On Guards

Although the Cavaliers still have a job opening to fill at small forward – (maybe you’ve read something about it) – they have quietly and gradually reshaped their backcourt this summer, their newest member making his first North Coast appearance on Thursday morning at the Cleveland Clinic Courts.

Along with big man, Ryan Hollins, new Cavaliers guard Ramon Sessions met the media and already seemed eager to get on the hardwood. And according to GM Chris Grant, if the actual courts weren’t being worked on, they newly-minted duo would have.

While some free agents have eschewed Cleveland’s offers to join the new-look Cavaliers, Sessions was excited to be part of the Wine and Gold rebirth.

“There was speculation going around that I might be coming (to Cleveland) and when I heard, I was really excited to be playing alongside Mo (Williams) again – he took me under his wing as a rookie,” said Sessions. “I’m just happy to be in this organization and like (Chris) said, I’m ready to get started right now and go today.”

The 24-year-old Sessions joins his former teammate from Milwaukee, claiming that Mo was the second person (after his agent) that he called after hearing the news. He and Mo have worked well together in the past and, in Byron Scott’s system, could form a formidable running duo again in Cleveland.

Sessions started just one game last year in Minnesota (although he played in all 82). But his numbers as a starter over the course of his career are quite impressive. In 47 games as part of the starting five, Sessions has averaged 14.7 points and 8.3 assists per contest. He’s been among the league leaders is turnover-to-assist ratio.

He and Williams could form the Cavaliers starting frontcourt this upcoming season, but there’s an entire Training Camp to sort that out.

“Me and Mo are best friends and we’re going compete,” asserted Sessions. “It’s not going to be where I come in and – just because he was my mentor – I let him get off easy. I’m going to come in here and compete and play hard.”

Chris Grant will continue to seek out players who can fit the Cavaliers culture and Byron Scott’s up-tempo style, but along with the recently-acquired Sessions, the revamped Cavaliers backcourt currently consists of …

Daniel Gibson – All Boobie did last season was finish third in the NBA in three-point shooting – a gaudy .477 from beyond the arc – and go 9-1 as the starting point guard. Entering his fifth season, Gibson’s three-point percentage has dipped below 40 percent just once (in 2008-09), but the former Longhorn is a career .424 shooter.

Sessions has attempted just 56 three-pointers in his career, so the Cavaliers will look to Boobie to continue his hot long-distance shooting. Already a physical and somewhat underrated defender, Boobie has vowed to be more aggressive on the offensive end this season. And this season, he’ll get that chance.

Christian Eyenga – Most fans have either seen Christian Eyenga on grainy film in a half-empty gym in Spain or in clips from the Vegas Summer League. But by all accounts, the uber-athletic Eyenga has a big-time skill-set that just needs time to develop.

Not yet a strong enough ball-handler or shooter, the sinewy native of the Congo will use his rookie season to learn the game, his teammates (and the language). It’s more likely that Eyenga will do some development in Erie than have an impact on the Wine and Gold. But anyone who can master five tongues in 21 years can pick up the Princeton offense.

Mo Williams – Mo’s numbers took a dip last season, following his All-Star campaign in 2008-09, but there were less shots to go around last year. This upcoming season, Williams will be expected not only to rediscover his offensive mojo from two years ago, but also to be one of the squad’s leaders.

As well as being close friends, Mo and Sessions have worked well together. There is some concern about the two starting – with Mo measuring in at 6-1 and Sessions at 6-3. But Sessions maintained in Thursday’s media that the two could work together on the floor.

Anthony Parker – In three of the last four seasons, the durable Parker hasn’t missed a single start. He started at shooting guard spot in 81 games last year, shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc while playing some strong defense against some of the game’s best two-guards.

In his second year in Cleveland, Parker will be asked to provide veteran leadership on a young team as well as add some size to a suddenly small backcourt.

Danny Green – Since his Tar Heel days, Danny Green has been known as a guy who doesn’t do anything extremely well but does everything pretty well. That versatility will come in handy for a Cavaliers club in flux.

Green showed flashes in Vegas earlier this month, but will need to keep progressing if he hopes to up his minutes from his rookie campaign. Like Gibson and the rest of his backcourt mates this season, Green should definitely get his chance.