year before being shut down with a back injury. As for Jackson, he just works hard.
Seeking a wingman
Though Moon has a reputation for playing good perimeter defense, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to get significant minutes on the court. Again, the Magic exposed the Cavs in this area in the conference finals. Hedo Turkoglu took his act to the Toronto Raptors, but Rashard Lewis is still with the Magic, and Vince Carter has joined him. This could remain a vulnerability.
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
Comments
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Canton, OH
Posted 07:03 PM, 09/26/2009
Gee, George, I dunno. . .
DeLonte will make them coexist. . . He has the arsenal, err, ability, to make them get along. . .
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 07:17 PM, 09/26/2009
If Lebrons ego will subside a bit they can .I cant wait to see Shaq!!!
@Slov..LOL!!!!!!
Akron, OH
Posted 08:52 PM, 09/26/2009
Slovensko, go. Not slow.
Posted 08:57 PM, 09/26/2009
Go Cavs !
Akron, , OH
Posted 10:03 PM, 09/26/2009
I think shaq will want to talk about his favorite subject...
Him!!
Anti-Politically Correct & Anti-GOP, OH
Posted 08:54 AM, 09/27/2009
They will coexist for ay ear and then one of them will be headed to another team, most likely LeBron if the Cavs can't get it done this year.
Naples, FL
Posted 10:49 AM, 09/27/2009
Yes, both LeBron and Shaq have big egos but there is one place they don't let them get in the way and that's on the court. These are two of the most "professional" NBA players you'll ever see. There will be no problems between these two.
apopka, fl
Posted 11:25 PM, 09/27/2009
I think the Shaq would be good for the Browns, they need help everywhere!
Posted 08:15 AM, 09/28/2009
If Lebron is gone after this year, you can bet Shaq will follow. The only thing attractive about the Cavs is Lebron James, without him they're a lottery team.
NorthernWestVirginny, WV
Posted 03:16 PM, 09/28/2009
CleveRox...I agree very much !!! With the Brownies playing sooooo well, I cannot wait to see Shaq and LBJ !! And I never thought that I would be saying that. I hope these 2 can get it done. I think the East is very nervous since the Shaq deal. Everyone seemed to make roster changes once Shaq decided to come to Cleveland. Again, I hope they can do it because Cleveland has NO chance at a championship in the near future unless it is this Cavs team.
Oh yeah, did I mention that the "repeat" squealers have choked for the 2nd week in a row??? Go Bears !!!! Go Bengals !!!! My new favorite teams !!!!
