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Post Lebron Era Underway
July 25, 2010 By Erik Krevh
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Now that the whole Lebron saga is over and almost forgotten, the next question is ‘Now what?' The talent on the team seams to put them smack dab in the middle of mediocrity for the next several years. A limbo land of .500 ball that makes teams good enough to get some exiting wins throughout the year, but not good enough to make the playoffs, or if they do, the inevitable early exit from them.
What are the right moves to get the Cavs back into a title contender in the fewest calendar flips? There aren't any significant free agents available that can turn the franchise back into a serious contender this year. The latest free agent that the Cavs were pursuing was Matt Barnes, but he recently signing with the Lakers. Another example showing that it may be a while before a big free agent wants anything to do with the Cavs.
As far as what is currently on the roster, Anderson Verejo is a nice role player and sixth man. If JJ Hickson can start hitting his outside shot, he could prove to be a mismatch nightmare for some of the big men in the NBA. Antawn Jamison, the consummate professional, will surely give his all, but at age 34, what that ‘all' is, is in question.
Christian Eyenga has shown some mad athletic skills, and if he gets in any games, will surely be a regular on ESPN highlight reels. Unless he gets his defensive assignments down, he will be on the receiving end of some highlight reels as well. Mo Williams is, well Mo Williams. Maybe with a more defined role, he can get more shots and more in rhythm.
Daniel Gibson and Jamario Moon are two other players signed beyond this year, and are nice players. They both should have had more playing time in the Boston series, but that is water under the bridge. Sebastian Telfair, Anthony Parker, Leon Powe and Danny Green round out the current roster along with Delonte West, who's future with the team is unknown.
The hard cold fact is that in order for the Cavs to make significant strides forward, they will need to take a few steps backwards. They will probably be in some exciting games this year, but unless they can pull off some miracle blockbuster trade, things will get worse before they get better.
What do we have to look forward to this year? A running team that will play team ball versus dribble..dribble..crab dribble...dribble...shoot. Hopefully someone on the team will take the lead and show everyone how important free throw shooting is. I also hope that Cavs management give the number 23 to Christian Eyenga. What better way to tell the world that we have moved on?
It would be a shame is if fans avoided going to games next season. Just because the teams best ‘individual' player left the team, it would hurt the franchise if people stayed away. If we can show the basketball world that we will support our team, regardless of what the ‘Self proclaimed Chosen One' did to us, it could send a message to future free agents to be that we are behind a franchise that has a great owner who has a proven track record in everything he does.
