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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Cavaliers - Hawks: Game 2 Tonight

Brian Windhorst made the point on Colin Cowherd's Radio Show yesterday, that LeBron James was 'embarrassed' by the way he played in the Spurs sweep of Cavaliers during the '07 Finals. From that point, he said that LeBron approached his game with a renewed focus to improve, which culminated in his winning of the MVP Trophy on Tuesday.

I expect LeBron to continue that renewed focus tonight, and treat the Hawks the same way that Tim Duncan and Tony Parker treated his Cavaliers two season ago. Congratulations for advancing fellas, but your not quite on this level yet. Look for the Cavaliers to not only win, but notch their 6th straight double digit victory of the post season, sending Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Mike Bibby back to the ATL, embarrassed about the road trip.

Cavs Roll Over Hawks: 99-72

Nine of ESPN's Ten NBA 'Experts' picked the Hawks to win at least (1) game against the Cavaliers this series - with JA Andande and Tim Legler going so far as to say they would win (2) - but after the (27) point, Game (1) drubbing, only Chris Sheridan appears to be worthy of earning that title.



If Atlanta was going to steal one, you could argue that the (9) day lay-off, and MVP hoopla would present an opportunity for them to get the first one. But they didn't, and now the Hawks look poised to get the same treatment the Pistons got from the Cavaliers in round one.

Cleveland has now covered, and won by double digits in (5) straight post season games. I look for that to continue on Thursday. Cavaliers in Four.

Series Prediction: Cavs in Four

I know I should say the Cavaliers will lose one game. Its probably the right thing to do. Don't be too biased...Atlanta will be all jacked up when the Cavs arrive at their place for Game 3...but don't see it. I don't see LeBron James' Cavaliers losing one game anywhere against the Hawks.

Shaver Sports Series Prediction: The Cavaliers Win the Series in Four

Back to Back Sweeps. Plenty of rest for the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Franchise - By Terry Pluto and Brian Windhorst...Revisted

With about a week to go before the Cavaliers tip it up again, there is no time like the present to take a flip through the pages of Terry Pluto and Brian Windhorst's book The Franchise...LeBron James and the remaking of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In reading through the book again yesterday, there were some additional highlights that I wanted to touch on, in addition to my previous post back in March.

As the Cavaliers sit in the midst of a title run, you are presently aware of how much is owed to the calculated efforts of Dan Gilbert, Danny Ferry, Mike Brown, and most obviously LeBron James, for the 66 plus wins and counting. However, a debt of gratitude is owed to the embattled GM before Ferry, Jim Paxson, who my opinion of changed drastically after reading this book, as well as the owner that saved pro basketball in Cleveland, Gordon Gund, and his remarkable story.

Jim Paxson: In the past I wasn't the biggest supporter of Cavaliers ex-GM. However, after reading this book my opinion is changed. While he might not have been the best GM the NBA has ever seen he certainly wasn't the worst. Given the circumstances with which he had to operate, in retrospect, he did give the job everything he had, and had the best of intentions for Cleveland, the Cavaliers, and their fans. While Jiri Welsh, Trajan Langdan, and Luke Jackson will always haunt him as a GM, unloading Shawn Kemp was an unbelievably remarkable move, and deserves your respect as a Cavs fan. Additionally, while fans may want to blame him for Boozer, this book clearly details that this move wasn't Paxson's fault. And making the move to get Gooden and Varejao - for Tony Battie - after losing Boozer was a stellar play, and showed a lot about the resiliency of this man.

Gordon Gund: This book is worth the read if for no other reason than to gain an understanding of who Gordon Gund was as an owner, and what he stood for. This book tells the story of how he saved pro basketball in Cleveland by rescuing the Cavaliers from Ted Stepien, and also details the sense of moral obligation and decency with which he operated the franchise during his tenure. His battle with blindness is a courageous tale, and makes you sit back and think about how much more we might learn if we listened in the way that he does.

Thanks again to Gray and Company Publishers for sending me this book...it is a great read, and I encourage everyone to go buy it today if you haven't already done so. It will make you appreciate this title run that much more!

So Who Do Want Next: Hawks or Heat?

The Cavaliers made short work of the Pistons, sweeping the series with double digit wins in each of the the (4) games. The Cavaliers became (1) of (3) teams in NBA history sweep a series in that fashion, and now sit in wait for their next opponent. So who do you want next, the Miami Heat - who currently hold a (2) games to (1) lead in the series - or the team picked by most to advance before the series began - in the Atlanta Hawks.

In the spirit of NBA History, I say bring on the Heat. Why? Because how good would this title run read in the tales of NBA lore:

1st Round: Sweep a Pistons team that once laid claim as the perennial power in the Eastern Conference in the seasons soon to be referred to as B.L. (Before LeBron).

2nd Round: Beat Dwayne Wade - Olympic teammate of James - and a Miami Heat team that won the NBA Title (3) short seasons ago, prompting some to ask the question, is Dwayne Wade better than LeBron James?

Eastern Conference Finals: Beat the Defending NBA Champions, and one of the (2) most storied franchises in all of the NBA, in the Boston Celtics.

NBA Finals: Beat the other (1) of the (2) most storied franchises in all of the NBA, in the LA Lakers. In addition to that, beat the coach who coached LeBron's hero (Jordan) in Phil Jackson, and the player said to be the closest to Jordan since, in Kobe Bryant.

To me, there would be no better way to close the book on the Best Season In Cleveland in last 45 years, than to go through those teams, those franchises, and those players. And the next chapter begins with Dwayne Wade.

Game 3 Tonight: 8pm TNT / WUAB

Game Three, live from the D, tips off at 8pm - you thought I was gonna say 8p didn't you - anyways, in preparation for that, I will offer you my score prediciton for tonights game:

Cavaliers 99 - Pistons 86

My series prediction is still the same...Cavs in 4...the workmanlike dismantling of the Pistons continues.

Previous Playoff Re-Caps:

Game 1: 1 Down...15 To Go

Game 2: Pistons Mail It In...Cavs Roll

Remembering The 2007 Cavaliers Roster

As the Cavaliers cruise past the Pistons, with (66) regular season wins in the rear view, the NBA world is well aware of how good this team is this season. Everybody also remembers that the Cavs went to the Finals (2) seasons ago. But do you remember how bad the roster was that LeBron carried to an Eastern Conference championship? If you don't, I'll remind you...

Of the (15) players on the 2006-2007 Cavaliers Roster, only (5) still rock the wine and gold.

The hold-overs include LeBron James, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Anderson Varejao, Daniel Gibson, and Sasha Pavlovic.

Here's the list of the other (10) guys from that Finals roster...let me if you miss 'em:

1. Larry Hughes
2. Drew Gooden
3. Donyell Marshall
4. Damon Jones
5. Eric Snow
6. Shannon Brown
7. Ira Newble
8. David Wesley
9. Scot Pollard
10. Dwayne Jones

Here is who Danny Ferry - Executive of th Year - has replaced those guys with:

1. Mo Williams
2. Delonte West
3. Joe Smith
4. Ben Wallace
5. J.J. Hickson
6. Wally Sczerbiak
7. Tarrance Kinsey
8. Darnell Jackson
9. Lorenzen Wright
10. Jawad Willams

On that roster from (2) years ago, Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Donyell Marshall, and Damon Jones, averaged (37) mpg, (28) mpg, (17) mpg, and (20) minutes per game respectively for the season.

Even being forced to play with those scrubs, LeBron still took his squad to the Finals.

Now let him play with guys like Mo Willams, Delonte West, Joe Smith, and Ben Wallace instead of the aforementioned (4)...and you wonder why it looks like he having so much fun this year.

Delonte West on Jim Rome Is Burning

I referenced the Out-takes from Delonte West's Correspondent Piece for Jim Rome is Burning last week, which aired on the Radio Show prior to JRIB, but if you haven't seen what did make the cut on Jim Rome's ESPN show, click below. It's worth it.

Delonte West on JRIB, Final Cut: http://www.jimrome.com/home/jungle/jrib.html

Mike Brown Deserves Coach of the Year

Mike Brown was named the NBA's Coach of the Year yesterday, and there is no other sideline stomper in the Association that is more deserving of the Award. But don't make the mistake to think that Mike Brown was a great coach this year, and not in his previous three. The commitment to defense, commitment to winning, and commitment to team play that he has brought to, and instilled on this team, so evident in their play this season, started when he got here. He knew what he was doing all along, even if he'd never tell you that.

Like any good young coach, or manager, Mike Brown picked his battles early. He figured, if I can just get these guys to play defense first, believe in defense first, then eventually, with a talent like LeBron James, the offensive end will take care of itself. You could see him working early on. It's not as easy as it sounds, get a bunch of NBA millionaires to D-up? For who, what's your name, Mike what? He knew what he was doing though. Yet along the way, despite the 50 plus win seasons, a trip to the Finals, and all that comes with it, he caught a lot of grief around here from fans, specifically directed towards the Cavaliers offensive execution.

To that point, people would call sports talk radio and rant on about 'why is LeBron just pounding the ball out top?' What? Did you want him to pass to Damon Jones. How about Donyell Marshall? Where you looking to get Drew Gooden more touches? And if you even try to say you wanted LeBron to come off screens or post up to get the basketball, who was gonna pass it to him? Larry Hughes? No. Mike Brown figured - and he'll never admit this - I'll get these stiffs to play defense, I'll let LeBron do whatever he wants with the basketball, and then when I get some decent players to surround James, I'll put in an offense.

So enter 2009: Mo Williams is your point guard, instead of Larry Hughes. Delonte West is your two guard instead of Sasha Pavlovic. And then you still have LBJ rounding out the backcourt. So now, with these ball handlers, who know what pass to make, what shot to take, how to execute in the half court, he opened it up a little bit. And all the sudden Mike Brown is not only a great defensive mind, but an offensive one too. Give me a break.

This guy can flat out coach, he can flat out run a team, and I am glad to have him on the sidelines here in Cleveland. He's been deserving of this award, and he'll win a couple more before its all said and done.

1 Down...15 To Go

Yesterday afternoon, the bars surrounding the Q were packed with enthusiasm and energy in anticipation the start of the Playoffs.

At the Harry Buffalo, across the street from the Q, before the game, even the Piston Fans - like this guy pictured here in standard Detroit Apparel: Pistons T-Shirt, long mullet, and sunglasses strategically placed on the back of the T-Shirt - couldn't damper Cleveland's spirits.



Early on, the Pistons did not disappoint their fans that made the trip. During the Pregame lay-up lines, they were on fire.



But then the Cavaliers took the floor.



Right after the National Anthem, my brother turned to me and said:

"Watching these two teams is like watching one franchise's fall from dominance, while watching another teams rise to the top, all at the same time."



How right he was. Once the game started, the crowd was electric, LeBron James was spectacular, and the Pistons moved three games closer to being swept by Cleveland.



Before the game we also stopped down at the Clevelander to check out the WKNR Pregame Party. While there, an old friend of mine predicted the Cavaliers would win by (18). He was right. I hope he bet on that.

More on the Game 1 Win:

Brian Windhorst: It's a Good Start...

Game 1: Box Score via Cleveland.com