NBA
Consensus of opinion: Cavs are on right path
Signing James, free agents is top priority
Saturday, May 27, 2006
James Walker
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>TONY DEJAK ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>LeBron James can expect to receive a maximum contract extension offer about July 1. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers are proud of their 2005-06 season, but they are far from satisfied.
That was the resounding message from the team’s front office, coaching staff and players this week after a season-ending 79-61 loss to the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Whether it’s 50 wins, LeBron James’ MVP-caliber season or the near-upset of the Pistons, this was a successful season for the Cavaliers, but the loss still stings.
"Our goal is to win a championship, it’s as simple as that," James said. "We did a great job this year of making the playoffs, but our goals are higher now. Our focus is on trying to get better this off-season and come back and win a championship."
After the Cavs’ dismal losses to Detroit in Games 1 and 2, coach Mike Brown said his team had seen what it took to play at the next level. Apparently the Cavaliers had, because they unexpectedly pushed the Pistons to seven games.
Now the question is whether they can do better.
This off-season could go a long way in defining the future of this franchise, and that future starts and ends with James, who will be offered a maximum contract extension in the range of five years and $75 million.
James is signed for one more season, but the organization and its fans desperately want their homegrown star to remain in town long term.
"I guess our control over this situation is to continue to do as many good things as possible for our team," general manager Danny Ferry said, "from making this a great place to play to having good players here to being a team that can be thought of as contending for a championship and winning a championship. Players want to be a part of that, and I’ve got to imagine that’s very important to LeBron."
The Cavs will offer James a contract July 1, and the first day he can sign it is July 12. He said this week that he doesn’t expect it to be a long process.
"I think we can come up with an agreement for both sides," James said.
But the playoffs proved that James can’t win series by himself, and with little salary cap space available to make improvements, the Cavaliers need to do what they can to maintain and build upon team chemistry.
Forward Drew Gooden and guard Flip Murray will be free agents, and Cleveland could lose both players. While the Cavaliers might be able to replace their talent and stay within budget, chemistry is another matter.
"There was never any issues," point guard Eric Snow said of this year’s team. "It was fun on the court and even more fun off. The highs and the lows, the winning streaks and the losing streaks, it always seemed to be great support, great communication and great effort."
Gooden wants to return, but Murray wants to explore his options.
Gooden averaged 10.7 points and 8.7 rebounds. Despite his inconsistencies, he is a productive big man, which isn’t easy to find.
The team has a better chance of retaining Murray. The Cavaliers own a mid-level exception, which could be enticing to Murray. The biggest drawback is that he’s looking for an opportunity to start, something Cleveland is unlikely to provide.
As far as adding players, point guard is Cleveland’s biggest need. The team could acquire a player with its mid-level exception in free agency, or use its first-round draft pick (25 th overall) or two second-rounders to improve depth at the position.
No matter what the Cavaliers do this summer, their core will remain intact, meaning the team should improve simply from a continuity standpoint.
"We brought a young team together and a new system, new coaching staff and a new organization, and I think we did a hell of a job," guard Damon Jones said. "The San Antonios and Detroits didn’t win their championships overnight. We understand that it’s going to take time."
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