The Cavs held a workout today before departing for Miami (sorry if you detect a little warm weather jealousy)...It will again be a gametime call tomorrow night….the regulars scrimmaged the back-ups in some 2:00 spirited duals….twice the wine team (starters) tied the score in the final seconds, when Andy fouled Z...the second time...outside the 3 line and Z knocked 'em all down…teammates teased Andy that he must be "point shaving" to commit those kind of fouls and allow the wine team to tie…I'm not sure Andy knows the English translation…Wild Thing is an easy target for teammates when it comes to throwing out verbal zingers…all good natured of course…
Daniel Gibson handles success well…smiling, but not beaming about last night's starting debut….he knows rough nights are bound to happen, and he's prepared for them…what he hasn't prepared for is our winter weather…admitting he drives pretty slow in the snow…learning on his own...Daniel, who has never lived in a cold climate, admits he still has not purchased gloves or a hat...he just owns a "big coat"….oh will he learn the next time he returns from a road trip and has to chip ice off his windshield...heck maybe upon his return from Miami, when the team gets back to Hopkins at 3:00 a.m…
See you Friday night for Cavs and Bobcats…
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Boobie to Start
Daniel Gibson will start tonight at point guard…and over time he has earned it….Austin Carr pegged this young man as a keeper early on in training camp because of his stroke, his quickness and his ability to defend….GM, Danny Ferry likened him to a hybrid of BJ Armstrong and Lindsey Hunter…an offensive-defensive package...
So, all that being said, Daniel’s promotion should not be a surprise…he has earned the right, as Mike Brown decided it was time to shake up his line-up….Daniel views his role as simply getting more minutes, and won't put added pressure on himself...
Eric Snow has been Daniel's mentor since the summer, and he eased any anxiety Boobie might have by telling him…"it’s your time"…I fully expect the Texas rookie to grow into the role….he will have his good nights and his bad nights…but it is a growth process for any 20 year-old, especially at the most difficult position to learn in the NBA...the point...what Daniel must guard against is shouldering too much blame when the team struggles...in other words, he'll need to take his lumps and move on...something he is well equipped to do, given how mature he is…
Eric has gone through this before…and will handle it professionally….I'm sure he is hurting right now...but he still has a significant role on this team...he can be a huge help to Daniel in his learning curve...
No LeBron tonight is a wise decision...a win here or there is not worth more regression in the big toe department….guys like Sasha will have to seize the opportunity...
See you tonight at 7…
So, all that being said, Daniel’s promotion should not be a surprise…he has earned the right, as Mike Brown decided it was time to shake up his line-up….Daniel views his role as simply getting more minutes, and won't put added pressure on himself...
Eric Snow has been Daniel's mentor since the summer, and he eased any anxiety Boobie might have by telling him…"it’s your time"…I fully expect the Texas rookie to grow into the role….he will have his good nights and his bad nights…but it is a growth process for any 20 year-old, especially at the most difficult position to learn in the NBA...the point...what Daniel must guard against is shouldering too much blame when the team struggles...in other words, he'll need to take his lumps and move on...something he is well equipped to do, given how mature he is…
Eric has gone through this before…and will handle it professionally….I'm sure he is hurting right now...but he still has a significant role on this team...he can be a huge help to Daniel in his learning curve...
No LeBron tonight is a wise decision...a win here or there is not worth more regression in the big toe department….guys like Sasha will have to seize the opportunity...
See you tonight at 7…
Monday, January 29, 2007
Toast to the King
The old saying is "it only hurts when I laugh"...for LeBron James, hopefully his injured toe survived a night of laughter last night at the Toast to the King benefit...
The event was kicked off by teammate, Damon Jones, who did not try his "A" material on LeBron, because as he pointed out, his comedic rate card is not in the neighborhood of "Cedric the Entertainer's"....
LeBron usually faces five defenders looking at him when he gets ready to attack...last night, he had 5 comics ready to go at him...Cedric, himself...Alex Thomas...Mo' Nique, Ralphie May and Paul Rodriguez...but lo and behold, the all-star laugh team went easy on LB...perhaps because of that infamous sore big toe...
King James had felt he had been well prepared for the event, based on all the heat he usually gets in the locker room from the other 14 Wine and Gold comedians, which included David Wesley and Donyell Marshall last night...
It was an outstanding night full of laughs, with a ball kid slot auctioned off along with a LeBron signed ball and shoes...proceeds from the event went to aid the Boys Hope Girls Hope of Cleveland...
You'll be able to see some of the Toast to the King on a a forthcoming episode of "Access Cavaliers" on FSN Ohio...
The event was kicked off by teammate, Damon Jones, who did not try his "A" material on LeBron, because as he pointed out, his comedic rate card is not in the neighborhood of "Cedric the Entertainer's"....
LeBron usually faces five defenders looking at him when he gets ready to attack...last night, he had 5 comics ready to go at him...Cedric, himself...Alex Thomas...Mo' Nique, Ralphie May and Paul Rodriguez...but lo and behold, the all-star laugh team went easy on LB...perhaps because of that infamous sore big toe...
King James had felt he had been well prepared for the event, based on all the heat he usually gets in the locker room from the other 14 Wine and Gold comedians, which included David Wesley and Donyell Marshall last night...
It was an outstanding night full of laughs, with a ball kid slot auctioned off along with a LeBron signed ball and shoes...proceeds from the event went to aid the Boys Hope Girls Hope of Cleveland...
You'll be able to see some of the Toast to the King on a a forthcoming episode of "Access Cavaliers" on FSN Ohio...
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Huge Road Win
The Cavs needed that win in the worst way last night...they know they have played poorly of late...so, there seemed to be a little pressure release in the dressing room in Philly....not, that we're back, but at least the satisfaction that they could win one without LeBron....and how they did it again....WITH DEFENSE...
Certainly no guarantee LeBron will play tomorrow...this toe injury is a nagging one...and no sense taking a setback just because the Suns are in town...
David Wesley admitted the guys were hammering him as soon as they left the floor last night because of his blown lay-up, which was cleaned up by Larry Hughes....but good natured ribbing because of the win, and because David did again provide some stand-up defense in his 12:00 of 4th quarter play...the 3 he hit is one I've watched him hit throughout his career, one he has had trouble knocking down as a Cavalier...
Z and Andy always sit together on the plane, and last night I looked up a few rows and saw someone who looked a lot different sitting next to Z....here, it was Wild Thing wearing a skull cap!...I didn't recognize him without his 'do...
Meanwhile, I'll bet rookie Daniel Gibson brings a cap and gloves for the next roadie...he was shivering as we waited for the bags to be unloaded off the plane at Hopkins...it's that thin Texas blood...he's now getting a dose of his first Ohio winter...
Certainly no guarantee LeBron will play tomorrow...this toe injury is a nagging one...and no sense taking a setback just because the Suns are in town...
David Wesley admitted the guys were hammering him as soon as they left the floor last night because of his blown lay-up, which was cleaned up by Larry Hughes....but good natured ribbing because of the win, and because David did again provide some stand-up defense in his 12:00 of 4th quarter play...the 3 he hit is one I've watched him hit throughout his career, one he has had trouble knocking down as a Cavalier...
Z and Andy always sit together on the plane, and last night I looked up a few rows and saw someone who looked a lot different sitting next to Z....here, it was Wild Thing wearing a skull cap!...I didn't recognize him without his 'do...
Meanwhile, I'll bet rookie Daniel Gibson brings a cap and gloves for the next roadie...he was shivering as we waited for the bags to be unloaded off the plane at Hopkins...it's that thin Texas blood...he's now getting a dose of his first Ohio winter...
Friday, January 26, 2007
A Royal Visit
The Cavs are in the midst of royalty, as Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the duchess of Cornwall, have arrived in Philly....in fact, the royal pair are staying at the team hotel...Since the King is already here and they meet face to face in the lobby....who salutes whom? LeBron or Charlie? I wonder if the Prince will ask for an autograph from the #1 vote getter in the All-Star vote? Although the Brits are more NFL football fans than hoops fans....
Wonder if the royal couple will dine on a Philly cheese steak as a part of their weekend? I've been more of a Pittsburgh hoagie guy if I have to dine on a sandwich on this side of the Ohio border...
LeBron was walking tenderly on his right foot today, because of the big toe sprain....I think we'll see him Sunday against the Suns...
There's now a company in eastern Pennsylvania called Cavalier Long Distance phone service...saw a TV ad for it last night....shouldn't Damon Jones be a stock-holder?
Have a great view of Independence Hall from the hotel room...this city is steeped in tradition....a nicer downtown with loads of restaurants than it is given credit for...worth the trip come vacation time...
See you tonight at 7...
Wonder if the royal couple will dine on a Philly cheese steak as a part of their weekend? I've been more of a Pittsburgh hoagie guy if I have to dine on a sandwich on this side of the Ohio border...
LeBron was walking tenderly on his right foot today, because of the big toe sprain....I think we'll see him Sunday against the Suns...
There's now a company in eastern Pennsylvania called Cavalier Long Distance phone service...saw a TV ad for it last night....shouldn't Damon Jones be a stock-holder?
Have a great view of Independence Hall from the hotel room...this city is steeped in tradition....a nicer downtown with loads of restaurants than it is given credit for...worth the trip come vacation time...
See you tonight at 7...
Thursday, January 25, 2007
On to Philly...
I hate to sound like a spoiled traveler, but the 150 foot walk from the private hangar to our charter today was brutal....the wind chill had all the guys talking...I have lived in this climate all my life...but never have gotten used to this blast of winter...
It's Daniel Gibson's first true taste of frigid temps....Shannon Brown, raised near Chicago and educated in East Lansing, warned his pal this was coming...but when you're from Houston and you've attended school in Austin, there's no way to know what's coming...No classes for winter preparedness at the University of Texas!! His reaction...."man, THIS is cold!"
It's on to Philly...
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Off-Day
Today's a much needed off day...Philly's here tomorrow night and we're there on Friday night...I can guarantee you when we get there, LeBron will be asked about Greg Oden, and what kind of player he thinks the Buckeye big man will be....there's already the "Oden watch" going on there, since the 76ers odds keep getting better and better for the #1 pick...
Today, LeBron talked about his new Nike ad, called "the 2nd Coming"..his potential acting career featuring "the LeBrons" was a popular topic during some pregame media sessions out west...Business LeBron is 23's favorite character by the way...
See you tomorrow night on the telecast on FSN Ohio..
Today, LeBron talked about his new Nike ad, called "the 2nd Coming"..his potential acting career featuring "the LeBrons" was a popular topic during some pregame media sessions out west...Business LeBron is 23's favorite character by the way...
See you tomorrow night on the telecast on FSN Ohio..
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Homecoming
I think the real jet lag and the 10 thousand miles in 12 days really kicked in today...this was a definite lay-around day for all of the Cavs traveling party...after arriving at the hotel in San Francisco at 4 a.m. local time, a full night's rest meant having breakfast at 1pm, then napping for a 7:30 p.m. game (10:30 p.m. Cleveland time)...that meant a midnight red eye flight back home...For the married guys on the staff, this is a definite honey-do list day after being gone so long..
We landed about 8:00 a.m. this morning...but the flight sure was a lot more palatable because of the overtime victory....the guys were all in great spirits on the way home...most of them stayed awake...Z and Andy pretty much crashed...even Joe Tait, not a late-night sleeper on airplanes, got some z's in...
Ira Newble was too wired to sleep...after all, it was his only chance to enjoy his birthday...
The schedule maker did the Cavs no favors....a brutal one day turnaround game tomorrow night at The Q against a good team, no less, Orlando...it's on the schedule so, you have to play it...
See you tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. during Cavaliers Live....I promise not to yawn...
We landed about 8:00 a.m. this morning...but the flight sure was a lot more palatable because of the overtime victory....the guys were all in great spirits on the way home...most of them stayed awake...Z and Andy pretty much crashed...even Joe Tait, not a late-night sleeper on airplanes, got some z's in...
Ira Newble was too wired to sleep...after all, it was his only chance to enjoy his birthday...
The schedule maker did the Cavs no favors....a brutal one day turnaround game tomorrow night at The Q against a good team, no less, Orlando...it's on the schedule so, you have to play it...
See you tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. during Cavaliers Live....I promise not to yawn...
Friday, January 19, 2007
Mile-High City
Two days left on this 12 day tour of the west....the guys seem fine...no talk of being worn out, or mentally drained...they know tonight is a key one to salvage at least three games on the trip...we spoke about this on the postgame show the other night, how fans and media tend to notice warts on their own teams, and that's true in any sport...
Case in point, I spent some time on the phone last night with my Denver and Golden State colleagues...and from their perspective, the Cavs coming in means very difficult games for their teams...They both wondered how their teams will be able to stop LeBron and company...both the Nuggets and Warriors have trouble stopping opponents from scoring....I think the Cavs will get back to their defensive effort and offensive focus we saw in Sacramento and L.A....it's a must...
Nuggets fans still have not seen Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson on the floor together...that will come soon....tonight is the 14th game of 'Melo's 15 game suspension for that brawl with the Knicks.
Stu Jackson from the NBA office is due to name today, the 6 participants for the long distance shootout at All-Star weekend....Damon Jones is very anxious to find out...he would love to be a part of it for the first time....not for the individual glory...but just the thrill of competing...Damon would consider it an honor.
Denver is always a special stop for Mike Brown....it's not only where he got his NBA start as a video coordinator, but it's where he met his wife, Carolyn, a Denver area native...their first unofficial date was when Mike got Carolyn a ticket to a Nuggets game, 13 years ago....a mile-high match made in heaven you might say.
See you tonight on the broadcast on FSN Ohio at 10:00 p.m....
Case in point, I spent some time on the phone last night with my Denver and Golden State colleagues...and from their perspective, the Cavs coming in means very difficult games for their teams...They both wondered how their teams will be able to stop LeBron and company...both the Nuggets and Warriors have trouble stopping opponents from scoring....I think the Cavs will get back to their defensive effort and offensive focus we saw in Sacramento and L.A....it's a must...
Nuggets fans still have not seen Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson on the floor together...that will come soon....tonight is the 14th game of 'Melo's 15 game suspension for that brawl with the Knicks.
Stu Jackson from the NBA office is due to name today, the 6 participants for the long distance shootout at All-Star weekend....Damon Jones is very anxious to find out...he would love to be a part of it for the first time....not for the individual glory...but just the thrill of competing...Damon would consider it an honor.
Denver is always a special stop for Mike Brown....it's not only where he got his NBA start as a video coordinator, but it's where he met his wife, Carolyn, a Denver area native...their first unofficial date was when Mike got Carolyn a ticket to a Nuggets game, 13 years ago....a mile-high match made in heaven you might say.
See you tonight on the broadcast on FSN Ohio at 10:00 p.m....
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Moving on to Portland
We've moved on to Portland, with a feeling of one that got away last night...this is why you can never afford to let your guard down and must stay true to who you are as a team, especially in games that are winnable out here...The loss to the Sonics makes tonight's game even that more significant....but then again, no less important than Friday in Denver...
They got even more snow in Portland, than Seattle....3 inches in most places...schools were closed...offices were shutdown....you could not get a Taxi last night when we arrived at the hotel about midnight....not one!!! They just are not equipped for snow removal...they sort of let mother nature handle it...
On the bus ride from the airport we heard "Thumputa....thumputa...thumputa." Joe Tait said that doesn't sound good...and it didn't...I surmised the bus must have had chains on the tires....sure enough!!! Heck three inches of snow for us barely means getting out the shovel....here, it's prepare to dig out!!! It's comical....
See you all tonight at 9:30 on FSN Ohio...
They got even more snow in Portland, than Seattle....3 inches in most places...schools were closed...offices were shutdown....you could not get a Taxi last night when we arrived at the hotel about midnight....not one!!! They just are not equipped for snow removal...they sort of let mother nature handle it...
On the bus ride from the airport we heard "Thumputa....thumputa...thumputa." Joe Tait said that doesn't sound good...and it didn't...I surmised the bus must have had chains on the tires....sure enough!!! Heck three inches of snow for us barely means getting out the shovel....here, it's prepare to dig out!!! It's comical....
See you all tonight at 9:30 on FSN Ohio...
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Ready for Seattle
We landed in Seattle to more snow than we have had in the new year in northeast Ohio...and the natives here are having trouble....all they had was an inch overnight...and you would have thought the great blizzard of '07 had passed through....I saw some cars with chains on the front tires!!! I haven't seen those since I was a little kid...talk radio was filled with drivers giving conditions on the road, including one woman who was bracing for a drive up a big hill, hoping she'd make it....
On the floor, Mike Brown was asked today about Chris Webber landing in Detroit and if he wished C-Web had gone west....Mike responded...."I wish all the good players went west"...
Off to the arena, the smallest in the league....they are hoping to have a new one built outside downtown Seattle to keep the team here...
Go Cavs....10 p.m. tip...
On the floor, Mike Brown was asked today about Chris Webber landing in Detroit and if he wished C-Web had gone west....Mike responded...."I wish all the good players went west"...
Off to the arena, the smallest in the league....they are hoping to have a new one built outside downtown Seattle to keep the team here...
Go Cavs....10 p.m. tip...
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Leaving Los Angeles
You know the old saying time flies when you're having fun? That really applies on a 10,000 mile, 12 day trip. Two wins already suddenly makes the legs feel a little lighter and makes you realize this tough trip is already half over with a shot to get more W's. I loved how the locker room last night was jovial...but business-like after the win.
We're getting out of town just in the nick of time.....The Golden Globes are ready to take over Beverly Hills creating traffic gridlock....that doesn't hurt Rodeo Drive walkers like Terry Bradshaw, who we saw yesterday.
It was funny last night....on one of LeBron's near and-ones, the crowd was disappointed the ball didn't go in...even Ashton and Demi said "Aww shucks!!!"
One other footnote...if you've heard of the famous Beverly Hills Nate and Al's corned beef sandwiches? They're ok but fall way short of Goodman's at Brookpark and Pearl.
Talk to you from Seattle!
We're getting out of town just in the nick of time.....The Golden Globes are ready to take over Beverly Hills creating traffic gridlock....that doesn't hurt Rodeo Drive walkers like Terry Bradshaw, who we saw yesterday.
It was funny last night....on one of LeBron's near and-ones, the crowd was disappointed the ball didn't go in...even Ashton and Demi said "Aww shucks!!!"
One other footnote...if you've heard of the famous Beverly Hills Nate and Al's corned beef sandwiches? They're ok but fall way short of Goodman's at Brookpark and Pearl.
Talk to you from Seattle!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Gearing up for the Clips
The Cavs went back to their roots for practice Friday with a two hour session at a local rec center, called the Pan Pacific....many times, off-day workouts are held at local gyms or schools because of arena availability...
This is the kind of small gym all of these guys grew up playing basketball in....small...with a stage on one side....Donyell Marshall felt at home, making a 40 foot shot while sitting in a chair as practice was about to begin...
The Orlando Magic are staying at the same hotel as the Cavs....they are in town to face the Lakers....it was funny to see our bags unloaded and up pulls Jameer Nelson and Tony Battie climbing out of a taxi....next time we see those guys will be for real at The Q, a week from Monday...
This is the kind of small gym all of these guys grew up playing basketball in....small...with a stage on one side....Donyell Marshall felt at home, making a 40 foot shot while sitting in a chair as practice was about to begin...
The Orlando Magic are staying at the same hotel as the Cavs....they are in town to face the Lakers....it was funny to see our bags unloaded and up pulls Jameer Nelson and Tony Battie climbing out of a taxi....next time we see those guys will be for real at The Q, a week from Monday...
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