Lil Red Machine

This was their chance.   No KG in the starting lineup for Boston, and with potential homecourt advantage in the playoffs up for grabs, the Cavaliers laid a big egg.  The Cavs yet again lose a game to an elite team.  There’s a big shocker.

This team isn’t going anywhere until it can figure out how to guard in the post.  Good teams with excellent post play beats us everytime.  On the offensive side of the ball, Mike Brown and the Cavs completely abandon the offense when faced with any sort of crisis situation.  The “give the ball to LeBron and have everybody else get out of the way” strategy will never lead to a championship.

Their new aquisition, Joe Smith, was a non-factor.  Zydrunas Ilgauskas put up some shots, but was abused defensively.  Anderson Varejao played well, posting up 15 points, but all in all, the Cavs still have major weaknesses in the interior, and good teams will continue to take advantage of that.

There’s a very good chance that the road to the finals will go through Boston now.  Despite the Cavs adding new players and trying to tinker with what they have, it’s clear that Boston just has their number in that building.  The old parquet floor from the old Boston Garden is long gone.  The rat infested visiting locker rooms has long ago been demolished.  However, there still seems to be a bit of Garden mystique working against Cleveland.  That, and just the problems that occur when facing a great team that has shown no championship hangover.

What a life.

One day, you are playing for one of the worst teams in the NBA in the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Perhaps thinking about golf tee times and vacation plans for the upcoming offseason, all while hopping from city to city with a hapless unit.  Next thing you know, you are dealt to a team that is 47-12.  If that doesn’t create a spring in your step, nothing else really will.

The Cavaliers agreed to a contract with Joe Smith Tuesday.  He will be making his second tour of duty with Cleveland, after coming over in the trade last season that landed them Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, and Delonte West.  The former number 1 pick from the 1995 draft never lived up to that billing, but has had a long career, filling various roles for the teams he has played for.  With Ben Wallace out, the Cavs needed another veteran big man.  He gives them someone who can consistently hit the 10-15 foot jumpshot for the screen and roll plays they like to run.

There was talk about them signing Drew Gooden over Smith, but the Cavs went with the more consistent performer.  With Drew, you never know what you are going to get.  He is capable of some big games, but also can make really terrible mistakes.  With Joe, you get the same guy on a nightly basis.  You never have to question his professionalism.

Good move, one that may have a huge payoff in the end.  The Cavs have been hurting for another big man outside of Zydrunas Ilgauskas who can score.  That void has now been filled.