z's Cleveland Cavaliers fan blog

19-63.  That was Washington's record this past season.  Dead last in the East. Ouch.  But it seemed like just yesterday they were battling with the Cavs in the playoffs year after year.  Gilbert Arenas' knee injury killed them this season.  If he was healthy, they probably would've squeaked into the playoffs.  I think the Wiz are going to come back strong.  Assuming Arenas is still the Arenas we've come to know as one of the best players in the league, the Wizards should be much improved.  Throw in whoever they get with the #5 pick in the draft, and we will definitely see this team back in the playoffs.  Caron Butler is extremely underrated, and Antawn Jamison is still playing at a fairly high level (assuming Cleveland doesn't get him).  A

Continue reading "Wizards An Eastern Conference Threat?"

You heard it here first.  The Charlotte Bobcats will be in the playoffs next year.  Are they going to actually do anything there?  No.  But I really think they'll grab a 7 or 8 seed.  They came close this past year to cracking the top 8.  They need to resign Raymond Felton, who's a restricted free agent.  If they can keep Felton, have a nice draft, and add a free agent or 2, they should be able to grab a playoff spot next year.  Emeka Okafor has been a very productive player at times, actually underrated overall.  When Gerald Wallace isn't suffering from freak injuries like puncturing his spleen or lung, he can be very good.  I like the core of this team, and they should be better than they were last year.  Chin up, Charlotte fans!&nbs

Continue reading "Bobcats on the Rise"

The Pistons could be in some serious trouble.  I dont' even see them making the playoffs in 2010.  I think they'll probably be in the lottery.  They're not re-signing Iverson.  The only reason they traded for him is so all that money on his contract comes off the cap.  They're not re-signing Rasheed, he's gone.  The Cavs and Spurs seem to have some interest in Sheed, so he'll definitely sign with a contender.  That's only going to leave an aging Richard Hamilton and a still steady Tayshaun Prince on the roster.  Stuckey has shown flashes of being good, but this roster next season could be ugly.  They'll probably go after Boozer or try to trade for Bosh, but odds are, this roster is going to be pathetic next season.  Of course, Cleveland, Bo

Continue reading "Doomsday in Detroit?"

1.  LeBron James:  Analysts and writers seem to be 50/50 on the LeBron/Kobe debate.  I pick LeBron.

2.  Kobe Bryant:  Probably one of the 10 greatest players ever.  And counting.

3.  Chris Paul:  Best point guard on the planet.  Does EVERYTHING for his team. Led league in asts/steals 2 years in a row.

4.  Dwyane Wade: Wade circa 2006 & 2009 makes you put him in LBJ and Kobe's class.  Gets to the rim at will.  

5.  Dwight Howard:  Best center in the world.  5th player ever to lead league in rebs/blocks.  Only improving offensively.

6.  Tim Duncan:  Still the best power forward in the league.  Still gets 20 & 10 in his sleep.

7.  Brandon Roy:  3rd best shooting guard in the league, and one of the top closers.  Deadly mid-range game.  

Continue reading "The 35 Best Basketball Players in the World, Right Now"

So now there's news that the Cavs are going after Shaq, Rasheed Wallace, and Antawn Jamison.  The Cavs are desperate to make LeBron happy by getting him some serious help.  I agree with this strategy.  You have to bring in a new center and power forward, LeBron would love this.  Z shouldn't be a starter anymore, and Varejao is too limited offensively.  No superstar can win a title by themselves, and James needs support. 

Personally, I don't think there's any chance LeBron leaves next summer.  I would be shocked, in utter disbelief.  Why would he?  It's his home, and the Cavs are trying their best to improve the squad.  The Knicks are awful, so it's not like he'd be improving his chances to win a title there.  Wade aint' comin.  He'll resign with Miami.  You can count on that.  Sure, the NY market would help LeBron, but seriously, he already has more $ than he knows what to do with.  Plus, it's always classly when a great star stays with 1 team his whole career, and I think deep down, LeBron knows that.  LeBron isn't leaving, he'll be a Cavalier for life.  

Continue reading "Cavalier Hope"

Why did Darko fail?  I blame Larry Brown.  For 2 and a half season with the Pistons, Larry Brown never played Darko meaningful minutes.  Darko got about 5 minutes of burn per game, all coming in garbage time.  Someone in the media even nicknamed him "The human victory cigar", because he only got on the court after the game was decided, a Pistons win or loss.  How the hell can you expect a young talent to improve if he's playing once or twice a week for 5 minutes?  You have to throw rookies and young guys into the mix and let them make mistakes and learn.  Darko never got that chance, and was completely mentally destroyed from the hellish years in Detroit.  Now, some say with Rasheed and Ben Wallace on the team, there was no room for Darko in the rotation.  Mehmet Okur was getting some of the backup time, but really?  Darko couldn't sniff the court, at all?  He couldn't have gotten in at the end of a quarter or two and worked up a sweat?  Learned a few things?  He was the #2 pick!  He had to have

Continue reading "Why did Darko Milicic fail?"

Here are my top 2010 Title Contenders: 

1.  Lakers:  Defending champs.  Might lose Ariza or Odom to free agency, but the core will be there, and as long as they're healthy, they'll be in the mix.  

2.  Cavaliers:  LeBron's back.  And he might have a little more help, if they add Shaq or a couple more free agents and draft picks.  

3.  Celtics:  Pierce and Allen can still play at a high level.  You know Allen's gunnin' to pass Reggie for the all time 3 point title.  As long as KG is about 90% of what he was, they'll be strong again.  Rondo's now an all star.  Perkins is also much improved.

4.  Orlando:  Gained a ton of experience this postseason.  The key will be resigning Hedo.  Dwight will no doubt be a better player.  They will be tough again.

Continue reading "2010 Contenders"

Duncan, Shaq, and Kobe all have 4 NBA titles.  Dont' think all 3 of em dont know that.  They all want a 5th very badly.  Who's going to get it first?  Well, it depends on a couple things.  I think if the Shaq to Cleveland deal goes down, then Shaq will get #5 before the other 2.  If it doesn't, then Kobe has to be the favorite to get his 5th.  I dont think San Antonio has the firepower on their current roster to get back to the Finals.  If they swing a deal or 2, they might have a chance.  The quest for #5 starts soon. 

Continue reading "Duncan, Shaq, Kobe all with 4 titles........who gets 5th first?"

Well, the rumors are heating up again.  Shaq might be traded to the Cavs.  I'm pretty sure LBJ would love this.  He's never played with a good big man.  You know Shaq wants a 5th ring, and hopping on the LeBron bandwagon is his perfect opportunity.  It's $20 million on Shaq's deal, but it's only 1 year, so if the experiment wouldn't work, there's no further commitment for Cleveland.  I'f I'm Danny Ferry, I'd roll the dice and pull the trade.  It's going to show King James that you really want a title, and help to keep LeBron in Cleveland for good. 

Continue reading "Shaq? In Cleveland?"

If you could pick one player to start a franchise around post-Jordan, who would it be?  I'd take Tim Duncan.  The Spurs have had the best winning % in professional sports since drafting Timmy.  Yep, in all of pro sports.  4 championships too.  Almost a couple more.  Duncan's only lost in the 1st round of the playoffs twice, once when he was hurt.  One of the best teammates in history.  Gets along with EVERYONE.  Plus, he's never really had a truly great sidekick for an extended period of time.  Robinson was starting to breakdown just as Timmy was entering his prime. Parker and Ginobili have only been all star caliber for a few years.  The Spurs filled in the gaps with journeymen and role players, and still somehow Duncan won 4 titles.&

Continue reading "1 post-Jordan player to build around: Duncan"