Cavs.com took a moment to chat with the Cavaliers coach before the action begins on Monday.

The Vegas Summer League started Friday, but the Cavaliers don’t play until Monday afternoon. How many practices have you gotten in?
John Kuester: We’ve had close to four practices already and the guys have worked real hard so far.

Have you coached Summer League before?
J.K.: Yeah, I have in Philly and in Detroit, we shared the responsibilities with that.

You’d like to get some wins in Summer League, but what are some of the other goals during the week?
J.K.: Well, I think something that’s happened is the transformation of Summer League; and that it’s given a lot of people an opportunity to be looked at, especially for your veterans Training Camp or your 10-days – or guys just making your squad altogether.

It’s a great opportunity, especially for young players you’ve drafted – Darnell Jackson and, of course, J.J. Hickson. They’ve done a real nice job, and this is a chance to give them some information about what our team is all about. (Along with some terminology, offensively and defensively.)

Speaking of J.J. Hickson, how has he looked so far?
J.K.: J.J.’s done a real nice job. He’s behind the learning curve, right now, from a defensive standpoint – as most rookies would be. But offensively, he’s got some outstanding skills and once he gets a familiarity with what we want done defensively and offensively, well, he’s got a tremendous upside.

… and Darnell Jackson?
J.K.: What a pleasure to coach. Both of them have been that way. And having a little more experience at the college level, Darnell is a little ahead of that learning curve. And he’s definitely still learning some things, but he’s ahead of things right now.

What’s been your impression of Tractor Traylor so far?
J.K.: Tractor’s done a great job. Our first game is (Monday) and I’m really interested to see how he’ll respond to a game situation.

He’s been outstanding at practice so far. He’s had a lot of energy. He’s gotten up and down the court and for a guy 31 years old, he still has some bounce in his legs. And he’s a solid veteran who’s helping a lot of the young players out.

What would you like to have seen by week’s end in Vegas?
J.K.: I just want to see steady improvement. I just want to see the guys keep working hard; like they have been. And hopefully comprehend some of the offensive and defensive things that we’re trying to get accomplished.

And, of course, I want to win.