A Shaq In The Hand's More Than 2 In the Bosh

Plastered on ESPNEWS rolling ticker this morning is the sentence: "Shaquille O'Neal to Cavaliers trade talks heating up."

ESPN's Chris Brossard reported this morning on Sportscenter that the trade deadline talks that spurned rumors of Shaq teaming up with LeBron earlier this season never actually died, and are currently gaining new momentum. While he noted that the deal is not imminent, from all indications former teammates Steve Kerr (Suns GM) and Danny Ferry are certainly talking about the possibilities of it.

Waiting For Next Year while supporting the possible move, posted on this subject this morning saying in part: "...the trade would essentially tie up the Cavs roster for the year and hinder their ability to make any sort of trade during the season (like say...Chris Bosh). This would most likely be the final product we go to war with next postseason..."

Details of the trade involve the Cavaliers moving Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to make way for the Big Fella.

While it is certainly true, that trading for Shaq and his $20 mil price tag would prevent other possible moves as the offseason and season move forward - specifically the aforementioned Bosh - that really shouldn't matter at this point. You can argue that the Cavaliers are not 'desperate' to improve their roster at this point, but there is no denying the fact that the sense of urgency is at an all-time high.

If you want to argue that Bosh is a better move than Shaq, I'll give you that. But how real is it? I don't see how the Cavaliers could wait on an opportunity like that (Bosh) presenting itself, when it may never come. If this Shaq deal, or a variation of it, presents itself, there is no way that Cleveland cannot make that move. Shaq makes you better right now, and there is no more time to wait on that. It's all in time for Cleveland, and I'll take my chances on the 37-old Shaq.

Speechless; We're All Tied Up

The Shot that Saved Cleveland. Le-Shot. The Chosen Three.



Call it whatever you want.

After all these years, now its Cleveland that has that player, that makes that play. Its Amazing. I can't wait for the commercial.

(Picture is courtesy of Tracy Poulian, The Cleveland Plain Dealer)

LeBron Calls For Sasha to Step In, and Step Up

Thursday morning we said that you might need to call on Sasha Pavlovic to counterbalance the mismatch issues the Magic exploited on Wednesday night.

[See Takes From Game 1 - As scary as it is to say we might have to trust Sasha with some meaningful minutes in this series.If Z continues to be cold and can't improve on the pick n roll we could go stretches with Andy on Howard and not have a huge drop off and put Sasha on Lewis ]

Friday Morning, LeBron James Agreed.

From LBJ via Cleveland.com:

"I think Sasha can be huge for us," James said. "Mentally, if Sasha's in tune, he could be really good for us with his 6-7 or 6-8, 240-pound frame, he could really help us on the defensive end, and he's also an offensive threat. You just cannot leave him open on the offensive end because he can make shots. Mentally, if Sasha's in tune, which I think he can be, and if he's called upon, I think he can be really good for us. We need that type of active body on the defensive end who can take a little bit of the load of myself and Delonte. . . . We could use him out there."

But make no mistake. LeBron did not say 'Mentally, if Sasha is in tune' twice, by accident. Its a big if, but looks to be a needed move here.

Go Cavs Tonight. One Goal.

Cavaliers - Magic: Series Prediction

Before I give my prediction for the Eastern Conference Finals I want to first send a shout out to Dr. Anklesnap and our good friends over at the Hoop Doctors for the link yesterday - appreciate that fellas.

That said, I really want to agree with his Cavaliers in (5) prediction, but somethings telling me its going to take (6) to dispose of the Magic.

My guarantees for the series are as follows:

The Cavaliers will win Game 1 handily. They will also win Game 6 by at least (15). Other than that, I am not really sure how it will play out, other than the fact that the Cavaliers will lose (2) games somewhere in there; with (1) being at home, and (1) being on the road.

The (2) loses won't be all bad though, as they'll advance to the NBA Finals with a postseason record of 12-2 overall.



So now that that's out of the way, its time for some Le-Bombs...I want you to wake up with sugar all in your hair tomorrow...Go Cavs!

Cavaliers in 6

Western Conference Finals: Lakers - Nuggets

Game 1 Tonight:

Series Prediction: Nuggets in (6)

While Kobe v. LeBron would be one helluva Finals match-up, I don't see Phillip getting his crew there this time around.

Chauncey Billups is going to be a serious problem for Derek Fisher this series. Fisher had enough problems with second year PG Aaron Brooks last time around, and if Brooks didn't play at stretches like a second year player, the Lakers might be fishing right now. However, in his 7th straight conference finals appearance, Mr. Bigshot is no Aaron Brooks, and he will consistently dominate Fisher, Farmer, and whoever the hell else the Lakers roll out there to try to slow him down, all series long.

On the interior, while the Laker frontline looks great on paper, they were outplayed twice by a Yao Ming-less frontline -featuring Luis Scola, Chuck Hayes, and Carl Landry. The physicality of the Nuggets front line, lead by Kenyon Martin, Nene, and the Birdman, is going to be a problem for Pau, Lamar, and Bynum - none of whom care much for mixing it up.

Kobe is going to play great, and probably win (2) games on his own, but I don't think the rest of his squad matches up well enough to help him win two more. Anthony will be good, not great, but good enough to move on, and face his buddy LeBron in the Finals.

Cavaliers - Magic: Game 3 Wednesday

As predicted here at Shaver Sports on Saturday, the Magic went into Boston and took Game (7) from Celtics. While I would have thoroughly enjoyed completely dominating the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, I am fine with the consolation prize of eliminating the Magic.

I know we will hear a lot about the frontline of the Magic in days to come. The way they beat the Cavs in Orlando towards the end of the regular season; and how much better Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis are than Z and Andy. But before all that happens, I want to say this. The Magic have no LeBron James. And while I'll give the edge to the Magic at the 4 and 5 spot, I have to give the edge to Cleveland at the 1, 2, and 3.

In other words, I like Mo Williams over Rafer Alston, Delonte West over JJ Redick, and LeBron James over Hedo Turkulo...by a ton.

Cleveland will have to deal with Howard, that's a given, but I'll let Mike Brown take care of that. And defensively, on the interior for Cleveland, I'll say this right now, Anderson Varejao will come up huge this series.

Further analysis as well as a series prediction to follow.

Cleveland Sports Blog League Update

Cleveland Sports Blog League - Fantasy Baseball - 5/17 - Update

It wasn't too long ago that the Shaver Sports' Fantasy Baseball team occupied the last place position in the '09 standings. The reason for the slow start can be attributed to the oversight involved with the activation of Chien Mien Wang during the stretch where he racked up an ERA of over 36. My bad on that. However, after refocusing, removing Wang from the line-up, and more frequently checking out my roster, Shaver Sports has risen to 5th place overall as of today. Currently, while continuing to focus on our yearlong goals, we are looking to take a step forward this week by gaining 1.5 overall points and passing The Cleveland Fan, thereby securing 4th place by week's end.

To do this though, we are going to have to continue to hit, and our pitching must improve.

I'll keep you posted.

To view the latest overall standings, go to Cry Me A Cuyahoga River

Remembering Craig Ehlo...

In the latest issue of Sports Illustrated, Chris Ballard wrote an article, Guarding Kobe, which is worth the read. In the piece Ballard details the match-up through (4) games between Kobe Bryant, and the guy trying to slow him down, Shane Battier.

The article applauds the efforts of Battier - which is well deserved. But it also reaches back, and reminds us of another guy, who gave the best scorer of his day all he could handle come Playoff time - year after year... and that guy is former Cavalier, Craig Ehlo.

As the article mentions, Ehlo is a guy who has 'secured goat status in the eyes of Cleveland fans.' However, it also suggests, that this might be an unfair label for Craig - and I agree.

To me, I have always believed that Ehlo gets a bad wrap. Did he shut Jordan down? Of course not. But find me one NBA player that did.

Craig Ehlo gave the Cavaliers (7) years of service. During that stretch, he averaged 10.5 points per game, over (40) postseason games, all the while chasing the likes of Jordan all night on the other end of the floor. Jordan may have gotten his number most times, but as Cavs Trainer Gary Briggs said to Ehlo after one game, "he may have gotten 45 points, but you were in his sh*t all night."

What more could you ask from the guy?

On a side note - for whatever its worth - Ehlo is probably the last American-born whiteboy who will ever be asked to guard the best player in the NBA for a full game...let alone a full playoff series...

unless Luke Walton steps his game up, cracks the starting line-up, the Lakers advance, and he's matched up against LeBron James up in the Finals this year.

But game after game, to give his team the best chance to win Ehlo took that match-up. As a sports fan, you have to respect that. Just like you have to respect Battier. But when you watch Kobe try to shoot his way past the Rockets Sunday, just remember that before there was Shane Battier, there was Craig Ehlo...and 'Eggs' was a helluva player...whether you chose to remember that or not.

A.L Casoni Presents: Where would the Cavs be right now if they were LeBron-less?

A View From the Burgh...

I know its not a popular topic of discussion, but where would the Cavaliers be right now without LeBron James? Exactly where they are now? Recently eliminated from the playoffs? 24 beers deep in Cancun on vacation? The Cavs are rolling through the playoffs like a freight train. The Hawks and the Pistons were like a gigantic piece of cake in front of a fat kid, without a chance of survival. All this possible without the King? The Cavaliers certainly improved their squad in the offseason. The addition of Mo Williams has added another legitimate scorer to the lineup, and guys like Varejao and West have certainly earned their paychecks. But really, 8 games in to the playoffs without a loss? Truth of the matter is this, LeBron proved 1 man can take a team to the NBA finals a few years ago. He single-handedly put the team on his back, and carried them to the NBA finals. If you doubt this, please refer back to Game 5 against the Pistons. Regardless of the fact the Cavs were swept by the Spurs, it does not downplay how truly amazing this run was for LeBron and his minions. I think you know where I am going with this. With that said, the Cavs, in my opinion, would have limped in to the playoffs a 5 or 6 seed without the King, and would be sitting on the beach right now. They may have given someone a test, but they wouldn't have been a factor in the East. Reality is though that Cleveland is in the best position right now in the East, actually make that in the entire NBA. They are at home kicking it on their Lazy Boys in preparation of watching tomorrow's contest between the Celtics and Magic. Their biggest threat in the West is in a 7 game struggle, and their opponent is without the most coordinated guy to ever come out of China. The Celtics are a different team without Garnett, no doubt. They are even giving minutes to Brian Scalabrine? Seriously, Brian Scalabrine? So 2010 is obviously the year we are not looking forward too as Clevelanders. If we want to continue to watch the Cavs in to June, LeBron must stay. If not, we better hope the Tribe comes out better than they did this year...

Click Here For Previous Posts from A.L. Casoni's A View From the Burgh Series

Conference Finals Wednesday...Who's Coming?

I kinda want Boston to beat Orlando on Sunday. Not because I fear a match-up with the Magic, but because I want the Cavaliers to smack the Celtics upside the head just like Rafer did Eddie. With the Master of Panic shivering up and down the Magic sidelines, it's tough to pick D-Howard and company, especially on the road, but if I had to pick a winner tomorrow, it would be Orlando.

As currently constructed, I believe the Magic are a better team right now, and will win Game 7 in Boston tomorrow.

Don't take my word for it though. The following prediction and analysis is offered below from our friends over at Sports of Boston:

[via] The Big Three a Big Joke:

"...But no, this team (Celtics) is not going to defend it’s East crown this season, let alone it’s World Championship. Thursday night, we were witness to one of the worst performances by Celtics superstars you will see. The Celtics will return home for Game 7 on Sunday and have a decent shot of taking care of business, but it will only prolong the inevitable of a Cavaliers slaughter in the Eastern Conference Finals."

Oh how much I want to see that 'inevitable of a Cavaliers slaughter in the Eastern Conference Finals." Here's hoping my prediction is wrong, and Scalabrine goes for 36.

Gregg Doyel Sounds Like Skip Bayless

I'm sure you've read, or heard, about Gregg Doyel's article on CBS Sportsline earlier this week: "Let's Be Up Front: Cavaliers Can't Win the Title."

Initially, while I disagreed, I respected his points, and respected the piece. I enjoy a well put together thought - whether I agree or not - and his article is certainly that, regardless of where you come out on it.

But now this guy just sounds ridiculous.

On the Steve Czaban Radio Show yesterday, Gregg Doyel offered the following commentary in support of his article:

"The Cavs won't win the NBA Title because their big men suck...Ilgauskas is an insult to big men...Ilgauskas, at 7'3" is so pathetic that I am 5'10" and can win a jump ball against him...At this point, I am completely married to the idea that the Cavaliers can't win, so much so that if the Sacramento Kings got into the NBA Finals they would beat the Cavaliers."

Hilarious joke about winning the jump ball, Doyel. And the Sacramento Kings? Your married to that, huh? Well before you file for your inevitable divorce, give your idol Skip Bayless his material back, clown.

Cubes v. K-Mart, Witness Cuttys, and Retirement Homes

Top banter from our friends around the Blogosphere:

Tale of the Tape: Mark Cuban vs. Kenyon Martin - Ball Don't Lie

(29) pounds of marijuana is sending ex-Bearcat, and Cavalier, Corie Blount to bighouse - No Guts No Glory

Did you see that Witness Cutty riding around Cleveland...belongs to Rapper A. Gully. See the pics, read interview - Waiting for Next Year

2006 Orioles Draft Pick Josh Faiola, of the Minor League Baseball team set to play in Avon - the Crushers - is staying at a Retirement Home in Westlake, Ohio during the season - The Big Lead

Pitchers are Sissies Now, by Kid Nichols via the 1948 edition of Baseball Digest - Cleveland Frowns

Indians GM Mark Shapiro Needs to Fire Eric Wedge - Midwest Sports Fans

The King Finds Rest While Ruling Court

The Cavaliers have handled their business thus far this post season in the most efficient way possible, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals in (8) games. And while this Playoff performance has befit the MVP title bestowed on the King, what should not be overlooked in the highlight real factory that he has produced, is the efficiency with which the Cavaliers' Chief Operating Officer has managed through these first two rounds.

Through these (8) games LeBron James averaged a career playoff low in minutes, at (39) per game. How significant is this mark? Consider this, through the first two rounds of these Playoffs LeBron James has played the equivalent of (6.5) full (48) minute NBA games.

In comparison, during the first two rounds of the 2006 Playoffs, LeBron played in (13) games, averaging 46.5 minutes per contest, or the equivalent of (12.6) games - nearly double - and they didn't advance.

In 2007 they did advance, but it took an effort of 44.7 minutes per game from James, through (10) games, or the equivalent of (9.3) full (48) minute games.

Last season, before eventually losing to Boston, LeBron's Cavaliers played in (13) games through (2) rounds, with the Chosen 1 tallying 42.5 minutes per game, or the equivalent of (11.5) full (48) minute games.

Even the King can get tired, and whatever rest he can be afforded will undoubtedly pay huge come June.

Reference: Cavaliers Postseason Statistics

Cavaliers Win 84-74: Sweep Hawks

While Shaver Sports predicted the Round 2 sweep of the Hawks that came to fruition last night - before the series started - I would be remiss if I did not remind you that (9) of the (10) NBA Experts at ESPN did not. But instead of the Cavaliers being in the (6) game dogfight that Tim Legler and JA Adande prognosticated, the Cavaliers will take another week - plus off, while they await the winner of the Celtics - Magic series, which gives all indications of going the distance.

The Hawks kept it close for a while last night in Game 4, but eventually lost by (10), making it double digit wins for Cleveland for the (8th) straight time this postseason. LeBron James' Cavaliers now join D-Wade's 2005 Heat squad, as the last two teams to sweep the first two rounds of the playoffs. It should be noted, however, that the Heat did not win all (8) games by double figures that postseason. I will be calling to the Elias Sports Bureau later today to see how many teams in NBA History - like the 2009 Cavaliers - did just that in the first two rounds of the NBA Playoffs, because I believe there is a record there somewhere.

Close Out Game Tonight: Cavs - Hawks

While the Celtics - Magic series (tied at 2-2) looks destined to go to (7), the Cavaliers can close out tonight with their second sweep of the postseason. They will also ensure, in all likelihood, the fact that they will be able to watch their next opponent play each other a few more times from confines of their own couches, as they get right with another week off. How playa is that man? Also, if you haven't heard, LeBron James has scored 108 points, in 108 minutes this series, going into Game 4 tonight.

Cleveland Buzzing: Cavs Win 97-82

With Le-Bombs being ordered up at bars all over Cleveland yesterday, the Cavaliers went into Atlanta and left Hawks fans sobered in the reality that this series was over before it started. LeBron's 47, 12 and 8 was intoxicating, and the Cavaliers continued to look more focused than any of the other (7) teams still alive in the Association. They covered again too so I hope you didn't take the 8.5...close out game Monday.


The picture above is courtesy of Fansided at the KingJamesGospel.com....great pic, and thanks for checking in yesterday!

Game 3: Shots of LeBombs All Around

Tonight at 8pm Game 3 gets underway in Atlanta. But you don't have to wait until then for a round of shots...A round of Le-Bombs for everybody!



Le-Bomb Ingredients: Crown Royal (For King James), Grenadine, dropped into Redbull, with (2) packets of sugar (used for the pregame chalk toss).

Hawks Just Watching: Cavs Win 105-85

As LeBron split a double team at the top of the key, cruised right down the middle of the lane, and dunked backwards with the first quarter clock expiring, all (5) Hawks stood there watching him...wondering why they had to play (4) full games to be eliminated.



LeBron then closed the next quarter by simply stepping over half-court, and pulling up for a jump-shot from the A in Cavaliers. After it went down, the Cavs led 59-35 at the break.



Mike Woodson tried to rally his troops. Even ESPN Analyst Jalen Rose pleaded with them during the halftime show saying, "I know the Cavs are tough at home, but gentlemen please, show up."

They didn't show up though really, and the margin increased to 30 after (3).

In the 4th quarter the game was kinda compelling with 3 minutes to go when the lead dwindled to 15 - if you bet on the 12 point spread - however, the final margin ended up being (20), and Cleveland covered with their 6th straight double digit win of the post season.

Ron-Ron, Man-Ram, and Jeff Foster

A lot going on out there today...from our friends around the blog world:

You didn't believe that Ron Artest story about the table-leg did you? Guess what, its true. Check yourself Kobe - Mouthpiece Sports.com

I am pretty sure Derek Fisher did not want Luis Scola to screen him...he's out game 3 as well by the way...see why - roll tape - No Guts No Glory

A lot of speculation around Man Ram today - understatement - read What we know about Manny Ramirez - The Big Lead

Did the TrueHoop piece on LBJ rub you the wrong way...clarification offered: Henry Abbott and the LeBron James Foul Total Fiasco - Waiting for Next Year

This is Hilarious...Where Amazing Happens NBA Spoofs - featuring Jeff Foster, Zach Randolph and Kwawme Brown...Check it out, you owe it to yourself - Midwest Sports Fan

Thanks For Spreading the Word

While I'm awaiting tip-off, I wanted to send a shout out over to the good people at the Real Cavs Fans, as well as the LeBron 2010 team for linking up the Danny Ferry post I wrote for the Midwest Sports Fans this week. I appreciate it fellas.