Let's Get It On!
David Liam Kyle NBAE/Getty Images |
It will tonight. Maybe not at tip-off. Maybe it’ll take a throwdown by LeBron James or a three-pointer from Damon Jones late in the second quarter. But at some point, you’ll realize that Cavaliers basketball is back and what could be one of the most memorable seasons in Cleveland sports history is about to unfold.
It’s hard to digest an entire season from here. Eighty-two games and six months is a long way away and if it ends that soon, it’s been a disappointing year. The new and improved Cavaliers are looking to go deep into shirt-sleeve weather. And playing in June would be most welcome.
But that’s just California dreaming from the early days of November. They have to start with a squad that’s coming off a 93-67 crowning of the favored Kings last night in Oklahoma City. And after tonight’s home opener, it’s off for three on the road, including a back-to-back beginning with the Champs.
Still, the electricity has been flowing through The Q for a week and the players are more than ready to get this thing rolling.
“I would say that if anyone says that they aren’t a little nervous, that they aren’t being totally honest,” said Eric Snow after Tuesday’s practice. “I think that everyone is a little excited and anxious to get the season underway.”
Snow came out of Camp as the winner of the coveted point guard position. But Damon Jones is still a key component of the rotation and the greatest shooter on the planet will get ample opportunity.
“I like the versatility that we have,” Mike Brown said after naming Snow on Monday. “I like that fact that I know both of those point guards are available any time. Both guys have great leadership skills and know how to run a team.”
The Drew Gooden-Donyell Marshall argument over who would start was a non-starter. Gooden came into Camp in great shape and Marshall accepted – and then succeeded – in his role off the bench.
The only question that hasn’t been answered coming out of Camp is who comes off the bench to replace LeBron James – Luke Jackson or Sasha Pavlovic. And that’s something that will simply play out.
All of these issues go out the window when the rock gets tossed up tonight. There’s a lot at stake for the Wine and Gold this season. New GM Danny Ferry has them locked and loaded and new coach Mike Brown has them tightened up. You won’t see as many defensive lapses. And you’ll see less sparring with the officials. All indications are that you’ll see a more disciplined, mentally tough team.
And amidst all the talk of new front office personnel and free agents and the re-signing of Z is the fact that at 7:05 p.m., the Cavaliers have one of the five greatest ballplayers on the planet – for real – at the small forward. It’s a long season and you might need that fact to warm you up. The Cavaliers have the hammer – something Clevelanders haven’t had since Jim Brown – and when he’s on, it’s the greatest show on Earth.
“It’s been the longest preseason in my three years,” laughed LeBron. “I’m very excited to get this team out on the court. I’m very excited for the crowd to come out Wednesday night and have a great time.”
LBJ sounds like a 20-year-old with a new, fast, sleek car that he’s dying to take for a spin. He’s about to. And so are we.
Buckle up.
-- Joe Gabriele
cavs.com
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 November 2, 2005In their expansion year -- 1970-71 -- the Cleveland Cavaliers began the season 1-27. They lost their first 15 games before defeating Portland and went on to drop their next 12. Five short years later, the 1976-77 Cavaliers began the season by winning 16 of their first 20 ballgames, including their first eight. Both squads were coached by the legendary Bill Fitch. |
In the Paint
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Ford Tough: Milwaukee Bucks point guard T.J. Ford returned from almost a year and half absence and turned in a monster performance. Ford was critical down the stretch on his way to 16 points, 14 assists and 9 rebounds, one shy of a triple double. He’s definitely the early candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.
Melo’s Back: After what some would consider a sub par season in 2004, Carmelo Anthony let it be known that he is still one of the elite young players in the NBA and the leader of the Denver Nuggets. Going against the San Antonio Spurs, Melo dropped 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists on the world champs.
Some Hospitality: The team that many picked to be the worst in the NBA, the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, got their first win by whipping the Sacramento Kings 93-67. Playing in front of a very inspired sell-out crowd, the Hornets showed their host city their heart. Consider this…the NFL’s New Orleans Saints similarly won their first game after being displaced, beating a perceived better team, the Carolina Panthers 23-20.
Webber’s Return: Chris Webber showed all his critics that he indeed would try and return to his All-Star form in his second season with the Philadelphia 76ers. He stuffed the stat sheet with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists despite his team losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime, 117-108.
Around the League
Broken Boozer: When he played his hoops east of the Mississippi, Carlos Boozer was a rock, missing only eight games in his two years with the Cavaliers. But it’s been a different story with the Utah Jazz. Boozer strained his left hamstring and will miss the first three games of the 2005-06. The last time Boozer – the Jazz’ highest-paid player – saw action in an NBA game was February 14 of last year.
Helping Hedo: From the department of “Be Careful What You Wish For” comes Hedo Turkoglu, who will be starting in place of Grant Hill as the Magic’s small forward in Wednesday night’s opener and will take on Indiana’s Ron Artest. “I’m ready!” Turkoglu said, beating his fist to his chest. Turkoglu added some muscle in the off-season and he’ll need it in the opener. He’ll be starting until Grant Hill returns from a sports hernia operation he underwent over the summer.
Garden Party: It should be an interesting year for the New York Knicks. Not only does their roster feature eight new players – including Eddy Curry and scintillating rookie, Nate Robinson – but their front office now features two of the highest profile basketball executives in the free world, head coach Larry Brown and GM Isiah Thomas. So far, so good, says Thomas. "We're just two guys rolling up their sleeves, trying to win," Thomas said. "People say we can't work together? Well, you haven't heard that from anybody who knows me or him." We’ll check back in January.
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| NOVEMBER 2005 | ||
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