Cavs '05-'06 wrap up

[Brutus1]

I didn't want this to get mixed up in the playoff thread so I started a new one to gauge the feelings of this season and the prospects for next season.

LeBron- Great season. He continued to improve in most areas. His jump shot really improved. His free throw shooting will need to improve for next year. He can hit 18-20 one night, then 6-12 the next. I'm sure he'll be an 80% shooter in no time. His shot selection can be questionable at times. Often times, he'll pull up with that off balance J from 22 feet with a guy draped all over him. I guess it doesn't make that big of a difference early in games, but late, in close games, he needs to take it to the hole. He's starting to get the rep with the refs where he's going to get most of the calls, hopefully he'll be taking full advantage of that. His defense was better in the playoffs, but still has a long way to go. There's no reason that a guy with his size, speed and strength can't be one of the top defenders in the league.

Gooden- Thanks for the 2 years. Your inconsistency was aggravating. He can be a great rebounder and a very good shooter, but, only once or twice out of every 4 games. He sat alot because of his defensive shortcomings, but will be a much better offensive player when he goes to a team that doesn't care if he plays good defense.

Z- He had a good regular season, but disappeared for most of the playoffs. I noticed a pretty nice improvement in his defense this year. His free throw shooting was a great improvement. His offensive rebounding was also very good this year. He looked tired and old in the playoffs. Maybe he played too many minutes in the regular season, thus affecting his playoff game. He needs to get mean and hit the weightroom, neither of which I expect he'll do because of his age. He could use a decent backup not named Alan Henderson.

Larry Hughes- I think he's going to be the player that helps the team get to the next level. His first year was wasted with the finger problem the whole season. I love his game to complement LeBrons'. When healthy, he's on of the better players in the league. He just has the look, when the ball is in his hands. His driving and finishing ability are very good. I love his defense, too. He needs to get healthy in the offseason, and work on his mid-long range shot. I look for him to improve greatly next year.

E. Snow- I dogged him the first 3 months of the season. He missed shots, airballed shots, and I was po'd. I finally realized , though he shouldn't be starting , he was still a very good team player. He hustled every night, even when he was throwing up airballs, and never made it easy for the opposing pg. Sure, he got eaten up by some of the best pg's in the league, but he shouldn't be starting anyway. He knew his shot was bad, and thus, never took too many shots, unless he was wide open for a layup or the shot clock was about to expire. His offensive shortcomings made it too easy on opponents to cheat toward LeBron. He'd be a guy that I'd love to have coming off the bench, just not starting. I'm not sure we can afford a good pg in free agency, thus we'll have to take one of the many that will be in the draft. I'd gladly take the kid from Rutgers or Dee Brown.

Verajeo- I love his game, as does LeBron. He hustles, muscles and spends more time on the floor than most players in the league. His offensive game is hardly flashy, but it doesn't need to be when you play with LBJ. He developed a good game with LeBron in the Piston series. Aside from LeBron, the Pistons noticed him the most. He's a great defender and is always looking to help out when another players guy heads to the hole. He runs up and down the floor all game long and does a good job of finishing when given the ball from LBJ. At 23, he's young enough to show decent improvement and be a member of this team for the long haul. He's the kind of role player this team will need if they're ever going to win a championship. The only way he ever leaves this team is in a big name trade. Ferry and Gilbert love him, but more importantly, LeBron loves him. He's physical and will have LeBrons back if necessary.

Donyell- On and off season, but I was really impressed with his defense, shot blocking and rebounding this season this season. He was non-existant some nights, but I expect that to improve next season.

Jones- The self proclaimed "Best shooter in the world", didn't show very much of that. I wondered why the heck he was not starting ahead of Snow, but that was quickly answered when he finally got a chance to start and blew it big time. He hit some big shots this year, but not enough to justify that fat contract given to him by Ferry. He's still good enough that he can help the team improve, but it's definitely going to be off the bench. Play some defense and you'll get more pt.

Murray- I bad mouthed him since the trade, but he provided a spark for the team in Hughes' absence. He's good when he drives to the hoop, but his jump shot blows big time. He'll get a decent contract somewhere other than in Cleveland.

Pavlovic, L. Jackson- Can play a few minutes off the bench to give others a breather, but in the playoffs, they're just cheerleaders. Maybe in time, Jackson can develop into a decent player, but I'm not sure when that time will arrive.

Nothing else worth mentioning on the bench, unless I'm forgetting someone.


Free Agency- Gooden and Murray will both be gone. Gooden is restriced so maybe something can be returned in a sign and trade. Maybe not.

I think they still have thier mid-level exception to get a player. I wouldn't mind seeing Speedy Claxton in a Cavs uniform. I'm not sure how feasible that would be.

They don't have much to spend, so they'll need to pick up role players that can fit the system. I expect that anyone they sign or bring in, will need to be good defenbsive players. They certainly need players that aren't afraid to move without the ball and will not stand around watching the 'LeBron Show'.

Draft 2006-

With 3 picks, Ferry should be able to get a decent player or two. It sure would be nice to strike gold with great player in the 2nd round. I think all of us Cavs fans will be paying close attention to this draft, I know I will.


As disappointing as it was to lose to the Pistons after being up 3-2, it was a great step forward in the teams play this season. They've shown that they're not that far off from competing in the Eastern Conference. Their run in the playoffs definitely shwoed LeBron that this is the place for him. I look for him to sign that 5 year extension sometime in the next 3 months.

It was great corresponding with the same 4 or 5 fans all season long.

[crazybuckfan40]

Originally Posted by Brutus1

LeBron- Great season. He continued to improve in most areas. His jump shot really improved. His free throw shooting will need to improve for next year. He can hit 18-20 one night, then 6-12 the next. I'm sure he'll be an 80% shooter in no time. His shot selection can be questionable at times. Often times, he'll pull up with that off balance J from 22 feet with a guy draped all over him. I guess it doesn't make that big of a difference early in games, but late, in close games, he needs to take it to the hole. He's starting to get the rep with the refs where he's going to get most of the calls, hopefully he'll be taking full advantage of that. His defense was better in the playoffs, but still has a long way to go. There's no reason that a guy with his size, speed and strength can't be one of the top defenders in the league.

Agree with everything you said, I would just like to add one thing, I think he needs to work on a post up game, he used in the first half of game 7 at times and it is just another way to get him the ball, where he can't be doubled as easy and if so he can kick to the open shooter, or cutter.

Gooden- Thanks for the 2 years. Your inconsistency was aggravating. He can be a great rebounder and a very good shooter, but, only once or twice out of every 4 games. He sat alot because of his defensive shortcomings, but will be a much better offensive player when he goes to a team that doesn't care if he plays good defense.

I agree, Drew has a good overall game and has the potential to be a very good player and average 15 a nite, he just isnt the perfect fit for this team, and I am really hoping for a sign and trade and hoping we can get something out of him. Either way I do not see him here next year.

Z- He had a good regular season, but disappeared for most of the playoffs. I noticed a pretty nice improvement in his defense this year. His free throw shooting was a great improvement. His offensive rebounding was also very good this year. He looked tired and old in the playoffs. Maybe he played too many minutes in the regular season, thus affecting his playoff game. He needs to get mean and hit the weightroom, neither of which I expect he'll do because of his age. He could use a decent backup not named Alan Henderson.

I agree, I think when he went down with that injury towards the end of the season that killed him. He was out for about 2 weeks and he never got it back together. I think he can be a solid contributor to this team. Remember when he was healthy he was healthy and playing strong he was putting up 16 pts a game. I know he is just too slow at times, but you can't teach 7'3'' and he has gotten a lot better and we will need his vetran leadership next year again. I hope that Brown uses him less during the regular season next year, and doesnt break him down too much.

Larry Hughes- I think he's going to be the player that helps the team get to the next level. His first year was wasted with the finger problem the whole season. I love his game to complement LeBrons'. When healthy, he's on of the better players in the league. He just has the look, when the ball is in his hands. His driving and finishing ability are very good. I love his defense, too. He needs to get healthy in the offseason, and work on his mid-long range shot. I look for him to improve greatly next year.

I totally agree. He was a 20pt scorere in Washington and he was averaging about 16 b4 his hand injury and he played a number of games with that injury. He has a pretty nice shot and LBJ will be able to get him very good looks, and I like that fact that he can slash to the hole also. Should be fun to watch him when healthy. He can also lock down a teams best player, which is something that was missing at times this season.

E. Snow- I dogged him the first 3 months of the season. He missed shots, airballed shots, and I was po'd. I finally realized , though he shouldn't be starting , he was still a very good team player. He hustled every night, even when he was throwing up airballs, and never made it easy for the opposing pg. Sure, he got eaten up by some of the best pg's in the league, but he shouldn't be starting anyway. He knew his shot was bad, and thus, never took too many shots, unless he was wide open for a layup or the shot clock was about to expire. His offensive shortcomings made it too easy on opponents to cheat toward LeBron. He'd be a guy that I'd love to have coming off the bench, just not starting. I'm not sure we can afford a good pg in free agency, thus we'll have to take one of the many that will be in the draft. I'd gladly take the kid from Rutgers or Dee Brown.

I agree with you, but he really steped his game up down the stetch and in the playoffs, he showed great vetran leadership, and I for one love having him on the team. He is not that great, but he does bring some nice things to the table for you. I also would love to be able to bring him off the bench and maybe run the second team offense. That would be an ideal situation.

Verajeo- I love his game, as does LeBron. He hustles, muscles and spends more time on the floor than most players in the league. His offensive game is hardly flashy, but it doesn't need to be when you play with LBJ. He developed a good game with LeBron in the Piston series. Aside from LeBron, the Pistons noticed him the most. He's a great defender and is always looking to help out when another players guy heads to the hole. He runs up and down the floor all game long and does a good job of finishing when given the ball from LBJ. At 23, he's young enough to show decent improvement and be a member of this team for the long haul. He's the kind of role player this team will need if they're ever going to win a championship. The only way he ever leaves this team is in a big name trade. Ferry and Gilbert love him, but more importantly, LeBron loves him. He's physical and will have LeBrons back if necessary.

I love Andy. He is young and has the potential IMO to be an All-defensive type player. he hustles more than anybody in the NBA and I think it really hurt him that he missed the first half of the year and then Brown was reluctant to play him there after he came back, but he forced him to put him in the lineup and he really stepped up in the postseason. He plays very well with LBJ, knowing how to set him and and is very good in the pick n roll and he finishes better than he did, and his free throw shooting really improved. He is a piece that we need to win a championship here.

Donyell- On and off season, but I was really impressed with his defense, shot blocking and rebounding this season this season. He was non-existant some nights, but I expect that to improve next season.

I really liked the way Donyell stepped up at the end of the season and he really stood out in the 2 big games he had to put us over the top in the Washington series. He had one of them vetran type seasons, where they disspear for a while during the season and fans start screaming how bad they are, but was back and ready to go come playoff time. I think that he is a very important role player, and is a very important part in our team next year

Jones- The self proclaimed "Best shooter in the world", didn't show very much of that. I wondered why the heck he was not starting ahead of Snow, but that was quickly answered when he finally got a chance to start and blew it big time. He hit some big shots this year, but not enough to justify that fat contract given to him by Ferry. He's still good enough that he can help the team improve, but it's definitely going to be off the bench. Play some defense and you'll get more pt.

I really like DJ. He brings a lot of character to this team, and doesnt seem to be affected by pressure type situations and I think he really helps LBJ out at times as you see him giving him little talks when they come off the floor and such. I think Brown was reluctant to use him at times b/c he is known for his shooting and his shooting was really off at times. I think DJ can play defense, not in a starters role, but I think with guys like Snow, Hughes, and LBJ there to help him out, that he should be able to play a teams worst player. There are teams that he will struggle against like Washington where they are extremely quick, but there are teams he will excel against and we really need that 3 point shooter to come off the bench and give us a lift.

Murray- I bad mouthed him since the trade, but he provided a spark for the team in Hughes' absence. He's good when he drives to the hoop, but his jump shot blows big time. He'll get a decent contract somewhere other than in Cleveland.

I honesly think this was Ferry's best move, it really saved the season. We were fading fast and we needed a quick fix and we got that and more. Yes Flips jumper wasnt the greatest, but he hit the game winner against Chicago I believe and really was a great filler while Hughes was out. I thought the lineup of Hughes Flip and James would be fun to watch, but they never really got a lot of time to play together and Flip will be gone, b/c he is earned himself a lot of money with his play this season.

Pavlovic, L. Jackson- Can play a few minutes off the bench to give others a breather, but in the playoffs, they're just cheerleaders. Maybe in time, Jackson can develop into a decent player, but I'm not sure when that time will arrive.

Here are two guys that have a ton of potential, and could really help this team if they come around fast enough. I thought Sasha was starting to come around when b4 the flip trade, but he is another one of them guys that struggles at Defense. I think he is almost the second most athletic guy on the team behind LBJ and would love to see him develop his defense b/c his offensive game has a great deal of potential.

As for Jackson, I think he is going to need a lot of work this summer, but I am not counting him out just yet, he has a jumper that could get him on the court, and he has the desire, so I wouldnt be suprised if he worked hard and became a nice role player for us next year.

I would also just like to mention Stephen Grahm who got some pt there for a couple weeks, and I think if he coudl develop a little more skill on offense he could also be someoen that coudl help the team out, b/c he obviously showed something for them to sign him for the rest of the season and I believe through next season as well.

Also Marty, I would love for him to develop. He is the big tall skinny guy that always sat at the end of the bench. I know he had a couple games where he went down to the nbadl and put up some nice numbers. He is not a C right now, as he hangs out too much on the permiter and is rail think, but he is a project, and I don't expect anything from him next year.

Free Agency- Gooden and Murray will both be gone. Gooden is restriced so maybe something can be returned in a sign and trade. Maybe not.

I think they still have thier mid-level exception to get a player. I wouldn't mind seeing Speedy Claxton in a Cavs uniform. I'm not sure how feasible that would be.

They don't have much to spend, so they'll need to pick up role players that can fit the system. I expect that anyone they sign or bring in, will need to be good defenbsive players. They certainly need players that aren't afraid to move without the ball and will not stand around watching the 'LeBron Show'.

I am also not sure what direction they will go in free agency. I know a lot of Cavs fans really want Mike James the pg from Toronto he put up some impressive numbers this season and would be a great fit for us IMO. I also saw that Bobby Jackson was a free agent, and he is a solid player that I think might fit what we are looking for. Right now I think we are just going to need a tall body, to backup the C and PF position and a pg. Other than that I think we are set, besides what we do in the draft.

Draft 2006-

With 3 picks, Ferry should be able to get a decent player or two. It sure would be nice to strike gold with great player in the 2nd round. I think all of us Cavs fans will be paying close attention to this draft, I know I will.

I agree, I have given my thoughts in the draft thread, but right now, I would like Douby, Pittsnoggle and Paps. I think that would be a great way to go in the draft, as I feel that we have to go pg in the first and then go for some bigs in the second.

As disappointing as it was to lose to the Pistons after being up 3-2, it was a great step forward in the teams play this season. They've shown that they're not that far off from competing in the Eastern Conference. Their run in the playoffs definitely shwoed LeBron that this is the place for him. I look for him to sign that 5 year extension sometime in the next 3 months.

I want to go a step farther on this and say that even know we lost, we gained so much experience in these playoffs. We now have 13 games under our belts, and a game 7. We tasted the playoffs and we know what it takes to win. I also really hope that he signs that extension, so all the haters will stop saying how he is leaving.


I would also like to add a couple things about Mike Brown. At times this season he acted like he was lost and we know it helped him that LBJ was on his team, but I think he did a great job for a rookie coach. I think LBJ really likes him and that is a real good thing. I also think he has done a fabolous job of teaching this team how to play defense. You could tell in the Pistons series that they were all about help defense and they were really making it tough on the Pistons. I know that is his expertise and I would love for him to bring someone in on the staff that could devise for of an offensive game plan.

Overall I rate the season a B+, b/c they exceeded my expectations, by winning 50 games and by giving Detroit all they wanted in the second round.

Also I see no reason why this team doesnt have a legit shot to make a whole lot of noise in the playoffs next year.

[tsteele316]

just to add to this.

cleveland has a lot of work to do this offseason. there are some guys that you have to take a long look at, and determine where they fit.

Flip is going to be gone. he had a nice run in cleveland, but seattle was willing to trade him for mike frigging wilks, which showed what they thought of him. his play down the stretch showed why seattle was willing to part ways. He's a great bench player that will command a lot of cash.

Gooden is a defensive liability and too inconsistent offensively. AV's play has made him expendable.

Damon Jones has one season to prove his worth, if his play next year mirrors this season, he's not worth keeping period.

Z looked like a broken down horse at the end of the year. He is the softest 7'3'' guy in the league. He needs to get tougher.

Snow is an offensive liability most of the time. He was supposed to offset that with good defense, leadership, and smart ball handling. He did play much better at the end of the year. However, he would be much better off the bench. If a true pg was brough in during FA, then I would not mind giving Jones the axe and moving Snow to the bench.

Hughes needs to be healthy for me to judge him.

Sasha/Luke: it's sink or swim time.

[WestEnd]

First of all, I am in complete agreement with a majority of what's been said in this thread.

In regards to Bron, I totally agree with 40. The next aspect of lebron's game to be added offensively should be the post up game. With his size he should be able to consistantly get really good position so that when the doubles come, he's not so far away from the basket that any shot he takes is super low %.

Also totally agree with the assessment of Donyell's veteran season. Brought it in the playoffs, can't ask for much more out of him. Like a healthy Hughes as the perfect complement to bron, Hope Z can hang on for a few more season, love the potential of Varejeo, loved the leadership that snow brought to the table, gained some respect for Damon Jones but still not sold on his neccessity to the team.

The cavs rotation as I see it, requires 2 bigs and 2 guards to complement lebron. I think they bring back:

Guards: Snow, Hughes, Jones, Sasha
Bigs: Z, Varejeo, Donyell

I think Gooden and flip are gone.

Moving forward, the cavs need to look to add one rotation player at guard and 2 at PF/C.

The types of guys I'd like to see all have to have one common characteristic:

They need to be guys with basketball IQ's that are close to bron. In order to fully take advantage of lebron's talents passing the ball and slivering through small holes in defenses, you can't have guys looking the wrong way when passes come by or getting in his way as he takes it to the hole.

I think the bigs need to be thick, tough, and nasty. They need to rebounder and finish, and still have soft enough hands around the hoop to handle lebron's passes. Post up game and 15-20 ft jump shot not neccessary at all.

The guards need to be able to shoot the ball and attack the basket. BOTH. spot up shooters need not apply. We've already got Damon and Donyell.

I think we can get a serviceable big through a sign and trade of gooden, and our "PG" (doesn't have to be a true PG) of the future in the draft. With 3 draft picks, I don't see why we can't get a big nasty to come in and lay some lumber as well.

I honestly don't think this team is that far away. In the future, they are going to have to look at developing a C to replace Z, and just from what I've seen around the internet, that guy from Saer Sene from Senegal (http://nbadraft.net/profiles/mouhamedsene.asp)
looks promising.

After the murray deal, I have faith that ferry sees what this team really needs and is capable of pulling it off. The off-season may be just as exciting as the regular season now!

[OH10]

I've been saying it since the first time I saw him in person last season... Anderson Varajao is going to be a Star in this league and a fan favorite in Cleveland for years to come.

Z was a bad signing for this team. I love the guy and his game to death, and he is a Cavalier at heart. But this team is going in one direction, and he's going to go in another. The signing just didn't make too much sense, and it's going to make less sense in the future.

Lebron does need to improve certain facets of his game in the off-season.
1. Perimeter off-ball defense is his major weakness. He loves to cheat towards the passing lanes and on double-downs in the post. But in doing so, he leaves his man wide open for jump shots. That was a big problem against the Pistons in Games 1, 2, and 7. His on-ball defense, especially in the post, improved tremendously in the playoffs, to the point where I started to think he might be one of the better defenders in the league.
2. Better shot selection. There isn't a player in the league that can hope to take the ball to the rack better than Lebron. He improved his spot-up shooting tremendously. And once in while, he makes a spectacular shot from the perimeter with someone in his face. But he settles for outside shots too much - especially in the first three quarters. It's almost as if he doesn't want to expend the energy to take it to the rack.
3. Playing off the ball. The offense on this team goes stagnant without ball in his hands. A lot of that is due to standing around on offense, by himself and others without the ball. He's got to run off screens and utilize his spot up jumper that he's been developing. That will make the offense run much more smoothly.

ESnow is a leader, and a necessity for this team. After the playoffs, no one can think otherwise.

Drew Gooden is going to haunt this team in the future when he plays us. But he still has to go because he's too inconsistent and he lacks heart on defense.

(D)amon Jones doesn't want to be here anymore, and the Cavs should be more than happy to oblige. There are plenty of players in the league just like him that play better defense, so if we can dump him (c'mon Isiah), we should. I still don't think he deserved to be booed.

Larry Hughes - analysis incomplete. I still don't know how well he's going to gel with Lebron. Time will tell.

Ronald Murray. We hardly knew ya, but thanks for being there when we needed ya.

Donyell Marshall. I absolutely love his game. People focus on the shooting, but he takes it to the baseline pretty well for a big man. And he can rebound and play a little defense. He's a keeper for the next two years for sure.

Overall - B+ for the season, and A- for the postseason. Consistency was a major problem through the season, even for a young team. The only reason the postseason isn't an A is because Detroit beat them up in game 1, the first half of game 2, and the second half of game 7. But they are the best team in the league, so I guess that's not so bad.

[Bucks21]

I agree with most of what is being said but one thing that Mike Brown has to do next year is find some way of getting Lebron's minutes down espcially in the regular season. Plus the cavs need to hire someone to help out on the offensive end, Mike Brown did a tremendous job getting the Cavs to play some defense in the playoffs agaisnt the Pistons. But, when our offense goes bad it goes bad real quick. Everyone just stands around and watches the ball.

[buckeyeboy]

I'm not sure that Hughes is worth $90 million in regards to this Cavs team. When he was in Washington, his 20 ppg was mostly due to slashing to the hoop with the ball (go back and look at the tapes if you don't believe me). What this team really needs with LeBron, though, is for Hughes to do more spot up shooting from long distance, which isn't his strong point. I do like what he was able to do for Washington in regards to defense, however, and I hope he can bring that same tenacity to the Cavs next year. However, I ultimately think that while he is a very good NBA player, the Cavs, to build a team around LeBron, should have spent $90 million elsewhere.

[Bucks21]

Originally Posted by buckeyeboy

I'm not sure that Hughes is worth $90 million in regards to this Cavs team. When he was in Washington, his 20 ppg was mostly due to slashing to the hoop with the ball (go back and look at the tapes if you don't believe me). What this team really needs with LeBron, though, is for Hughes to do more spot up shooting from long distance, which isn't his strong point. I do like what he was able to do for Washington in regards to defense, however, and I hope he can bring that same tenacity to the Cavs next year. However, I ultimately think that while he is a very good NBA player, the Cavs, to build a team around LeBron, should have spent $90 million elsewhere.

First off his contract is more like 75 million and thats with lots of incentives. I do agree to a certain point that he isn't the best fit for this team i.e. he isn't a great spot up outside shooter but IMO just look at yesterdays game he came off the bench and sparked the cavs to tie that game back up 31-31. That lob pass where he makes eye contact with lebron and threw the perfect oop was sweet. He definitly will make this team better next year ... just think about it he came into the season with that hurt finger.. played through it , decided to get the surgery, has complications, never gets into a true rhythym , and then loses his brother. He was the only one showing hustle in the second half of that game yesterday. He can make plays and i think that is all that matters plus him and lebron seem to have a pretty good bond together.

[WoodyWorshiper]

I would like to thank the regular Cavs posters for their excellent work this year. I like to think I know more about hoops than I really do, but you guys can really bring it. To me, its just nice to have a team to talk good things about again. It's amazing how exciting NBA playoff basketball can be when your team is actually a participant. Peace.

[osugrad21]

Link

LeBron: I want to stay here
Tuesday, May 23, 2006 MIKE POPOVICH

CLEVELAND - On July 1, the Cavaliers will be able to offer LeBron James a contract extension worth more money than any deal other teams can offer him at the end of next season when he becomes a restricted free agent. Anyone who still fears James will leave should be able to relax soon afterward.
By reaching the playoffs for the first time in eight years, taking Detroit to the limit in the Eastern Conference semifinals and having their eyes continually set on winning an NBA title, the Cavs are making James’ decision easy.
“Of course I want to stay,” James said Monday after the players cleared out their lockers at The Q. “This season has really put a good frame of mind into me being a part of this organization for a long time.”
The Cavaliers will be able to offer James a five-year contract worth around $75 million on July 1. Under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, they are now allowed to talk with him about an extension until then.
“Obviously we want him back for a long time,” General Manager Danny Ferry said. “Our control over the situation is to continue to do as many good things as possible for our team — from making this a great place to play and having good players here to being a team that can be thought of as contending for and winning a championship. Players want to be a part of that and I imagine that’s very important to LeBron.
“LeBron is a big part of our future, and hopefully we will be able to say that’s for a very long time.”
James’ first-ever trip to the playoffs was a big success. He averaged 30.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 13 games. His scoring average ranks second behind Michael Jordan (33.4) among all players in NBA history who have scored at least 400 postseason points. He also joins Oscar Robertson (1963) as the only players to average at least 30 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in a single postseason.
James finished second behind Steve Nash of Phoenix in voting for the league MVP and become only the second Cavs player ever to earn first team All-NBA honors.
“His talent, his abilities and his leadership in the locker room have all exceeded any expectation I ever had when I came here,” Ferry said. “He has been incredible.”

LOOKING BACK Mike Brown said learned some things during his first season as an NBA head coach that will help him prepare for next year. “I truly believe I’ll be better because I’ve gone through a lot of different situations,” he said. Brown became the first head coach in Cavaliers history to take the team to the playoffs in his first season. He also became the first NBA rookie coach in four years to win 50 regular season games.”
CLEVELAND ROCKS The team continues to rave about the loud, enthusiastic crowds that packed The Q for the playoffs. “Our building was the talk of the NBA,” Ferry said. The Cavs sold out all six home playoff games.
FINAL NUMBERS The Cavs finished 7-6 in the playoffs. The only other time they had a winning record in the postseason was 1992 when they went 9-8 ... Cleveland’s bench outscored the opposing bench 323-189 in the playoffs. It outscored Detroit’s bench in every game except Game 1.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

5/23/06

New standard has been set

James says he wants to stay in Cleveland, help team accomplish ultimate goal

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - On his way out the door to the offseason, LeBron James raised the bar.
After accomplishing his stated mission of making the playoffs this season, which ended Sunday with the second-round loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Cavaliers' franchise player issued his newest edict.
``We did a great job of making the playoffs, but our goal is higher now,'' James said. ``We're going to try to get better and try to come back and win a championship.''
Those are words; next come the actions.
Still hurting from their bitter loss to the Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals after grasping a 3-2 series lead less than a week ago, the Cavs are in reflection and evaluation mode about what changes must, and can, come.
One thing is certain: James must be a part of the future for the Cavs to taste such fruits.
James made it clear he would like to complete a contract extension with the Cavs this summer.
``I need to sit down with my agent and the Cavaliers and get something done,'' he said. ``Of course, I want to stay. This season has given me a good frame of mind about me being a part of this organization for a long time. I think we can come to an agreement that's suitable for both sides. We're going to try to get something done.''
By league rules, the Cavs can't offer James, who is signed through next season, an extension until July 1.
The process, however, will be simple and straightforward: the maximum salary allowable for as long as allowable.
James will be offered a five-year extension worth 25 percent of the salary cap starting in 2007, a deal that will be worth about $75 million to $80 million depending on where the cap is set.
James will be one of several from the 2003 draft class to have the chance to ink such contracts in July. Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets and Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors are expected to get similar offers.
``July 1 is the first time we can actually talk to him about it,'' Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry said. ``And I imagine at that time he'll be getting a call or someone showing up on his doorstep.''
Getting James to re-sign isn't the summer's only goal. The Cavs still need to continue putting pieces around him so he'll remain content. Various national media that have harped that he will not re-sign with the Cavs for two years or more surely will suggest he will demand to be traded if everything isn't going along merrily in a few seasons.
``Our control over the situation is to continue to do as many good things as possible for our team,'' Ferry said. ``From making this a great place to play to having good players here to having a team that is contending for a championship. Players want to be a part of that.''
Don't expect Ferry to begin a roster overhaul. The Cavs enjoyed locker-room tranquility all season, and it helped forge a team chemistry that enabled them to peak for the stretch run. A product of the San Antonio Spurs' system that has thrived on keeping the main cogs together, Ferry puts a premium on togetherness as much as talent.
The Cavs will be over the cap but have three salary-cap exceptions at their disposal for free agents. They can use the ``Larry Bird exception'' to re-sign Drew Gooden, who is a restricted free agent. They can use all or part of the ``mid-level exception,'' which is $5 million. They have the so-called ``biannual exception,'' which can be used on one player for $1.9 million.
``I have a responsibility to make us a better team,'' Ferry said. ``In some ways, that may be maintaining stability, in some ways that may mean exploring what we can do.''
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

5/23/06

Playoff run shows hope for future

By Tom Reed

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - As lockers and offices were being cleaned out a year ago, LeBron James left Quicken Loans Arena without speaking to the media.
What could the Cavaliers star say?
As James left the building, General Manager Jim Paxson was being fired, interim coach Brendan Malone was getting released and a minority owner was conducting exit interviews.
What did the future hold? James had about as much insight as a fortune cookie.
Flash ahead to Monday, a day after the Cavs lost to the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. James not only spoke to reporters, but he also supplied a singular objective for the 2006-07 season.
``To win the championship -- simple as that,'' James said. ``We did a great job making the playoffs, but our goal is higher now.''
Never has a Cavaliers player and team made more progress in a year than James and his teammates and coaches. They went from a model of instability to coming within one win of upsetting an NBA Finals participant the past two seasons.
Fifty regular-season victories. Two playoff rounds. A knowledge for what it takes to win in the postseason. A giddy belief that this could be just the beginning.
``We gained invaluable experience this year,'' first-year general manager Danny Ferry said.
Are the Cavs disappointed they failed to complete one of the biggest NBA upsets in recent memory? Of course. They led the Pistons 3-2 and squandered a chance to close them out at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday night. Coach Mike Brown and the players lost their poise in the final minutes of Game 6 and their offensive direction during the second half of Game 7.
They also lost to an opponent who gets back to the conference finals with the regularity of the buzzards returning to Hinckley. Who thought at the start of the series the Cavs would put a run of four consecutive appearances in jeopardy?
``It's been a long time since the city has been proud of its basketball team,'' center Zydrunas Ilgauskas said.
More than 11,000 fans showed up at The Q on Sunday to watch Game 7 on the scoreboard televisions. Think about it. Three years ago, the franchise was lucky to attract such a crowd for games played in the arena, let alone 200 miles away.
Who could have predicted such mania after the disastrous conclusion to last season? Rasheed Wallace wouldn't have touched it. A 21-year-old star, coupled with a rookie GM and coach, did better than almost anyone could have expected.
James grew up in these playoffs. He demonstrated maturity and leadership. Forget the numerous individual accolades, James appears to be focused on a league title -- and in Cleveland.
``Of course, I want to stay,'' James said Monday when asked about the possibility of signing a contract extension this summer. ``This season has put me in a good (frame of mind) about being part of this organization for a long time.''
It's up to Ferry to add the proper pieces to the championship puzzle. The Cavs are not a title contender without a tweaking of the roster and coaching staff. A defensive-minded power forward and a play-making point guard would be welcomed additions.
Ferry will have to be creative in his acquisitions, seeing as the Cavs are tighter under the cap than the head of Barry Bonds. He probably overpaid for Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall, Damon Jones and Ilgauskas last offseason. His trade deadline deal to land Flip Murray, however, is proof Ferry can spot a bargain.
Owner Dan Gilbert believes he got one in Brown. The 36-year-old coach did a nice job navigating the Cavs through a regular season without controversy or the participation of Hughes for 45 games.
His defensive teachings took hold in the playoffs. His inexperience and lack of offensive ingenuity, however, also were exposed.
The Cavs still are a season or so away from a legitimate title run, but the ground they gained this season was enormous. They beat the Washington Wizards by outscoring them and took the Pistons to seven games by playing solid defense.
That's a sign of good things for the future. A future James had no trouble discussing after clearing his locker Monday.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

5/23/06

Cavaliers notebook

Two free agents have contrasting feelings

Murray has desire to test market as free agent; Gooden would prefer to remain with Cavaliers

By Brian Windhorst

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - Drew Gooden and Flip Murray became free agents Monday. One hopes to be back, but the other isn't so sure.
Gooden is hoping to be rewarded by the Cavaliers for being a good soldier.
Murray is hoping to get large dollars and a prominent role after being a savior.
Having the unenviable task of replacing Carlos Boozer, Gooden has given the Cavs two solid seasons. This year he averaged 10.7 points and 8.4 rebounds despite having his playing time cut with the arrival of free agent Donyell Marshall and the maturation of Anderson Varejao. He never made a peep in the process despite it being a contract year with the understanding it would be taken into consideration.
Because the Cavs can go over the salary cap to sign Gooden, he's perhaps looking for a loyalty bonus.
``I want to be a Cavalier,'' Gooden said. ``Statistically I probably didn't put up the numbers everybody wanted (but) I did my job when I was out there.''
The market for Gooden will be varied. Some teams might shy away because he's a restricted free agent and the Cavs can match any offers to him. Others might look to go after him, because the Cavs are deep at his position and might not want to match a healthy offer.
He'll likely point to the five-year, $44 million extension the Golden State Warriors' Mike Dunleavy signed last fall. Dunleavy was picked one spot ahead of Gooden in the 2002 draft and has comparable stats.
``We're winning and that was the most important thing,'' Gooden said. ``I want to be on a winning team so why is there a need to change? My ear will be to the streets but hopefully everything works out so I can remain a Cavalier.''
Murray turned down a five-year contract offer from the Seattle SuperSonics last summer and played out a one-year contract so he could be unrestricted this summer. He fully intends to test the market after helping the Cavs to a 21-9 record as a replacement starter for Larry Hughes after being acquired in February.
The Cavs have no rights to Murray and will have to use all or part of their $5 million mid-level exception if they want him back. Murray, who averaged 13.5 points in 28 games with the Cavs, has expressed that he wants to be a starter. That likely won't happen in Cleveland.
``It's a tough question,'' Murray said. ``I'll sit down and talk to my people and try to take full advantage of what's out there. I want to go somewhere where there's no restrictions on my game. Starting is important but for the right situation it's not.''
Veteran center Alan Henderson and rookie swingman Stephen Graham will also be unrestricted free agents.
Coaching carousel?
Cavs coach Mike Brown said Monday he'd consider adding an offensive-minded coach to his staff, but it isn't a certainty. He also said that assistant coaches Hank Egan, Mike Malone, Melvin Hunt and Kenny Natt would be asked back. There has been some speculation around the team that Natt, a holdover from Paul Silas' staff, might look for a position elsewhere.
TV boom
The Cavs' weekend ratings smashed team records. Friday's Game 6 drew a combined 46.5 share on WUAB (Channel 43) and ESPN, meaning nearly half the televisions in Northeast Ohio were tuned to the game. Sunday's Game 7 on ABC drew a 45 share. They are the highest local ratings in franchise history.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Canton

5/23/06

Cavs goal a title

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>BY Mike Popovich REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER


CLEVELAND - Close-out day at The Q on Monday was a lot different than last season’s.
In the aftermath of missing the playoffs again a year ago, the Cavaliers chose to make changes at general manager and head coach while the players were clearing out their lockers. Less than 24 hours after a Game 7 loss to Detroit ended this season, the Cavs were already looking ahead to 2006-07.
If you listen to LeBron James, you hear how high they have raised the bar when talking about their goal for next year.
“Win a championship, simple as that,” James said. “We did a great job this year of making the playoffs. But our goal is higher now.”
After missing the playoffs for seven straight years, getting any taste of the postseason would have satisfied the Cavs’ appetite. What happened this season makes them hungry for a lot more.
The Cavaliers won 50 games and a playoff round for the first time in 13 years. In the face of long odds, they almost took out the two-time defending Eastern Conference champion Pistons. Detroit won the series after trailing, 3-2.
“The experiences we had as a group this year are going to be invaluable for us as we start to focus on next year,” General Manager Danny Ferry said. “We should be very proud, but we should not be satisfied. We want to win a championship. That’s our goal. That’s our focus.”
What can the Cavs do this offseason to help make that possible?
The team will not have the huge chunk of salary cap room it had last summer to sign free agents. But the Cavaliers will have a first-round pick and two second-round picks in next month’s draft. They also can use their mid-level exception worth at least $5.3 million on one or more players and their bi-annual exception, a two-year contract worth up to $1.8 million each season.
Soon-to-be free agents Drew Gooden and Flip Murray may or may not be back. The Cavs can match any offer Gooden receives because he is a restricted free agent. They have no control over Murray, an unrestricted free agent.
“I want to be a Cavalier,” Gooden said. “I had a great time. This is one of my favorite years. Statistically I probably didn’t put up the numbers everybody wanted (me) to. But I did my job when I was out there.
“I want to be on a winning team and I’m already on the Cavaliers. So why do I need to change?”
When asked where he expects to be next season, Murray said he didn’t know.
“That’s a tough question,” said Murray, who was acquired from Seattle before the trade deadline. “I’ll sit down, talk to my people and see what happens. I’ll try to take full advantage of whatever is out there.”
Ferry said he is interested in bringing Gooden and Murray back.
“I thought Drew did a great job for us throughout the year and was a big part of us winning 50 games,” Ferry said. “He’s a talented 6-10 power forward.
“Flip’s contribution was huge for us down the stretch. It was better and had more of an impact on our team that I would have thought. He helped us win games at a time when we really needed to grind out those victories.”
While anxiously looking ahead to the future, the Cavs will not forget the past. The organization and its fans have not seen 50 wins, a playoff series win and a near upset of a championship contender in a long time.
“We showed some promise,” Eric Snow said. “ ... We’ll enjoy the moment and be proud with the way things went.”
Snow then reiterated the thoughts of Ferry and Head Coach Mike Brown. “We can’t be satisfied,” he said. Reach Repository sports writer Mike Popovich at (330) 580-8341 or e-mail: mike.popovich@cantonrep.com


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[Piney]

Couple of quick notes

Regarding free agency we have the mid-level and low level exemption ($5-6 million & $1-$2 million) to sign anyone. At least that is what Danny Ferry said on Cleveland radio yesterday.

If Dwight comes cheap he will be back. BUT he won't come back cheap and thus he is gone. I am praying for a sign and trade to get a better PG. I think it will be easier to sign a bruiser brunt to do the dirty work of a backup PF/C than finding a PG for the exceptions.

What we also forget is we do have Martynas And.... ummm, I won't try to spell that. When he played in the developmental league he did play very well. So hopefully he can develop enough to take over the 3rd Center in case of fouls guy. So in other words we are not going to draft another bigman. We want a grizzled vet. Andy is our young PF and Marty is our developmental replacement for Z.

In the draft PGs will be available when we draft. I have seen a few early mocks with us taking Rondo from Kentucky. Seems like there are about 2-3 other PGs in that area going so we will have a choice of 2nd tier PGs in the draft.

For some reason in the 2nd round I see European players being taken. Since Ferry is from San Antonio they make a living out of taking speculative players that are still playing in Europe and won't come to the states for a few years. Or we could use those two 2nd rounders to try to move up from #25 in the draft in case someone starts falling.

Like I said in the playoff thread people will talk about trading guys but besides Gooden I really don't see much movement. We need to develop chemistry with this team. We do need some new parts but no big infusion unless it is at PG or PF.

What we really need is an offensive guru as an assistant coach. Mike Brown needs a few more offensive plays than "LeBron... make something happen" plays.