CF's Cavs 2K11 Association

[Cleveland's Finest]

Ok I did one last year and only got to game 4, so I'm determined to have a lasting one this season.

 

I started a Cavs Association and simmed the whole season. They finished with a 30-52 record (fourth worst in the league).

 

In the playoffs, the Lakers beat the Mavs in the Western finals, and the Celtics beat the Heat in the Eastern finals.

 

The finals was decided in 7 games when the Celtics beat the Lakers in Boston in Game 7. Rajon Rondo was the MVP of the finals.

 

Here are the regular season award winners:

 

MVP: LeBron James

MIP: Derrick Rose

COY: Scott Brooks

SMY: Jamal Crawford

ROY: John Wall

DPY: Ben Wallace

 

I'm going to be playing on 10 minute quarters, All-Star difficulty unless I feel I should change it.

 

2011 off-season news will be posted next.

Edited January 23, 2011 by Cleveland's Finest

[Jenneral]

Playing with a full 82 game season? That's going to take you forever with 10 min quarters.

[Nestle Snipes]

Following

[Cleveland's Finest]

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa312/Clevelands_Finest_album/cavsassobanner.jpg

 

Cavs land #1 pick

 

Following a train wreck of a season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have wound up with the number one pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. They had an 11.9% chance.

 

The Cavs have had the lottery night's number (no pun) the last two times in which they have been participants.

 

Dan Gilbert, the Cavs representative at the fortuitous night, was interviewed following the results.

 

"Last year, I know this franchise did not perform to anyone's expectations, mine included. However, accessing the trade market, our front office saw no advantages in making a move. We certainly didn't want to be reactionary. Here we are now, and we got the number one pick. This isn't what we wanted of our season, but when you get the first pick, it's always a spark for a franchise. We'll access the talent, and make sure we get the right guys this draft."

 

http://www.blogcdn.com/nba.fanhouse.com/media/2010/07/dan-gilbert-cavs-0610-307.jpg

The first pick in the draft gives Dan Gilbert happiness after an otherwise miserable season.

 

 

When asked if his promise of winning a title before the Heat still exists, Gilbert responded, "You know, it's nice to be optimistic, but we are almost a year past the decision thing. That was in the moment, and I had feelings that couldn't be contained that night. But I can promise Cav fans that we are going to try our hardest this offseason to assemble a better product on the floor than last year".

----------------------------------------------------

 

Cavs lose half of roster in pre-draft moves

 

Following the draft lottery, the Cavs made some internal moves. While Ryan Hollins accepted his player option for next year, the Cavs decided to not resign Leon Powe, Alonzo Gee, or Anthony Parker.

 

After the player re-signing period, the Cavs made two trades.

 

The first trade, with the Memphis Grizzlies was strictly for draft purposes for the Cavs.

 

Memphis received:

Mo Williams

J.J. Hickson

2012 1st round pick

 

Cleveland received:

Hasheem Thabeet

2011 1st round pick (#10)

 

http://thehoopscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mo-e1290674852192-217x166.jpghttp://www.nba.com/media/act_jj_hickson.jpg

JJ Hickson and Mo Williams, two players from the LeBron era, look to have success in Memphis.

 

The Grizzlies finally found a point guard whom they believe can mesh with the core of OJ Mayo, Marc Gasol, and Rudy Gay. They also got JJ Hickson, a security blanket forward if they cannot resign F Zach Randolph this off-season. They parted ways with their former first round pick Thabeet. The Cavs must feel they can find a few solid pieces in this draft if they are willing to trade two solid players and a future pick.

 

The other deal, made with the Clippers, was to free up some more cap space.

 

Los Angeles Clippers received:

Jamario Moon

 

Cleveland Received:

2012 2nd round pick

 

The Clippers, with their new found duo in Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon, add a veteran who can play defense and shoot the occasional three to back up Aminu at the F position.

 

Here is the Cavs current roster enterting the 2011 draft:

PG: Ramon Sessions // Daniel Gibson

SG: Manny Harris // Christian Eyenga

SF: Joey Graham

PF: Antawn Jamison // Samardo Samuels

C: Anderson Varejao // Hasheem Thabeet // Ryan Hollins

Edited January 24, 2011 by Cleveland's Finest

[TheHutch]

Following this. Nice work CF.

[MainEv3nt]

im doing a 82 game season with mavs on hall of fame and im like 19-0 lol.

[Cleveland's Finest]

I'm gonna have draft/FA results tonight...Melo resigned with Denver....should I leave it like that? Or trade him to NY...

[Newman]

Following. Trade Melo to NY, it's realistic. :glasses:

[Paul]

Following. Looks good.

[Cleveland's Finest]

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa312/Clevelands_Finest_album/cavsassobanner.jpg

 

Cavs Find Their Future

 

On draft night, the Cavs drafted three rookies. In Kyrie Irving and Jared Sullinger, they hope they might have found their future.

 

"With the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select.....Kyrie Irving, out of Duke."

 

After David Stern muttered those words, Cleveland braced itself to hear who their new star would be. They might've even be happier when they found out the Cavs traded their 2nd first round pick for Ohio native Jared Sullinger.

 

The Raptors, who had the 8th pick in the draft, drafted the forward Sullinger. Cleveland hoped they could steal him with the tenth pick they acquired from the Grizzlies. However, it didn't work out. The Cavs showed their belief in Sullinger by trading one of their fan favorites for him.

 

Toronto Received:

Anderson Varejao

12' 1st round pick

13' 2nd round pick

 

Cleveland Received:

Rights to Jared Sullinger

12' 2nd round pick

13' 2nd round pick

 

The Cavs also swapped one of their two second round picks from this year's draft with the Warriors for a future second round pick, feeling there was no one left on the board who suited their needs.

 

With the fourth pick in the 2nd round of the draft, the Cavs drafted G Malcolm Delaney, who shot lights out while at Virginia Tech.

 

Following the draft, Cavs GM Chris Grant voiced his opinions concerning the Cavs draft:

 

"First off, I'd like to thank Andy Varejao for all that he has done for this organization. His hustle, spirit, and loyalty will be remembered here, and we wish him luck in Toronto...I believe that we have something to build on in this organization. Kyrie, Jared, and Malcolm had outstanding college careers, and we hope to discover their potential starting now. I know they are all excited to suit up in that uniform and go out and just play already. This draft process has been very long."

 

----------

 

http://hoopdreamz.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/kyrie-irving-si.jpg

 

Kyrie on being drafted 1st: "Wow, man. I can't believe I've come this far. To be the first one selected is a huge honor, and I thank the Cleveland organization for believing in me. I'd also like to thank Coach K, my family and all my teammates at Duke for making me the player and person I am."

 

http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/83/fullj.adf763185dcab371bf4dbec0f8c5c1e0/ap-0f090b3079b94ef5bd9b6e1314c93d60.jpg

 

Jared on becoming a Cavalier: "You know, it's funny how things work out. I'm really excited to get to the gym and work on my game. I'm very fortunate to be able to play in my home state. I know Buckeye nation extends throughout all of Ohio, so I think I feel comfortable with the surroundings."

 

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2010/03/11/PH2010031104138.jpg

Malcolm on being drafted: "This is a moment I'll never forget. To be drafted into professional basketball, man. I'm so thankful for this and I'd like to thank my friends, family, coaches, teammates and Virginia Tech for this."

 

Cavs Active in Free Agency

 

When the free agency period began, the Cavs already inked their rookies to contracts. Sullinger was signed to a 2-year deal worth $4.63 million with a team option for 2 more years. Irving signed to a 2-year deal worth $9.28 million with a team option for 2 more years. Delaney signed to a contract for 1 year worth $473,000 with a team option for 2 more years.

 

The Cavs looked at Caron Butler, Jamal Crawford, Thaddeus Young, Sonny Weems, Leon Powe, and a few others.

 

Jamal Crawford, who the Cavs looked at as a possible starting shooting guard, turned down the Cavs offer, choosing to remain with the Hawks.

 

http://www.depressedfan.com/img/thad111110.jpg

Young hopes to find a home in Cleveland

 

The Cavs ended up signing Thaddeus Young and Sonny Weems. Young signed a 4 year contract worth $38.46 million, instead of resigning with Philadelphia. The 6'8 forward out of Georgia Tech averaged 13.9 points and 4.3 rebounds as a 76er last season.

 

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/083/613/93931538_crop_340x234.jpg?1291696599

Weems is a three-year veteran.

 

Weems signed a 1 year deal worth $1.47 million. As a Raptor in 2010, the 6'6 guard-forward averaged 7.5 points and 2.8 rebounds. Weems is expected to compete with Manny Harris for the starting job at shooting guard.

 

Notable signings around the league:

Warriors sign Delonte West to 5yr/$32.23M deal

Warriors sign Aaron Brooks to 4yr/$58.56M deal

Hornets sign Corey Brewer to 4yr/$17.32M deal

Hornets sign Shannon Brown to 5yr/$43.88M deal

Pacers sign Tracy McGrady to 1yr/$8.08M deal

Timberwolves sign Caron Butler to 3yr/$35.90M deal

Suns sign Wilson Chandler to 5yr/$66.96M deal

Kings sign Carl Landry to 3 yr/$22.73M deal

Kings sign Marcus Thornton to 3yr/$19.01M deal

Nuggets sign Grant Hill to 1yr/$1.87 M deal

Nets sign Vince Carter to 1yr/$10.01M deal

Nets sign Zach Randolph to 5 yr/$56.94 deal

Hawks sign Jamal Crawford to 4yr/$25.15M deal

Thunder sign Alonzo Gee to 4 yr/$21.53M deal

 

Notable trades around the league:

Suns-Spurs (Suns receive Antonio McDyess, '12 2nd round pick; Spurs receive Hakim Warrick, '13 1st round pick)

Thunder-Suns (Thunder receive Marcin Gortat; Suns receive D.J. White, '12 1st round pick)

 

edit - I don't get why the Warriors signed Brooks.

Edited January 24, 2011 by Cleveland's Finest

[Jenneral]

Nice draft... the Young signing may end up being a bit long. Good luck though!

[Cleveland's Finest]

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa312/Clevelands_Finest_album/cavsassobanner.jpg

 

Cavs Finalize Roster; Add Pryzbilla

 

With the 2011-2012 season nearing, the Cavs added some more veteran leadership. Pryzbilla, a center, played his last seven seasons with Portland, and has a career average of 3.8 points and 6.2 rebounds. With Thabeet struggling to impress the Cavs, it looks like Joel will get the nod at starting center. The terms of Joel's deal were $1.19M over a year.

 

In order to make room for these moves, the Cavs sent F Christian Eyenga to the Lake Erie Bayhawks.

 

The Cavs have a full 15 man-roster, and coach Byron Scott is ready to bring his troops out on the court. "Ever since last season ended, I've been waiting for this. I want to get that taste of losing out of my mouth."

 

http://hoopedia.nba.com/images/4/4b/Act_joel_przybilla.jpg

The Cavs finalized their 2011 roster, and will head to San Antonio on Thursday, January 27 to tip the season off at 7:30 P.M.

 

2011-2012 NBA Preview

 

http://i52.tinypic.com/ilys90.jpg

 

The 2011 offseason had many highlights. After the Celtics won it all, retirements were announced. Andre Miller, Shaq, and Jerry Stackhouse were among those who retired. Rick Adelman, Houston's head coach, called it quits also.

 

The 2011 NBA draft was also captivating. The number one pick, Kyrie Irving, hopes to bring hope to a city in Cleveland still love drunk over LeBron's absence.

 

Here's the top ten picks from the draft:

1. Kyrie Irving (Cleveland)

2. Terrence Jones (Nets)

3. Harrison Barnes (Detroit)

4. Perry Jones (LAC)

5. Brandon Knight (Sacramento)

6. Josh Selby (Phoenix)

7. Alec Burks (Washington)

8. Jared Sullinger (Toronto; traded to Cleveland)

9. Tyler Honeycutt (Philadelphia)

10. Jordan Jamilton (Toronto)

 

Also, the offseason had the same free agent drama, this time dealing with Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo signed a 5 year extension with Denver and then was traded to New York.

 

New York Received:

Carmelo Anthony

Kenyon Martin

 

Denver Received:

Danilo Gallinari

Landry Fields

Anthony Randolph

Ronny Turiaf

 

--------------------

 

It's rare that the team which won the NBA championship has the most questions surrounding it, but that's just where the Celtics are. After the glorious game 7 retribution against the Lakers, the last thing on the Celtics mind was this season. But here they are. Shaq is gone, but everyone else is still around. Perkins is fully healthy, and Rondo has huge expectations. "This is going to be a fun season," said team captain Kevin Garnett.

 

Teams on the Rise:

 

New York: Despite trading a majority of their key role players during last season's playoff run, they added another marquee star to play alongside Amare. They also got a big man in Kenyon Martin to fill in for Turiaf. Felton averaged 16.8 points and 8.7 assists last season, so he should continue to produce. The Knicks also had a solid draft in drafting Derrick Williams out of Arizona in the 1st round and Villanova star Corey Fisher in the 2nd round.

 

Nets: While not becoming an elite team, they certainly improved over last season. The Nets were active in free agency, signing Zach Randolph and Vince Carter. They also drafted Kentucky's Terrence Jones with the 2nd pick in the draft. With Devin Harris and Brook Lopez still around, they should be in the playoff discussion this year.

 

Minnesota: Following Kevin Love's and Michael Beasley's breakout seasons, the Timberwolves signed Caron Butler, adding another scorer. They also drafted big man Enes Kanter with the 11th pick in the first round. Slowly but surely, this team somehow seems to be building into a playoff team.

 

New Orleans: They have managed to keep Chris Paul happy, signing Shannon Brown, Corey Brewer and Nick Young in the offseason. West, Okafor, and Ariza are still there. They also drafted Duke's Nolan Smith. Suddenly, this team looks a lot younger and athletic.

 

Clippers: Ranked first in the preseason power rankings, they must be doing something right. Griffin and Gordan should be all-stars this year. Chris Kaman, Baron Davis, and Al-Farouq Aminu round out the team. They managed to get the fourth pick in the draft, adding even more length in Baylor's Perry Jones.

 

Teams on the Downside:

 

Lakers: They made it to the finals last year, but Kobe is now 33, and the team managed to do almost nothing to improve itself. Derek Fisher is still there, but there's a major gap at small forward. With Ron Artest out 2-4 months with a torn patellar tendon, the team has high hopes that Matt Barnes can fill in. The team also needs a back up center.

 

Dallas: Dirk led the league in scoring last year, and he might have to again. This team did next to nothing in the offseason. Kidd is still around, but they'll need Roddy Beaubois to blossom this year to have any chance to stick around in the tough West. They drafted Florida's Chandler Parsons and Florida State's Chris Singleton, and also signed Troy Murphy. Losing Caron Butler, you think they'd go for more.

 

Denver: It's obvious this team will struggle. The answer is just to what extent. They still have Nene, J.R. Smith, Chauncey, and Ty Lawson. They added Gallinari, Fields, Randolph, and Turiaf, so you know they have talent. Offseason additions include signing Grant Hill and drafting Klay Thompson out of WSU and Jan Vesely from the Czech Republic.

 

San Antonio: Like the Lakers, there were also no additions. However, you can never count the Spurs out. The core group is still there, and Blair has lots of potential.

 

Based on what's went down, it seems quite clear: The Western Conference power is shifting, and it's happening quicker than many expected. The entire playoff picture could look drastically different from last year's.

 

Edited January 25, 2011 by Cleveland's Finest

[Paul]

Dude I have read everything so far, and you got me wanting more. Come on and update it quick. hahaha

[Cleveland's Finest]

Lol, thanks...I'm gonna play opening night at San Antonio tonight.

 

I played a few preseason games but either Sullinger or Irving were injured. Both are healthy now, but I'll do some practicing in the scrimmage mode before that game.

 

What a tough schedule the thing gave me. After the Spurs I go straight to Miami.

[Paul]

I hope you are playing on a level that the computer can beat you if you have a bad game. The one thing I hate reading the most is and the Cavs are now 56-0.

[Cleveland's Finest]

I'm not that type of player. I suck at this game lol.

 

And you've gotta be kidding me....I load my franchise and it loads as though I'm the Nuggets GM...I was when I did the Melo trade but I went back as Cavs. And when I go to resign as GM to go back to the Cavs it freezes. I'll find a way to work around this...Maybe I'll just have to play as the Cavs as Nuggets Gm....but still...the one time I don't need a freeze it happens.

[moeroadkill]

think i might start playing 2k again

does anyone know some good sliders to use? im kind of sick of playing games where the computer shoot 70%

[Newman]

^ Depends on your difficulty and minutes played. There are some good ones floating on 2Kshare.

 

I like the moves you have made CF, although as a fan of realism I am not sure whether adding Redd would be a good thing unless his overall is severely tone down now.

 

EDIT: Just saw your thread on OS Hope your save file ain't corrupted.

Edited January 25, 2011 by Newman

[Cleveland's Finest]

Looks like it is, I'm gonna restart and make the same exact moves, except I'll redo my NBA preview thread. It won't happen this time because I'll make multiple save files. This ain't going anywhere....it'll take a few days though as I don't feel like doing it all over again in one day.

[TheHutch]

Damn man that sucks. Like 50, I'm really getting into this, lol.

[Paul]

NOOOOO! CF if you don't start this back the exact way you had it (at least your team) I will come hunt you down and Hutch will join me and we will throw your XBXO out your window. You better fix this, this is like my soap opera. I got on here at 1:30 AFTER doing homework and being up since 7 to read this and now this? Total bs. haha.

[Cleveland's Finest]

2011-2012 NBA Preview

 

http://i52.tinypic.com/ilys90.jpg

 

The 2011 offseason had many highlights. After the Celtics won it all, retirements were announced. Kurt Thomas and Jerry Stackhouse were among those who retired. Jazz longtime coach Jerry Sloan, called it quits also.

 

The 2011 NBA draft was also captivating. The number one pick, Kyrie Irving, hopes to bring hope to a city in Cleveland still love drunk over LeBron's absence.

 

Here's the top ten picks from the draft:

1. Kyrie Irving (Cleveland)

2. Terrence Jones (Nets)

3. Harrison Barnes (Portland)

4. Josh Selby (Minnesota)

5. Enes Canter (Charlotte)

6. Alec Burks (New Orleans)

7. Jared Sullinger (Cleveland)

8. Perry Jones (New York)

9. Brandon Knight (Toronto)

10. Kemba Walker (Portland)

 

Also, the offseason had the same free agent drama, this time dealing with Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo signed a 5 year extension with Denver and then was traded to New York.

 

New York Received:

Carmelo Anthony

Kenyon Martin

 

Denver Received:

Danilo Gallinari

Wilson Chandler

Knicks 2012 1st round pick

Knicks 2013 1st round pick

 

--------------------

 

It's rare that the team which won the NBA championship has the most questions surrounding it, but that's just where the Celtics are. After the glorious game 7 retribution against the Lakers, the last thing on the Celtics mind was this season. But here they are. Shaq is back even. Perkins is fully healthy, and Rondo has huge expectations. "This is going to be a fun season," said team captain Kevin Garnett. The team drafted Baylor's Lacedarius Dunn and Jamine Peterson out of England.

 

Teams on the Rise:

 

New York: Despite trading a majority of their key role players during last season's playoff run, they added another marquee star to play alongside Amare. They also got a big man in Kenyon Martin to fill in for Turiaf. Felton, Fields, and Turiaf are still around, and they drafted Perry Jones.

 

Chicago: The Bulls might have the best starting five in the league. After adding Steven Jackson in the offseason, this team might be the most complete in the NBA. Adding Kyle Singler and Clay Thompson in the draft, while keeping Korver, Bogans, and Taj Gibson gives them a pretty deep bench too.

 

Atlanta: They lost Maurice Evans and Jamal Crawford, but picked up Andre Miller and Tayshaun Prince. They also drafted Demitri McCamey. The depth at the point guard position gives hope to Larry Drew, entering his second year as Hawks coach.

 

Sacramento: The Kings signed Aaron Brooks in the offseason, giving them a deadly guard combo with Brooks and Evans. They also signed former Trail Blazer Nicolas Batum and drafted BYU star Jimmer Fredette and Villanova star Corey Fisher. The future looks very hopeful in Sac-town.

 

New Orleans: They have managed to keep Chris Paul happy, signing a plethora of guard-forwards in Michael Redd, J.R. Smith, and Jamal Crawford. They also signed big man Nazr Mohammed and forward Jonas Jerebko. The only big loss was Marcus Thornton.

 

Portland: Last year's 35-47 season further crushed the team after all of the injuries. However, they got another low draft pick, and drafted Harrison Barnes. They also drafted Kemba Walker. They signed Luc Mbah a Moute also. This team should be dangerous. Only major loss is Andre Miller.

 

Teams on the Downside:

 

Utah: Deron Williams has only one guaranteed year left in Utah, but they made little to none moves to keep him happy. Signing Marcus Thornton is a plus, but that was the only splash they made besides drafting Duke's Nolan Smith and Pittsburgh's Gilbert Brown. In a tough West, they might struggle to get in the playoffs. The loss of Jerry Sloan at coach hurts even more.

 

Denver: They lost their star Carmelo, Kenyon Martin, and J.R. Smith. Now they are left with a lot of talent in Wilson Chandler, Chauncey Billups, Nene, Danilo, and Ty Lawson, but they have little direction. They have a lot to figure out.

 

Phoenix: Steve Nash is still there, and it seems the Suns don't know what to do. They signed Shannon Brown, drafted Donatas Motiejunas out of Lithuania and Gonzaga's Steven Gray. One wonders what this franchise is thinking now.

 

The Lakers, Mavericks, and Spurs (3 of the 4 teams in the Western Conference Semifinals) made barely any moves, but it's too hard to tell if they are indeed on the downside.

 

Other moves made over the summer:

- Vince Carter signs with Thunder

- Tracy McGrady signs with Wizards

- Ben Wallace, Jason Maxiell join Magic

- Brandon Bass signs with Pistons

- Zach Randolph signs with Nets

- Dalembert joins Memphis

 

Based on what's went down, it seems quite clear: The Western Conference power is shifting, and it's happening quicker than many expected. The entire playoff picture could look drastically different from last year's.

 

 

Alright guys, I redid it and saved multiple files so this won't happen again. Roster is same for me, but I couldn't sign Michael Redd. It is what it is. Bottom line, this ain't going nowhere.

Edited January 25, 2011 by Cleveland's Finest

[fish7718]

Felton - Chandler - Melo - K-mart - Amar'e? Let's go Knicks!

[Cleveland's Finest]

^^Yeah, I think I made a typo...Chandler's on Denver. I said he was, so I don't know why I said he was still on New York...I'll check again to make sure. The Knicks still have Fields though, so not too much of a difference in starting lineup caliber.

 

Lol...I dissed the Jazz in my preview, yet somehow they made number 2 in the preseason power rankings? Miami's number one, but Jazz at 2? My Cavs are at 20.

 

No games tonight...but tonight I'll put up Cavs Media Day and have a preview for the Cavs specifically. Then, it's game time.

Edited January 25, 2011 by Cleveland's Finest

[Cleveland's Finest]

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa312/Clevelands_Finest_album/cavsassobanner.jpg

 

11-12 Cavs Preview: The Road to Relevance

 

On the Cavs media day, Owner Dan Gilbert spoke of hope. "We are ready to begin a new era in Cleveland. I've treasured working with Chris, Byron, and the rest of the wonderful front office this offseason."

 

Gilbert expressed his optimism. "We want to make the playoffs this year, just as we hoped last year."

 

At Cleveland Clinic Courts, the players got acquainted with one another before learning Byron Scott's system. "Last year I believe our focus on offense was too much early on. I think this time we'll approach all parts of the game. I want to take pride in our defense and focus and I want there guys communicating on the court.

 

Antawn Jamison, a member of the Cavs for a season and a half, talks of the massive overhaul on the roster. "This is crazy. You got Boobie here, and he's the only guy who's been here since I arrived. At the same time though, you like that the front office wants to change things up from such a depressing season."

 

Jamison, who remained a consummate professional despite the losing, has a new found faith here in Cleveland, and seems to have revived his desire to play here. It will be interesting whether or not the Cavs use his expiring contract in the trade market this year.

 

Daniel Gibson, as Antawn mentioned, is the only other Cavalier remaining on the roster from the 2009-2010 season. Unfortunately, the 2011 season ended prematurely, as he tore his MCL. That injury will keep him out for 1-2 months this season. The Cavs plan on practicing him in a few weeks, and the goal is to have him on the court by January at the latest. "It's hard having to sit here and watch my teammates working hard. I want to go out there right now and have their backs. But I have to go through the process. So far, my knee is recovering well."

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/2200283632_7515e5726f.jpg

At 25 years of age, Daniel Gibson finds himself as the longest tenured Cavalier on the team.

 

 

Guards

 

The first pick in the draft, Kyrie Irving, will be the playmaker on this team. He's got a jump shot that needs some fine tuning, but that will come with time. Byron Scott had great success with Jason Kidd in New Jersey, and with Chris Paul in New Orleans. Right now, Scott wants Irving to work on limiting turnovers and valuing each possession.

 

The hole in this rotation is found at the starting shooting guard. Daniel Gibson is expected to start when he gets back. But until then, Coach Scott has said Sonny Weems will get the nod opening night at New Jersey.

 

Ramon Sessions is a solid backup for Irving, and may work his way up to starting shooting guard depending on his success. Manny Harris and Christian Eyenga, who both experienced the lowest of lows last year in their first NBA seasons, will be competing for minutes in Coach Scott's rotation. While Boobie Gibson is out, both will get a fair amount of minutes. Malcolm Delaney probably won't see the court much, but the Cavs will give him chances.

 

Forwards

 

The drafting of Jared Sullinger was a risky move. Not many NBA GM's trust he can be a NBA caliber power forward, let alone an All-Star. He'll hold most of the scoring duties for the Cavs in the low post. Jamison's presence should help Jared adjust to the NBA game and lifestyle. Antawn is expected to be the Cavs sixth man as of now.

 

http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/media/act_antawn_jamison.jpg

Can Antawn Jamison produce as the go to man off the bench?

 

 

The signing of Thaddeus Young was the Cavs biggest free agent signing in awhile. Young learned a lot in Philly. In Cleveland, however, Young will play more minutes and have more accountabiility. The Cavs expect him to average double digits. Joey Graham is another veteran who was signed by the Cavs last offseason. He'll be expected to play big minutes off the bench. His physicality and IQ are his best attributes. Sonny Weems was signed for his agility and the Cavs believe that he has some untapped potential. Samardo Samuels learned a lot last year, but he still has some room for improvement.

 

Center

 

Not many NBA teams have three seven footers on their team. The Cavs went out and traded for Hasheem Thabeet, and signed Joel Pryzbilla, who's expected to start at center. Ryan Hollins, who accepted his player option, won't see the court often. He'll see minutes if there's an injury most likely. Pryzbilla is expected to provide some leadership to this Cavs team. Coach Scott wants him to play just as former Cav Andy Varejao, doing the dirty work and setting an example.

 

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Well, that wraps it up for the Cavs offseason. Now, it's time to get on the court. The Cavs will visit New Jersey, err Brooklyn to play the Nets to tip things off!

 

Edited January 26, 2011 by Cleveland's Finest