by Longbackers
What a reversal of fortune. Imagine having the best NBA record for the two previous, and consecutive years, now they have one of the worst win-loss slate in the 2010-2011 NBA season. The Cleveland Cavaliers are also dead last in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference with a 8-29 record. Since losing Lebron James to free agency last summer, their offense and defense proficiency plunged down. The Cavs' points per game last season was 102.1, but through 36 games this season, their PPG have dropped to 94.08, a difference of -8.02.
Last season, James was their leader in two departments, in points and assists category. James lead the Cavs with 29.7 ppg and 8.6 ast per ball game. He almost lead the team in rebounds as his average of 7.3 rebounds per game is second to Anderson Varejao's 7.6 rpg. James definitely left a huge vacuum in Cleveland's offense. Because of his thirst for the elusive NBA crown, he and Chris Bosh from the Toronto Raptors, decided to join Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat in pursuit of their goal of getting this year's NBA championship and for many seasons to come.
Taking the scoring load to replace James is All-star forward Antawn Jamison, who is averaging 16.4 ppg, followed by point guard Mo Williams at 14.5 ppg, not enough to lead the Cavs for another winning season. Meanwhile, Anderson Varejao has improved his rebounding average from 7.6 rpg to 9.7 rpg. Leading in the assists department is Williams, at 7.4 dimes per game. With the way they're playing this season, the Cavs are likely to go to the lottery, hoping that they could get the same luck as they did in 2003 when they drafted James as the overall number 1 pick, the same draft class that boasts of present day NBA elites like Wade, Bosh, Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets who is likely to be traded to the New Jersey Nets anytime this month.
But I don't think they'll be instant contenders even if they win the lottery for next year's draft. I've never heard yet of any college player in the USNCAA who is going to make an immediate impact for next season. The only big time player entering the NBA would be Spain's Ricky Rubio, however his draft rights are already owned by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The only chance that they could acquire a marquee player is to try to trade their 2011 or 2012 first round picks in exchange for high quality players that would help them get back to the playoff scene and be a contender for the championship.
Next summer's big named free agent will be Carmelo Anthony, however, it looks like he'll be heading to another Eastern Conference team. Based on the latest press release, The New Jersey Nets are already close in acquiring Anthony via three team trade involving the Nuggets and Detroit Pistons. The Cavs should study very well their options, better plan now, anyway, the way they're playing, they'll surely be heading for the lottery.
sino si longbackers? ang galing naman nya....
ReplyDeleteThe Cavaliers expected this...for how long it will rebuild no one knows..the same with the lose of Chris Bosh from the Raptors, but not as much only with the number of games and a slim chance of playoffs..now we are eliminated before halfway...perhaps we can use a new coach...
ReplyDeleteThere's no need to replace the respective coaches of Toronto, specially Cleveland. Byron Scott is a very talented coach. He had steered New Orleans, and the Jason Kidd era-New Jersey Nets to playoff appearances. They just need another elite player. Scott is good when he has an exceptional point guard to direct his team on court. Mo Williams just couldn't fill that spot, he's a good scorer but not an All-NBA five potential.
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