Mike Snyder Chat Transcript
April 1st, 2005
Mike Snyder returned to the Cavaliers as the Studio Host for the 2004-05
season, his 13th straight year in the position. Snyder begins each Cavaliers radio
network broadcast with the 30-minute "Jim Giltner Financial Group Tip-Off Show," a
comprehensive look at what's happening around the NBA, featuring interviews, game
reports, injury updates and a preview of the Cavaliers game with Head Coach Brendan Malone and Joe Tait.
Ron (Lakewood, OH): Joe Tait during a recent interview with Mike Trivisonno stated that the CAVS 2005 team is not a team that will win an NBA Championship. What moves need to take place in the off season to make the Cavaliers a legitimate contender?
Mike Snyder: First off they need to address the outside shooting and get a complementary player for LeBron. Luke Jackson might help as an outside shooter next season. I think they could mature as a team with one year under their belts together.
(Euclid, OH): What is it like to work with Scott Zurilla ? Is he as cool as he looks ?
Mike Snyder: He wishes!
Evan (Towson, MD): Mike, how did you get your start in radio?
Mike Snyder: It's something I always wanted to do. I went to college and worked at the school radio station. Actually, I began my career as a rock disc-jockey in a little station in central Pennsylvania. For a number of years I worked at WOBL in Oberlin where I did numerous high school football and basketball broadcasts. From there my first opportunity to work in Cleveland came as the play by play broadcaster for Cleveland State Univ. Basketball. In the mid-80's I began working with 3WE which is now WTAM and have continued to work in a variety of roles ever since.
Otis (Independence): Who are your all-time favorite Cavaliers players?
Mike Snyder: I say my all-time favorites are Nate Thurmond, Mark Price, and LeBron James. I could go on and on, but those would be the top three.
Yuri (Rootstown): What NBA team is the biggest surprise this season, in your opinion?
Mike Snyder: I would say the biggest surprise to me would be just how good the Phoenix Suns are. I thought they would be good, but not this good.
Brian (Nelsonville): All things being equal, are there any reasons why you think ownership would NOT want to resign Z?
Mike Snyder: No, Z is having an outstanding season. He wants to be here. LeBron wants him here and I believe ownership will do what it takes to keep him here.
Janice (Raleigh): Pound for pound, who would you rather have in your starting line-up: Drew Gooden or Carlos Boozer?
Mike Snyder: Let's put it this way. Now knowing the character of Carlos, while Drew may not be as finished a product, I'll take Drew.
David (Toledo): What impresses you most about Dan Gilbert?
Mike Snyder: His passion. He wants to get it done.
Mike(Cleveland): Concerning Lebron's ankle, are the Cavaliers becoming a mirror image of the mid 90's Detoit Pistons and Grant Hill?
Mike Snyder: No, I don't think that's the case here. LeBron is young, he wants to play every minute. The ankle has been something to deal with, but I don't know that it's the same situation, at least at this point.
Harvey (LA): Why did the team sign Scott Williams and not use him at all?
Mike Snyder: I think they wanted another veteran on the bench and with the emergence of Varejao, I think they really saw no reason to play Scott at this point. It is a bit disappointing, but I think that is basically what it is.
David (Plainfield, NJ): If the team makes the playoffs and gets the #6 seed, how do you see their chances against a team like Boston, which might get #3 with a bad record?
Mike Snyder: They'd have a shot. The Celtics are a up and down kind of team. And the #6 slot probably would give the Cavaliers the best chance to win in a first round series.
Jack (Traverse City): Mike - which Cleveland sports franchise is best off as of today -- the Browns, Indians or Cavs?
Mike Snyder: I would say the Cavaliers because of LeBron. But I think the Indians are headed in the right direction with the plan they've been talking about. From the Browns side, I've been impressed with Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel. And let's all say a few prayers.
Lonnie (Baltimore): Which was your favorite arena, Richfield or the Gund and why?
Mike Snyder: Well, the Coliseum was just a special place. The memory of the Miracle Season will always be there. That cannot be duplicated, but hopefully the days will be coming where some new memories will be made at Gund Arena.
dave . . . (mansfield, oh): Mike, since this is April Fool's Day, what's it like to work with the biggest fool in Cleveland, Mike Trivisonno???
Mike Snyder: Don't be so hard on Triv. However, it's not all that easy.
Columbus Ohio: Day before yesterday on a national sports radio show, they talked about how they think Phil Jackson will coach for the Knicks next year, and then year after that LeBron will be playing in NY. Someone else then went on to say that the NBA has set up rules to prevent a player like LeBron from just jumping to a big market. Can you briefly explain these rules.
Mike Snyder: As far as LeBron goes, he is under contract for 3 more years. The way I understand it, the Cavaliers can not sign him to a long term deal until next summer. There is always going to be speculation about LeBron's future until the Cavaliers can do a maximum contract with him which of course is the plan. LeBron seems to be happy playing in his home town. Before today, I am not going to worry about that.
Tim (Akron): Why do you think that Eric Snow has been starting in place of Jeff McInnis?
Mike Snyder: Basically, Eric has played better defense as of late and the coach seems to like the way he's ignited the offense. However, in the last two games, J-Mac played very well and actually played more minutes than Snow in each game.
Bozeman, Montana: Mike we have met and spoken many times over the years and I always enjoy your insight. I was wanting to ask about an article I read recently about if the Cavs can't keep Z here next season that Anderson could play an undersized center role with the team provided he gain a bit of weight and attend the big man camp this summer. I am all for Anderson and think he is great for the team but I do feel he is more natural for the power forward or 4 spot. We really have an advantage with a tall center over most of the Eastern Conference teams and I feel we should do everything to hold that with Z. Seeing Z play a couple healthy seasons after everything he has been through has been one of my biggest joys of late. What do you think about this idea of Anderson being the Cavs center perhaps in the future? Thanks very much and take care Mike! ~Mike Colasante~ formerly of Chesterland, OH
Mike Snyder: I agree with you about Z. As far as Anderson goes, I think forward is his best position. But I could see him playing some minutes at center. That would depend upon the matchup. But as far as a center to run the offense through, I don't really see Anderson as being that type of player, at least for a while. Thanks for joining us today. I appreciate you listening to the Cavaliers Radio Network and WTAM. Let's hope the Cavaliers make the playoffs and surprise everyone once they get there.
