Fred McLeod's Blog

Blog Has Moved

2008-08-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to let everyone know that my blog has moved to CavFanatic.com and the new address is http://www.cavfanatic.com/fredmcleod/blog/.

Thanks!

Draft Picks Arrive

2008-06-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

The newest Cavs are in town...first round pick, J.J. Hickson, who held up a jersey number 21, (Campy Russell's old digit)...and 2nd rounder, Darnell Jackson, who showed off a double zero uniform.

Both guys could not be more anxious to be here. Hickson, only 19 years-old, brought his very proud grandmother with him.

Assistant, GM, Chris Grant, who spearheads the draft, remembers asking J.J. when he came in for a workout, who he would have live with him once he turns pro, which is very important for any young player living away from home with a sudden income. J.J. responded "my grandmother". Chris knew right then, the teen from N.C. State was well grounded. J.J.'s grandma is very young and hip by the way...she was beaming from ear to ear.

Hickson played at the same high school in Marietta, Georgia, as Shariff Abdur-Rahim, and has a low-post game, which Shariff came into the NBA with as well...must be part of the Wheeler High curriculum.

Don't fall asleep on Jackson, who is a senior with presence, especially after winning a championship with Kansas a couple of months ago.

Darnell is one of those hungry, hard-nosed players who has a relentless motor. Chris Grant says Darnell reminds him of Grant Long, who had a long, solid career as a 2nd rounder out of the MAC. You may recall Long started out with the Heat and then played with the Hawks and Pistons doing it with hard work and strong will.

Sasha Kaun, the Cavs other 2nd rounder out of Kansas is under contract with the same team in Russia that is coached by Ettore Messina, whom Mike Brown spent time with last summer. Small basketball world!

Drafts can not be measured until years to come...so, enjoy watching these guys develop. It's up to these new Cavaliers now to work to find their NBA niche. Only time will tell if they are the right fit. But know that the tireless homework has been done to make sure these guys fit the Wine & Gold.

King for Kids

2008-06-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

The State Farm King for Kids Bikeathon was a huge success, culminating with the ride through Akron. Over the years I've participated in countless charity events involving softball, golf, running, you name it...but this one was pretty special. The beauty of this event is the range of ages of riders, as well as the hundreds who lined the route, hoping to catch a glimpse of LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Troy Smith and Kenny Lofton to name a few...

Our little group of cyclists thought we were a big deal when we passed D-Wade, until he smiled and said "this is my rehab."

That kept our egos in check...

Boobie Gibson, coming off ankle surgery, still came out for support, hitching a ride in a golf cart...Daniel says he's feeling great by the way...

LBJ thinks this Bikeathon ride has national potential, and I can see why...everyone loved it! It's such a fun family experience, evident by Danny Ferry, who rode with his kids, as well as the Melvin Hunt clan.

Keeping up with Mike Brown was a chore...coach is pretty smooth.

Hope you can join us next year, the memories will be worth it.

It's All About Inches

2008-05-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

There are so many plays in Game 7 and in this series that players, coaches, you fans, and us broadcasters will replay over and over again. That means one thing: two teams a micro-fiber difference between each other.

As Delonte said best...there were few dry eyes in the locker room, because they knew as a group they had given every ounce of themselves. Especially for a 24-year-old point guard and a 23-year-old superstar, it means using that heartache of what just happened to sharpen their tools even more.

LeBron expressed his pride in what he and his teammates did in the postseason. They are in very good company, with outstanding teams who could not make it to the final 4.

To borrow a phrase from Dan Gilbert, at this stage it's all about inches...for the Cavs organization as a whole and for the players and coaches. Keep finding a way to improve every single aspect. It's the thirst to get better and keeping that single-minded goal of winning a championship that drives everyone.

As LeBron said so well..."We need to get better"..and this team will.

So, trust that there are even better days ahead...that's why as a fan, while I'm sure you feel that hurt too, you have to know we are very early in this ride. This was a speed bump.

And look at it this way...a new opportunity will come again, starting in only five months. And I can't wait.

Game 7 in Boston

2008-05-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

Back to Boston one final time...and at stake, another turnpike ticket to Detroit.

The guys are relaxed, but focused as we just arrived. I'm sure the Celtics are too...it's the fans and family members who's stomachs are churning already, less than 24 hours away from the Game 7 showdown.

Mike Brown says the approach HAS to be same as any other game, adhering to the job at hand principles. Mike was a Rick Carlisle assistant in '05 when the Pacers came to Beantown and stole Game 7...but he says he recalls very little about it because it doesn't apply to this situation. He says he's not even going to waste the energy to look it up.

The point is, both teams have new chemistry, so, past Game 7's have nothing to do with this one.

Mike was asked if he'll continue to ask for 40 plus minutes from LeBron and Delonte...he said yes..because they'll have part of the summer to rest...Those two wouldn't have it any other way.

One of the things the coaches will remind the guys about, will be never losing their aggression or poise...even when that crowd turns up the pressure...and they do a great job of that here.

Can't wait for this one.

Don't forget to join us on FSN for Cavaliers live Pregame and Postgame, live from the locker room.

9 W's away from Mohawkness.

Unfortunate Luck

2008-05-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Daniel Gibson has had more than his share of tough luck this season with ailments a player can't see coming. First, a bout with a wisdom tooth...then a hamstring pull...next, a high ankle sprain when Travis Diener fell on him...and now the shoulder separation, when his arm extended, colliding with Anderson Varejao. Boobie was always very durable in high school and his days at Texas...he's a tough guy, but sometimes injuries are just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But as he rehabs, he'll keep his usual positive outlook, being the ultimate teammate...that's who he is.

Mike Brown will contemplate giving Daniel's minutes to Devin Brown, Damon Jones, or for that matter...Delonte West.

It's a blow...but as LeBron said today, it means an opportunity for someone who has not played many minutes to step up and fill a role.

The Cavs will need to get back to the defense that had been rock solid for the first four games of this series. Last night, Boston broke through big time with offensive aggression...over a stretch of 16 minutes from late in the 2nd quarter into the early 4th, the Celtics scored on a staggering 22 of 26 possessions. That's unheard of...They thus went from 14 down to 11 up. Still, the Cavs made it a two possession game with 2:00 left.

It's why every game is a different entity.

This had all the earmarks of a 7 Game series from the beginning...nothing has changed.

The Buzz Around Boston

2008-05-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

Boston is a buzz of activity...not only Cavs-Celtics Game 5, but the scene of a movie...Rob Lowe and crew have been shooting for over a month here...a new romantic comedy entitled "This Side of the Truth" which also stars Jennifer Garner and Tina Fey. It's about a town that has never had anyone who has lied...hmmmm...sounds like those predictions of a Celtics series win may be exposed!

Delonte West is good to go, despite a scratched left cornea which he thinks he suffered around Game 3, but he's not even sure it happened during the game. He's been to an eye specialist to make sure all is well and all he knows is he had trouble keeping his eye open during Game 4...but with both eyes open this morning at shoot around he said there's nothing wrong with hands and feet, so, no excuses. The pre game fireworks and smoke bother him, so he will stay in the locker room with Ben Wallace during intros to avoid the haze. I asked him if this is what the term "Dead eye shooter" means...Delonte laughed and shook his head.

There is a lot of skepticism in Beantown if you listen to the local talk shows...some doubt I think has crept into Celtic nation...atleast a serious case of the nerves. It's called 0-5 on the road in the postseason and the weight of championship expectation in this town, including the marketing campaign of "Green 17"...as in a 17th championship. The Cavs, however, all believe the pressure is on both teams, not just the Celtics because of what is at stake, in now what is a best of three series.

See you on Cavaliers Live at 7:30 on FSN...

Playoff Basketball

2008-05-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

THAT was a playoff game! Three hours of intense, pit of your stomach drama. When LeBron threw down his sledge hammer late in the game, I saw fans hugging each other, strangers high fiving strangers...I even saw one guy grab his buddy by the head and kiss him on the cheek. Hey it's playoff love! I guess, a new meaning to the "NBA Cares"....20,562 were definitely a factor down the stretch.

Speaking of LBJ's rim rocker, he doesn't rank 'em, but did admit, this one against three Celtics may have topped last season's Tim Duncan Fathead because it comes in the Eastern Semis and helped slam the door to Game 4.

LeBron did publicly apologize to Mom for ahem, "telling her to sit down" when he and Paul Pierce wound up in the crowd at Gloria's end of the floor...LBJ didn't want Mom to get involved in anything with an opposing player, but in her defense, she was actually standing up to protect girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, making sure she didn't get trampled. Gloria said LeBron is plenty big enough to protect himself, he doesn't need her help...LBJ drew laughter from reporters when he acknowledged his timing could have been better, chewing out Mom, a day after Mother's Day.

Wally Szczerbiak said the chants of "Wall-y, Wall-y" gave him chills. They came during the 3rd quarter when his three buckets were so huge...one came right in front of the Boston bench and after nailing it, Wally looked back at them, not to taunt, but to enjoy the moment because as he was letting the shot go, a couple of
ex-teammates were saying..."Hey, he's with us...he's with us."

Not anymore!

More to come from Boston.

10 wins away from my one and only summer haircut!!

Getting Defensive

2008-05-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

I know an All-Defensive Team nod was a goal of LeBron's this season...he did not make either of the teams announced today, but he eventually will.

The 30 head coaches vote on the first and second team members by position...LeBron finished 5th among small forwards behind Bruce Bowen (1st team) Shane Battier, Tayshaun Prince and Ron Artest. He actually received one first team vote and three seconds, the first time he has ever received All-Defensive Team votes.

King James had his best defensive year I thought and is only going to get better...just as Kobe Bryant has become a premier stopper, becoming an 8 time All Defensive Team member.

LeBron, as we often saw during the season took on the toughest guard in the 4th quarter, from Baron Davis to Brandon Roy to Kobe.

His strength, size and skill make him an ideal defender. He gives Mike Brown credit for making him a better defender and you can tell he enjoys the challenge of stopping his man.

Chase down blocks in the open floor are not a stat that is kept...but I wonder if any player had more this season. We saw LBJ pull it off close to 10 times this season, including Rajon Rondo the other night. It's a rare skill that Josh Smith and Prince also have...to me, it may be the most breathtaking play in basketball.

We'll see plenty more from number 23 as he grows as a defender...

Home Is Where The Heart Is

2008-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

There's a reason why the road team is 1-12 in the round of the elite-8...home building energy!! It's tangible, feeding into everything a home team does...affecting the outcome more than any other sport. It started with a lift the half wine/half navy-shirted crowd gave the Cavs during intros, right into the lift Ben Wallace gave his mates by being out there in the first place, then providing the juice this team really needed early with his rebounding, defense and scores around the rim. His swooping rebound and putback early was vintage Ben from his Pistons days.

From there, the ball moved and shots started to fall and the Cavs were never in danger of losing this one, once they ballooned the lead to 26. 29 assists and 12 turnovers overall is a hard combo to beat.

LeBron met with the media, with his sidekick, LeBron junior. Little LBJ has a non-stop motor like all kids his age. LeBron told the gathering of reporters, "see what I go through at home", smiling, as Junior sipped on water, tested a second mic and didn't want to sit still. Dad had to tell him to stay cool. LeBron only had two turnovers in the game, as he said he made a conscious effort to make good passes, and not be as lackadaisical as he felt he had been in the first two games.

Joe Smith agreed this was probably his best game as a Cavalier. Damon Jones had told him before the game, be aggressive and knock down the shots you have always made, because the Celtics are always going to give their attention to LeBron. Joe said he was very aware he had a perfect shooting game going 7 for 7 until he missed his final shot. He laughed, saying he blamed Devin Brown for passing him the ball, forcing him to take the shot which was his only errant field goal.

How about Delonte West, tying his career best with 21 points? When he attacks as he did in this game, the Cavs move up a notch. Delonte says what really fuels him, is the desire to keep getting better everyday, and proving to himself he belongs in this league. He says the pressure he puts on himself is the true pressure he feels. Delonte said the coaches encourgaged him to to be aggressive from the start, and that he did...not just scoring, but dishing.

Z also set a career high for the postseason with 6 dimes.

11 wins away from the buzz of the hair clippers!

Friends on Opposite Sides

2008-05-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Ben Wallace attended shootaround this morning and looked much better...he says he is feeling better from that viral infection in his inner ear, but is still doubtful for Game 3 tonight. Anderson Varejao will get the call in his place.

In the middle of most if not all heated playoff series, are friendships on opposite sides of the ball, such is the case with Joe Smith and Kevin Garnett, who along with Wally Szczerbiak, played together for four years together in Minnesota. Joe and KG forged a bond that is just as strong today as it was then...something that has to be put aside when they are dueling each other, trying to get to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Joe and Kevin also have a little ritual when they see each other, a quick hug and a tap of each other’s tattoo, to honor their fallen teammate from the T-Wolves, the late, Malik Sealy. In 10 days, it will be eight years to the day, since Sealy was leaving KG’s birthday party, when his life was senselessly taken by a drunk driver going the wrong way on a suburban Minneapolis freeway. Thus, Joe had a tattoo placed on his right forearm, which reads, “Only God can judge me, rest in peace MS 2 (Sealy’s number)." Soon after, Kevin joined Joe with his own tattoo honoring their close friend, who died at the age of 30.

On a side note, the driver who served a four year prison term as a result of that accident, was recently arrested on suspicion of drunk driving again in Minnesota, and has been sentenced to an even longer prison term...a sobering reminder for us all.

See you tonight on FSN Ohio, for Cavaliers Live at 7:30.

Back Home

2008-05-09T14:38:00.001-07:00

Back home...It's deja vu from Detroit the last two years...lose the first two on the road and come home knowing if you take care of your business and feed off that tangible energy at The Q, this can also can become a brand new series just like those did.

Boston's defense is very good...but their scheme is not anything LeBron or the Cavs haven't seen before.

Mike Brown and his guys, while giving the Celtics their just due for taking the Cavs out of their comfort zone, know they must trust each other, their own schemes and if shots begin to fall, this series can be even again.

Again, the series with the Pistons last year is a great example...LeBron made shots, especially in Game 5 and discussions about the offense became moot.

Mike wants LBJ to stay aggressive, not hesitate, and knock down shots he's made countless times in the past..and he knows LeBron will...The King knows that too, better than anyone.

By the way, Ben Wallace is doubtful for tomorrow due to a viral infection in his left ear, which caused last night's dizziness.

The Atmosphere in Boston

2008-05-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

The atmosphere tonight will be much the same as Game 1...highly intense! Joe Smith noticed a difference in the atmosphere, in his first taste of a round 2 game.

As good as the atmosphere was in Washington, it was even louder in Boston...part of that is the function of being in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. But this is a very knowledgeable fan base, even though there is a generation of fans who know nothing about the banners, other than hearing about them from their parents, and looking up at the ceiling of the TD Banknorth Garden.

Expect things to get even scrappier in Game 2...Delonte West says he loves those kinds of games. He already had games of 19 and 20 against his former mates during the regular season...one with the Cavs, and one with the Sonics.

Mike Brown says, as always, his guys must stay ready, including Devin Brown, who did not play in Game 1...those minutes went to Sasha, who I thought gave the team a lift. Sasha talks more these days about wanting to establish his defense first, and rebound, then worry about his offense. He says before he enters the game, he’s thinking D from the start...perhaps a different approach from his earlier days as a Cavalier.

Devin, as you may know wears New Balance shoes, a rarity for an NBA player as most guys wear Nike, Reebok or Adidas. In fact, for years, players on all 30 teams have made the in-season migration to Nike for apparel when teams visit Portland...a bus is usually needed to take everyone to the company campus. Devin was asked when the bus is going to New Balance on this trip to New England, since their headquarters are here...Devin laughed of course, since he would be the only one on that bus, as a loyal wearer of the shoe.

See you tonight on FSN...join us at 6:30 for Cavaliers Live.

As the Dust Settles

2008-05-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

The dust has settled from Game 1 in Boston...the guys were in good spirits as they went back to work. Although as Mike Brown said today, there are no moral victories in the playoffs, he thought his team did a pretty good job with their early offense, as evidenced by their 17 fast break points...but against the Celtics set defense, work needs to be done. Mike talked about floor spacing, keeping the ball moving, and driving the ball more...

LeBron said he definitely rehashed the game in his mind, knowing he doesn’t see many 2 for 18 nights with 10 turnovers...the layup he missed with 9 seconds left, he expects to make 100 out of 100 times, but as he said, when you have already missed 15 of 17, that’s what happens. He says he can’t play any worse...

LBJ went on to say, there is no need for soul searching because handling disappointment means never losing confidence and that is something he will never do. He also added no one in that locker room is down, because this series is just getting started...

But as we all know, it’s awfully difficult to win a game when you shoot 30% from the floor, something the Celtics deserve some credit for. Daniel Gibson admitted he has not seen the kind of attention he received last night, very often...so, he'll have to attack a little more to score, or create space for others. It’s clear, just like the Spurs in the NBA Finals, these Celtics are game planning for not only LeBron, but Daniel too...

See you tomorrow night on FSN, starting with Cavaliers Live at 6:30...

Astronomical Odds

2008-05-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

What are the odds of LeBron going 2 for 18 while Paul Pierce/Ray Allen combine for 2 for 18? Astronomical...

As LeBron put it...he had rubber bullets in his gun for this one...but give Boston's aggressive, attacking, recovering defense a lot of credit. There's a reason they had the #1 ranked D all season.

Still, the King took this one and his 10 turnovers with a grain of salt because he knows he never misses that many shots around the rim. The lefty at the rim was a microcosm of his entire night.

Wally said...'Bron, I didn't get you 15." LBJ said, "No, but look at my line."

These guys know it's going to be a long, grind-it-out series.

Still 12 more to a Mohawk.

Familar Ground

2008-05-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

Cleveland-Boston: Part 2 is ready to get started...does that mean this is Game 8? For the Tribe’s sake, the Cavs can get back to even tonight.

One of the subplots in this series, is Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West, traded not only to the Cavs together, but part of the Ray Allen swap with Seattle. What better way to show New Englanders, the Celts did not make the steal of the century, by playing an integral role for the Cavs these next two weeks...

Both enjoyed their time in Celtic green, and made plenty of friends here. Delonte knows full well what makes this Doc Rivers defense go. It’s a terrific team concept, and Delonte says you must attack it. That will be one of the major story lines, how well the Cavs handle the Boston pressure...do they move the ball and hit shots like they did in Games 2, 5 and 6 against Washington...

Wally and Delonte said Celtic mystique is very tangible in everything the guys in green do...their famous name ring wearers are very visible, and a part of the storied tradition. But what about the Leprechaun? Is he real? Wally said “no, not when I was here." The Celtics were hit with numerous injuries in his short time here...

Delonte says he used to believe in the Irish lucky charm...now, he’s a Moondog believer! And he added, there is no such thing as the Leprechaun.

See you on Cavaliers Live on FSN...

Boston Here We Come...

2008-05-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

Bawwston here we come...Eastern Semi's without the diatribe in this series.

Two teams built with a defensive foundation, who have enough scorers to give the other side headaches.

Z said this series will be different without all the chatter, musically inclined invited guests, and a pizza delivered taunt...this series will be hard-nosed slug it out half court basketball...Indians-Red Sox with pitching the dominant theme.

Mike Brown was impressed with how hard the Wizards played D the final few games of the previous series, but says the Celtics will be a lot more aggressive employing Doc Rivers' #1 ranked defense compared to what the Cavs just saw in DC.

Headin' Home!

2008-05-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Cleveland...headin' home...lots of smiles and laughter on the team plane.

Nobody's happier than Wally...he said he just had to let it fly and not worry about missing. When he and Boobie are making shots, this team goes to another level...and I don't mean a combined 18 for 32...even if one of them is knocking them down, this team is a threat.

LeBron did predict it though telling Wally at shoot-around, "Hey I need 18 or 20 from you"...then added, "I'm serious". Wally nodded, and I guess took LBJ seriously.

How about King James and Delonte, a combined 20 assists and one turnover!

Some of the guys were following the Celtics-Hawks updates on their phones...what a time of year!!

It's on to the Eastern Semi's...12 wins away from a Mohawk!!

Suspended

2008-05-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Darius Songaila has been suspended for tonight’s Game 6 because of the shot to the face he administered to LeBron James in Game 5. The Wizards will not be happy about that ruling, pointing to the Brendan Haywood shove to LeBron while in mid-air in Game 2 which did not get a suspension...I’m sure Stu Jackson wants to try and clean up the rough stuff around the face, especially since this came after the whistle.

Look for Andray Blatche to get some extra minutes behind Haywood, which will limit the Wizards’ ability to play small ball somewhat. In case you are curious, while this series has been loaded with physical play and extra curricular stuff, the 10 total techs and two flagrants are only the fourth most in these playoffs.

The Dallas/New Orleans series drew 16 techs, the Boston/Atlanta series has had 13 of them called and the Denver/Los Angeles series has a dozen...each of those series had two flagrant fouls called a piece...it’s just that time of year.

The Cavs are loose and have won five of the last seven playoff games in the “Phone Booth”, so, they know they can win here...but, they’ll be facing a team just as hungry and aggressive as they were in Game 5 at The Q...it’s win or go home for the Wiz.

See you tonight on Cavaliers Live at 6:30 on FSN...

Momentum Swing?

2008-05-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

The playoffs of course are about momentum swings almost like an NFL season, where one Sunday you're up, and the next week, your down. As soon as we arrived in D.C., a taxi driver shook his head and said "it's a series now." And the hotel bellman said "we're coming up for Game 7." Not that these guys write blogs in their spare time, but the local fandom has been energized with how the Wizards came from behind to win Game 5.

The Cavs are highly disappointed with the way the game got away. Z said today all the guys took the lousy feeling home with them, because they are human. He added that today was a brand new day, smiles back on teammates faces because it's still three games to two and the trick is to keep things in perspective. Zydrunas says he still likes the position his team is in.

Sasha Pavlovic is chomping at the bit to play and says he's physically ready to give Mike Brown what ever he needs in Game 6. Mike hinted Sasha could see some time depending on how things go, but hesitates to commit because Sasha has not really had any "live" practice since he turned the left ankle in Philadelphia over two weeks ago. You may recall back in January when Sasha suffered that mid foot sprain against the Wizards at The Q. He challenged Caron Butler very well in the first half before he suffered the injury in the 3rd quarter and Butler finished with just 10 points that night. Sasha is strong enough to battle the tough minded forward. So, stay tuned.

We'll know more after shoot around.

See you on FSN and WUAB.

Finishing Off the Wizards

2008-04-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

It’s closeout time as this will be the Cavs’ 8th such game in this three year playoff run. And the chance to celebrate a series finisher for just the 2nd time at The Q. Remember last year, the Nets stayed alive in game 5 in this building, before the Cavs sent New Jersey packing in their gym.

LeBron said today he knows The Q will be electrifying, but had little to say about Brendan Haywood mocking him as a crybaby. He would only say this series has become too commercial and won’t get caught up in the verbal jabs, adding the Wizards have always shown that desire to do a lot of talking. No one has brought up the failure to finish off the Nets in 5 a year ago. Half of the rotation wasn’t even here in a Cavs uniform a season ago.

Daniel Gibson reflected on Sunday’s finish, saying it’s a real joy when you hit a big shot down the stretch and the only applause you hear is coming from your teammates! That won’t be the case tomorrow night.

A victory would put Joe Smith in the 2nd round for the first time in his career. He’s been on 6 other playoff teams in Minnesota and Milwaukee and they never escaped the first round.

See you tomorrow on FSN/WUAB or come join us at Gateway Plaza at 5:30.

Game-Winner

2008-04-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

Playoff heroes who hit game winners never lose those memories, just like Damon Jones series winner in '06 with 4.8 left. Now comes Delonte West with his winner with 5.4left, just about the same spot on the floor in the same corner, a few feet further away than DJ's.

Delonte says the winner "ranks right up there" in his basketball career. He added that the play was actually drawn up "to get out of the way" and let LeBron do his thing, which he did, finding the open man. LBJ says the shot should do a lot for Delonte's confidence because at times he was being a bit tentative.

I asked LeBron if he thought DeShawn Stevenson had any intent on going for the ball on the flagrant foul earlier in the game. He said "No," and he didn't realize he was hit by a closed fist until his teammates told him. He added with a smile, "if that foul had happened in the park it would have escalated."

King James was also asked if he thinks Washington can come back and win the series.

His answer? "No"

On that note, it's 3-1 and time to head home.

Checking in from D.C.

2008-04-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

D.C. has been jammin’ this weekend, with the Cavs and Cubs in town and Pamela Anderson too. She was spotted at the team hotel as she’s in town for a White House Correspondents dinner.

Nice little honor for Ohio’s own was received by Antonio Daniels as the Wizards guard received a years of service watch from commissioner David Stern. Players with 10 years in the league get one...this is the 11th year for the Bowling Green Falcon. Antonio says when he left BG, he knew the life expectancy of an NBA career was 3 years, so he feels honored to have lasted this long. He joked that it’s like dog years, 10 years in the NBA is like 70 years on your legs in real life.

With the day off yesterday, I had a chance to check out the new ball yard in D.C., Nationals Park, which is a gem! Not a bad seat in the house with three levels and from the top you can see the Capitol Building beyond left field in the distance. Bill Gluvna from the Nats public relations department welcomed us to the new digs. Bill is a die hard Cavs fan since he grew up in Fairview Park. Mom and Dad will be rooting on the Wine and Gold back home in North Ridgeville. Bill says he never misses a Cavs game here, when they come to town. The Wizards PR staff will slowly but surely try and bring Bill over to their side I’m sure, but once a Clevelander, always a Clevelander.

See you on Cavaliers Live on FSN.

Game 4

2008-04-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

The pressure is still on the Wizards to win Game 4, but with that being said, the Cavs will have to meet the home team with force Sunday afternoon. The environment was impressive for Game 3, in fact some of the Wiz felt it was the best it’s ever been at the “Phone Booth”. The venom going back and forth between the fan bases is what playoff basketball is all about. LeBron chuckled today at the notion that he was bothered by the chants of “Over rated” and replied...the toughest crowd on him is still Detroit. LBJ did defuse one fan before the game last night. The guy held up a derogatory sign and LeBron walked over toward the stands with a big smile and said
“you don’t believe that...you don’t." The fan had no comeback.

Gilbert Arenas (who really is an engaging guy) says rather than feeling hate in this series, it’s sort of a “love-hate” thing going back and forth between Cleveland and the Wizards and DC and the Cavs. Agent Zero says “fans have to love you first before they can hate you(hmmmm...this is why Eddie Jordan calls it Gilbertology)."

But I see his point, if you are a role player, fans tend to ignore you. Gilbert says he does walk around Cleveland stating fans will say, "hey what’s up..you know we’re going to boo you.” LeBron subscribes to that same theory.

It was funny last night at the postgame press conference as one reporter had a long protracted question for King James, starting it out by assuming that chants of “over rated” had distracted LeBron. As the questioner was getting out the rest of his lengthy inquiry, LeBron smiled and looked at him like he was from Mars, let him finish his question, and assured the guy, those derisive expressions from the crowd did not bother him, and were pretty much ignored.

It’s off for a run to the Washington monument, and then a trip to the new Nationals ballpark, more tomorrow.

A White-Out in D.C.

2008-04-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

It will be White-Out for Game 3 in DC as over 20 thousand white T-shirts with “Rewriting the Rules” will be handed out. It looks like Gilbert Arenas is starting for the first time since his return from injury, which tells me the Wizards will try and change the tempo from the start. The Cavs will need to stay even more disciplined from the opening tap to keep this building in check. LeBron joked he should wear his white shoes to fit in.

David Stern will be in attendance (I’m sure a part of his original playoff travel schedule not because of the physical nature of the series). Thus it’s like when you know the real teacher is watching, you suddenly are on your best behavior. Perhaps some of the flagrant stuff will be reined in. Eddie Jordan said he will now be the enforcer with his team, that if you can’t control your emotions, you will be punished, which means, find a seat on the bench. Caron Butler said he hasn’t slept well in a couple of days because of the way the series has gone and to change his luck he had his Eddie Jordan produced nickname “Tough Juice” shaven into the back of his head.

This is always a big homecoming for Delonte West who grew up not far from the old Cap Center where the Bullets once played (Michael Adams and Chris Webber were his favorites growing up). Delonte says because it’s playoff time, friends and family know all calls and requests go through Mom! Joe has a bunch of family coming from Norfolk, Va to soak in this one, too.

In other news, I’m compiling Damon Jones lines for a comedic write in some day. They usually come during shooting competitions on game days with the latest gem, as DJ, LBJ and Sasha were competing against Wally, Devin and Delonte. This, after he made a game clinching shot in the 3-Ball competition, "I told you...I told you (that he would nail it)."

Just like I told you if there was cheese on the moon, get a rocket and go get it. This is all off the cuff too which he sells it like Chris Tucker. He’s too hilarious.

See you tonight on FSN. 14 more to a Mohawk.

The Nation's Capital

2008-04-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

We've arrived in DC, where the Cavs know it's REALLY them against the world, so to speak. They not only expect to get the Wizards' best, but in a very hostile environment for Game 3.

LeBron expects the physicality to increase, not so much in the flagrant foul sense, but he knows he will continue to take a punishment on every drive to the basket.

King James says he will continue to attack, and then attack some more. He then added, "we have to counter their punches." Then as reported, laughed as he caught himself..."not literally." Even LeBron got a kick out of the double entendre.

By the way, Brendan Haywood was quoted as saying he apologized to LeBron for the mid-air shove...when asked if that was true, LeBron tersely said "no".

But both LB and Mike Brown sound more and more alike as time goes on with both using phrases like "locked in" - which these guys have been and must remain.

Clearly this team is not focusing on any of the by play so far, and don't refer to any of it unless they are asked about it. They are assuming nothing as they try for a 3-0 series lead.

More tomorrow...see you on FSN Ohio.

Keep Your Composure

2008-04-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

I would not be surprised to see Game 2 called a little bit tighter, given the intensity and physical nature of Game 1.

Delonte West says it's not hard to keep your composure because of the heavy fines the league will dole out. The consequences of one's actions he says are always in the back of every player's mind.

I look for three things tonight...LeBron to attack the rim even more, Gilbert Arenas to play more minutes and Caron Butler to take more than 10 shots.

See you tonight on FSN at 6:30...

Thrown Down with the Right Hand

2008-04-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Short workouts for both teams today, as the Cavs and Wizards get ready to strap it on tomorrow night in Game 2. A lot of talk today centered around LeBron’s crushing lob throw down from Daniel yesterday. LB was asked if he felt it in his back the way he had to reach back to throw that one down, or the way he landed. LeBron said, "no, not al at all." He went on to say “I’m good”, as all of us reporter types got a kick out of his response. LeBron didn’t say it in a cocky way, just being realistic. Meaning, that’s what he does, and expects to do.

I asked him who throws the best high handoff and he said, Boobie may get mad at him for saying it, but Delonte throws the best lob and their connections are proof. LeBron says he has told Boobie to “just throw it up there, and I’ll go get it." He added, "but Daniel took that literally on that toss, which was behind the King."

Daniel says he misjudged how far 23 had come down the floor and ended up throwing it too far back. Luckily it wasn't too far for LeBron to make the spectacular catch and smash. Boobie says the art of that pass is judging the defensive player’s length, and with LBJ you can literally just throw it up there and he will go get it.

Boobie was also asked in mid practice to recreate his little reaction he had after one of his shots. Daniel did the little shimmy shake again for his teammates and coaches, and everyone broke up laughing. Boobie says he didn’t think anyone noticed, it just happened because the shot felt good.

See you tomorrow night for Game 2.

Ring the Bell...

2008-04-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Ring the bell to start round 3, Cavs and Wizards. This is a rivalry because of intense playoff competition, especially two years ago, in one of the best series I can ever recall.

So, naturally these teams will get after it. DeShawn Stevenson and Gilbert Arenas' comments only add fuel to the fire. Ben Wallace was asked about it in which he replied..."It's time to put up or shut up...talking never wins any game I've ever played in."

Mike Brown said if his guys have to be motivated by bulletin board material then they don't belong in the playoffs. In other words, his guys are focused on what's on the floor, not off it.

LeBron chuckled at Gilbert's "we want Cleveland" mantra, adding he's actually surprised by the tameness of Agent Zero's blog, adding, "that's not as bad as he can get...and I know Gilbert well." King James motivates himself and doesn't need "he's overrated" bravado from Stevenson to kick his game up a notch.

His dual with the Wizards two guard will be fun to watch because of the ability of this defensive stopper. Some guys make the individual challenge personal, thus disrupting themselves and their team, but LBJ is too team oriented to let that happen. Stevenson by the way has to be guarded at the other end. He finished the season strong outside the 3-line.

LeBron says his back is not 100%, but then conceded this is April. In other words, every player is banged up to a point and he does not anticipate sitting out any games.

See you tomorrow at Noon on FSN Ohio and WUAB channel-43!

On to the Playoffs

2008-04-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

We survived the 82 game regualar season! Now it is indeed time to Rise Up and reflect for a moment. Think about how crazy this season has been for the Cavs starting with the trip to China - almost nothing was normal for this team.

When you include the games Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden missed, well over 100 games were lost by the top 8 rotation guys, the most of any playoff team. Washington and Orlando were close...so, to still win 45 games was a pretty impressive accomplishment as the dust has settled and you look back.

The team went 17-9 in the 26 games Mike Brown had his full rotation in tact. That’s a .650 winning percentage, which over 82 games gets you 53 wins. The point is, in some years, the regular season is about surviving.

This organization is now measured by the postseason and that’s a good thing. Just getting to the playoffs is not good enough, it’s about winning a championship. You know the Spurs, Lakers, Celtics and Pistons think that way too. So, postseason success takes over what happened from October to mid April.

Congratulations to LeBron on his first scoring title. LBJ enjoyed his career best in steals and blocks as well(Gotta make one of the all defensive teams). Z had his best rebounding season, so did Anderson.

The beauty is it all starts new on Saturday afternoon. See you on FSN and WUAB for Game 1.

Pressure Cooker...

2008-04-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a chance to watch that home court clincher in Philly. The mob scene that was the Devin Brown team hug meant a lot to him. Devin says it was indeed a little emotional given the fact this is his first year with the team.

As you may know, Devin is a 6 handicap golfer. He says he went through his same mental routine before his free throws that he does when he steps up to hit a pressure golf shot.

In fact, get this...Devin says he's been more nervous with people watching him tee off at the first hole at his club, than he was at the Wachovia Center with 0.2 seconds left and the house howling at him.

That to me is pressure and being oblivious to it.

Let the playoff pressure cooker begin.

The Final Two Games

2008-04-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

It’s down to two, Philly tonight and Detroit on Wednesday. We’ll be keeping tabs on the Wizards and the Pacers tonight on FSN.

The Sixers still have 6-7 seed business to tend to. Toronto has the edge with the tie breaker here and finishes with Miami and Chicago, so they are in the driver’s seat.

The Cavs will face a team tonight which has a lethal fast break. Philly is tops in the East and 3rd best in the NBA in fastbreak points. Many times you will see them go all 94 feet with only two passes. However, the other night, Washington made shots which slowed them down. In fact, the 76ers were 1-15 from the floor in the 4th quarter.

This is always a special road game for Delonte, since his college memories all came here at St. Joseph’s. It’s actually where he first met Eric Snow, when E was playing with the 76ers. The left hander comes in playing his best ball of the season.

Delonte is averaging 15 points a game over his last 7 games, knocking down half of his 3 point attempts.

See you tonight on FSN.

"Father Knows Best"

2008-04-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

For just the 3rd time since the trade, Mike Brown had a complete healthy roster, and against the Nets we saw the real potential of the depth he has - everyone who played, chipped in.

The igniter was Daniel Gibson, but unlike the past, it was not his 3-point stroke this time. Instead it was everything else, his hustle and speed became infectious. Chasing down long rebounds, pushing the ball up the floor and into the paint, pressuring the ball on defense.

Daniel, for the first time in his career is coming off a significant injury, and dealing with it has been a learning experience. While he listens intently to the coaching and training staffs, its a piece of advise from good old Dad that has helped as well.

As you probably know, Byron Gibson was an accomplished college player at Houston and taught Daniel that sweet stroke. The fatherly advise was not technical, but short and sweet. He sent Boobie an e-mail saying he had watched the past couple of games, and reminded Daniel to just just forget about the ankle pain...just go play and have fun. Push right through it and Daniel clearly did, not hesitating at all.

Boobie says his Dad has the "slickest way of knowing the right way, and the right moment" when to make his point. A subtle way perhaps through a little joke of making a point with his son, without sounding like he knows everything. Boobie says he doesn't know how his Dad does it, but he does it. And when he knocked down that little fadeaway off the bounce last night, he knew what Dad had meant.

I asked Boobie if he thought about Pop at that very moment, he flashed that famous smile and said..."yep, I did, and thought, he's right!...like he always is"

I guess it's a 2008 version of the old black and white TV show, "Father Knows Best" with Robert Young. Maybe an episode will pop up on Youtube. This Cleveland version of "Father knows Best" meant for good TV viewing on Wednesday night.

Wally's World Completed

2008-04-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Wally Szczerbiak will have an extra bounce in his step as wife, Shannon and their 3 children finally get the opportunity to join him in town today...for good. This is the longest Wally has ever been separated from his wife and kids, and it’s been a tough adjustment for him. Wally says thank goodness for technology because he’s been able to communicate with the gang via videophone from his computer. Even with the technology it still doesn’t fill the void, especially with newborn, Max growing and changing everyday.

Wally admits Shannon knows him better than anyone in the world, so getting his “best friend and soul mate” back helps in so many ways. It’s the part of being a pro many of us forget at times. These guys are human too, with the same emotions, routines and family needs that we all have. Without them, even the most focused athlete is tested…so, Wally’s World is again whole!

As for tonight's game, LeBron is a go for the Nets. He was in good spirits this morning at the shoot around so hopefully he’ll be able to play without a lot of pain. Z mentioned yesterday he hasn’t seen LBJ smile as much lately, meaning the back has been causing him discomfort.

See you tonight on FSN at 6:30.

Five To Go

2008-04-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

Five games to go for the Cavs in eight days, and a two game lead in the battle to hold on to the 4th seed in the East.

Philadelphia, Washington and Toronto are still very much in the hunt. The Cavs' magic number is 3 to close out Washington...three to close out Philadelphia and one to eliminate Toronto. The Wine and Gold wins tiebreakers with the Wizards and Raptors, while the tie-breaker is still to be settled with Philly.

To refresh your memory, 3-way ties are settled by best cumulative head-to-head record...in this instance, the Wizards would win a 3-way draw with the Raptors and 76ers because of their 4-3 mark against the other two.

Toronto is 4-4, while the Sixers are 3-4 head to head. Now it gets more interesting in two team tie breaks. The Wizards win head to head with Toronto...but are losing the head to head with Philly, with one more meeting in DC. The next tie breaker is conference record, and right now, Washington has a better record than the Sixers. The Raptors meanwhile win head to head with the 76ers, but again, lose to the Wiz.

Confused?

Washington has 40 wins, two behind he Cavs, followed by Philly with 39 and Toronto with 38. Toronto has the easiest schedule left...five to play, with three at home, and of those five games overall, only one is against a team with a winning record...that being Detroit.

Both Philadelphia and Washington also have three home games left...the Sixers have three left overall with teams with winning marks...and the Wizards have the toughest schedule with four games remaining with teams above .500.

But the unpredictable element is how much Boston, Detroit and Orlando will push to win, with their seeds cemented.

So, sit back and enjoy the possibilities as the regular season still has a week and a half left.

What does your 4-7 order look like?

Road Losing Streak is No More

2008-04-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Big win in Charlotte for all the obvious reasons, not the least of which the reduction of the magic number to clinch the 4th seed and home court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. The magic number is four when it comes to Philadelphia, because one game remains between the two...the magic number to eliminate Toronto and Washington is three because the Cavs have won the season series with both of those squads.

Speaking of magic numbers, four more sellouts will break last season’s franchise record of 32 in a season. There are five more chances to get those sellouts, including the Bulls game tonight at The Q.

LeBron chose his words carefully last night following his first DQ since November of ’06. I frankly thought two of his fouls were missed calls - the 5th when he was fronting Gerald Wallace in the post, and the other out high when he was called for a block vs a charge. But the way his teammates stepped up the final 3:56 was impressive and made it a moot point.

LBJ was in comedic form before the game, as a lot of the conversation surrounded his meeting Stephon Curry, the son of former Cavalier, Del Curry, and darling of the NCAA tournament. Mary Schmitt Boyer of the PD commented on how Stephon looks taller than he appears on TV (and I agree). LeBron said "you must be watching on a small TV...maybe a 15 incher." LeBron was then asked if he invited Stephon to the game. He quickly said...“NO...I did not invite anyone to the game, or any game this season” (remember someone had written in NY that he invited the fan, whom of which ran on the court at Madison Square Garden, to the Cavs-Nets game the following week at the IZOD Center, which was not the case). And when I informed LB that Curry was actually born in Akron in the spring of Dad’s lone season in Richfield, he said "that’s why he’s so good!"

That’s why the King hosted SNL!

From Charlotte, NC

2008-04-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Spring is coming - trust me. A walk around Charlotte told us that. The cherry blossom smell is just too good.

Lots of building going on downtown including the NASCAR Hall of Fame. No better city for that.

There's still a buzz here for hometown hero, Stephen Curry's NCAA tournament run for Davidson. As you probably heard, LeBron went to watch Curry and the Wildcats while the Cavs were in Detroit last weekend. So, tonight Del Curry's son will be here to meet LeBron and watch his Dad's former team.

Curry, a national player of the year finalist, has Dad's stroke reincarnated - it's freeky identical.

We'll try and interview him tonight on Cavaliers Live at 6:30, see you then.

Delonte At His Best. . .

2008-03-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

Hats off to Delonte West, or should we say head band off to the Cavs point guard who came up with his best Cavalier effort. He told FSN's Jeff Phelps he thought there were no more head bands left, so he went without one against the 76ers...maybe he'll be sans the head garb again after this performance.

Delonte has always viewed himself as a shooter, so, knocking down big shots is what he expects to do. In this game he did not hesitate taking them, or setting up others as he became aggressive. He says it's still an adjustment to being so open, playing with LeBron James, but LeBron has encouraged Delonte all along to take those open looks and not think about it.

How about his chase down block of Andre Miller. He's showing the shot blocking skills we saw in Boston. He has impeccable timing for a guy at his position to get those swats...

A day off for the guys, then back to practice tomorrow before leaving for Charlotte. See you Wednesday night on FSN...

Off to Detroit

2008-03-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

It's on to Detroit - a short flight of course - so, maybe a little finger food on the plane. Daniel should provide the hook-up with McDonald's since he is their latest spokesperson with Moondog in their radio and TV commercials.

Boobie is a natural on camera of course, although he said the toughest part was not to smile all the time (gee, what a shocker). Being "serious" took some acting for the Cavs guard. Daniel finally got a chance to see the spot, where he and Moondog pull up to the drive-thru and Boobie orders for the Cavs mascot, because dogs can't talk of course. Boobie saw it during March Madness last night and thought the spot was cool and felt his was debut ok. He says he'd like to do another spot again some time.

Damon Jones of course is the resident TV critic and now calls Daniel "Sweet Tea" as he recites Boobie's lines in the commercial with the same delivery. Boobie ordered two Snack Wraps and two Sweet Teas. Of course Moondog can't eat human food either, so Daniel got some extra food, and that's the punch line.

On a basketball note, Daniel again took part in his third full practice and would love to play for the first time in 5-and-a-half weeks. That call will be made at game time in all likelihood.

By the way, if you are going to drive to The Palace for the game, note that I-75 is closed near downtown so you'll have to take a detour which will add about 20 minutes to your drive. Hope to see there, if you do.

Other wise see you on FSN at 7pm.

A Standing Ovation

2008-03-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Indeed, “way to go Joe!" He’s always been one to follow for me as he spent a lot of time with me in my early Cleveland broadcast days and never forgot me when I continued my career. I vividly remember lunches on the road with he and Bill Fitch...a lot of brain power to tap into during those discussions, that is once I stopped laughing at their stories.

Only Al McCoy of the Phoenix Suns has been with one team longer, and he is a Curt Gowdy award Winner in the basketball Hall of Fame. Joe will soon follow. He’s still as good as there is! We’ll all stand and give “The Great Tait” a standing ovation tonight.

As for the game, Chris Paul is scary good. I watched him again last night and for my money, he’s the best in the game at the position because he really has no weakness. It’s splitting hairs with Tony Parker, Steve Nash and Deron Williams as to who is the best at the point, but this guy is the entire package, now that his jump shot is so deadly. He’s also become even more of a verbal leader this season. Devin Brown, who played with Paul last year, Williams the season before and Parker prior to that, won’t pick sides, but he does say Paul was motivated last summer when he heard all the Deron Williams talk as being the best when the Jazz made it to the Western finals. Thus, he put even more time into working on his game. Paul, like LeBron, makes all of his teammates better and tonight will be a treat to watch those two guys go at it.

See you tonight on FSN...

Back to Work. . .

2008-03-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

Back to work for the guys today, after Mike Brown made a late decision to give the team an extra day off following 5 games in 7 nights and considering it is late in the season, where freshness will count come playoff time.

Daniel Gibson worked with player development assistant, Lloyd Preston, playing some full court one on one. That is the first test for any Cavalier coming off a debilitating injury. Step 2 is a full contact practice session, which Boobie went through today. The verdict? All positive as Daniel competed in every drill and says he had a "great day of practice!"

He thought he played good defense, and had no trouble moving. As far as being excited to return, Boobie says he is "10 levels past anxious" to get back. Right now, he's listed as out for the Hornets tomorrow night, but that could change, especially if he wakes up tomorrow without any pain. Mike will defer to the medical staff and so will Daniel for that matter. Daniel says it was really fun working with the new Cavs for the first time. He thought the 2nd unit looked really good, with himself, Wally and Damon on the perimeter as they were high fiving each other and had a lot of good energy. Again, the Cavs have only had 20 games this season with the top 8 guys in the rotation on the floor togther. That goes back to the beginning of the season.

Ben Wallace is out with his back spasms. It's too early to tell if he'll be able to return Saturday against the Pistons at the Palace.

See you tomorrow night on FSN...

The New Scoring Leader. . .

2008-03-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's on to Milwaukee, unfortunately the snow storm hit them worse, closing Mitchell International Airport so we flew into the beer city this morning. It's the 2nd time this season the guys have had to fly in day of the game.

The last time was into Orlando last month, which was made palatable by a huge win.

As LeBron told the sellout crowd last night, the win over Toronto means nothing if the Cavs don't go get the win in Milwaukee.

LeBron's take over of the most coveted record in franchise history does allow all to pause for a moment to soak in what the Chosen One has been able to do. In less than 5 full seasons? Are you kidding me?

Mike Brown took time to thank 'Bron for allowing him to coach him and that's all a head coach can do, is ask his superstar to buy in. LeBron has done that and more.

And the King thanked Mike for making him a better defender and allowing him to grow as a player, while giving him the respect any player wants.

See you tonight on FSN.

Light Workout. . .

2008-03-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

The guys went through a light workout today as they are in the midst of 5 games in 7 nights..

Mike Brown proudly wore a U of San Diego conference championship T-shirt - his alma mater of course a heavy underdog against UConn. Mike is boldly predicting victory for his beloved Toreros. Got to be faithful to your school.

Daniel Gibson, who has been out four weeks with his high ankle sprain continues extra shooting and agility drills. He says there is still discomfort.

Boobie is probably a week and a half out, meaning a return against Detroit on the 29th. Asked if this was playoff time would he be out there, Daniel said "absolutely!" The key now is to come back healthy to get some rhythm back for the playoffs.

Remember the original prognosis was 4-6 weeks...so, he is right on schedule.

Sound the Bell...

2008-03-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Get ready for Round 2 of the Cavs and Pistons, with two more to follow...and then perhaps they will meet again in May. There is no love lost here on either side for obvious reasons. It will be intriguing to see how the Ben Wallace factor plays in. Ben, better than anyone, knows what makes the Pistons tick, and vice versa. Ben has only lost once in the regular season to the team loaded with his closest friends. He says these games will always be special because of the battles they went through together.

Z had an interesting take on the rivalry, saying there is "a lot of BS" that goes back and forth and as a player if you get caught up in the grudges, it will take you out of your game.

The Pistons have their best bench in years, certainly since the championship year of '04 when Corliss Williamson, Mehmet Okur, Mike James and Lindsey Hunter provided 29 points a game and defensive energy. This group is even more youthful.

The most amazing aspect of the Pistons current run is their durability. Think about this...in the 4 and a half years since Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups have been together, the team has played in 420 regular season and playoff games. Combined, that quartet has played in 96 percent of those games, a rarity for four starters.

That kind of number speaks volumes about LeBron, Ben and Z's durability as well. Over that same period, King James and big Ben have also played in 96 percent of their games and Z, 95 percent. It's the difference between good teams becoming great, just ask the resilient San Antonio Spurs about that.

LeBron and Tiger

2008-03-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

It's amazing to think that LeBron had never met Tiger Woods before last night's game. It was a brief encounter that came before the 2nd half, as Tiger, who makes his home in Orlando, was sitting front row (of course) directly opposite the Cavs' bench. He could have reached out and touched Damon Jones on one of his three pointers.

If you've seen Tiger in person at Firestone, you know he is not a physically imposing guy like LeBron, but ripped of course. It does seem strange to see him without his golf hat, making him look even more like your average guy when he's an NBA spectator.

I was wondering how the exchange might have gone between 'Bron and Tiger...

(LBJ) "It's great to finally meet you"

(TW) "It's great to finally meet you too"

(LBJ) "I love to watch you dominate"

(TW) "I love to watch you dominate too"

(LBJ) "Great choice of athletic apparel by the way"

(TW) "You too"

(LBJ) "And belated Happy Birthday from December 30th"

(TW) "Hey belated Happy Birthday from December 30th to you too"

Think the global guys might have a few things in common? Just a bit...I'll bet the fans sitting near Tiger wished they had a camera to capture that little moment.

Complementing Each Other Well...

2008-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Even if it is for only 21 hours, its nice to catch some sun in Orlando. LeBron looked out the window today during brunch and asked..."What is that orange thing in the sky?"

A nice turn of events was a real night's sleep here which is a far cry from the last trip in. Back on February 11th we had to fly in the day of the game and yet came up with one of the most impressive wins of the season. This game will decide the season series and tie breaker. The Magic lead the Cavs in the loss columm by 5 games with 14to play.

The Cavs 118-111 win was punctuated by the brief benching of Dwight Howard in the 4th quarter with the Cavs up 7, when Stan Van Gundy was not happy with something Howard said on the floor. He then took his star to task after the game saying the big man is thinking too much about his offense and gets too frustrated. Van Gundy added he needs the NBA's rebounding leader to concentrate on getting defensive boards and worry about offense 2nd. Since that game, Howard is averaging 14 and a half boards a game, and got 24 the very next game against Denver. this will be the Cavs first look at the Magic since the big trade.

Big Z and Ben Wallace with play their 5th game together tonight. Ben is averaging 10 rebounds with Zydrunas along side. Likewise for Z, with 10 a game on the glass in those four, but tonigh is a tough cover with Howard and Turkoglu playing so well.

See you on St. Patty’s Day coverage on FSN...

Producing On and Off the Court

2008-03-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

Going to Washington will always be a big deal for Joe Smith (notice I resisted the urge to say Mr. Smith goes to Washington).

Joe of course started at nearby Maryland, so the trip to DC never gets old. Most of the guys rarely go far without their head phones, especially Joe, perhaps listening to his own work...

He has composed over 300 rap songs over the past decade. He, himself records the lyrics in his home studio which he had set up as recently as Chicago. But Joe says he is a writer, not a singer and will soon have his new teammates take a listen...

Joe is still seeking the right match for an artist to record some of these tunes because he'd like to get them from the recording studio to the listening public...

Stay tuned on this one..

Returning From Injury

2008-03-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

The wait is finally over for Sasha Pavlovic - 7 weeks to be exact - as he makes his return from his mid foot sprain. It's his left one which experiences a little pain when he goes to his right, but Sasha says...."I don't care...I want to play". He's missed 23 games and says this has been the toughest wait of his basketball life. He says it has seemed like 10 years, not 7 weeks...

If he comes off the bench, he just hopes to make an impact any way he can. Certainly at the defensive end, where he was playing his best basketball before he injured his foot...

Timing is always an issue when returning from an injury. Anderson Verejao has said not only does he have more lift from his ankle sprain, but his timing is coming back. Knowing again, where he can get his shots - the last two games he has 31 points and 25 rebounds, getting back to his boundless energy.

I know I've relayed this many times of how entertaining Damon Jones is during shooting games, just talking junk. DJ often yells..."get me to the 9th...get me to the 9th", meaning he'll close out the competition by hitting the clinching 3. Today, DJ failed as a closer...admitting..."even Mariano Rivera has a bad day". Damon explained why he had three consecutive misses to possibly win for his group, "sometimes I just get tired of all the applause". He is a riot!

See you tonight on FSN...

Entertainment Jones

2008-03-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

Maybe Damon “Entertainment” Jones is just not destined to see Ahmaad Rashad - the last time we came to New Jersey in December, snow delayed our trip, so much so, that DJ could not keep his date with “Tuesday’s with Ahmaad” on NBA TV.

So, this time, a reschedule as we fly to Jersey again for the game with the Nets, but grip your chair tight as you read this - you won’t believe it - flight delays around NYC! I know, hard to fathom. This time, despite clear weather, the Newark Airport was down to one runway, so we all patiently sat at CLE for nearly 3 hours. Instead of landing at 4:30 as planned, we arrived after 7pm. Damon was whisked from the hangar to NBA Entertainment - whew - the price of television fame!

Damon had his Mohawk trimmed one final time, as he is keeping his promise of a week ago of doing away with the “mo” once we finish this road trip, meaning enough arenas have seen this version of “Jones”. He took some good natured ribbing from Rick Mahorn and New York sportswriter, Frank Isola.

DJ also took part in the segment called the great debate...the topic? Who’s the most playoff ready of the Cavs, Celtics and Pistons. Damon made his points, prompting Isola to call D-Jones, “Barack Jones”.

Damon had the best line of the night, calling himself Prince Jones since, he will try and accompany King James back to the promised land of the NBA Finals.

Who knows, maybe when his playing days are done, the Prince will be hosting his own show on NBA TV.

Pavlovic Close to Returning

2008-03-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

As we dig out, it's even more remarkable the crowd that turned out at The Q despite the horrible conditions. It would have been easy to stay home, which I'm sure the guys took note...

Sasha had his first full contact workout since his mid foot sprain against the Wizards six and a half weeks ago...

He was pleased with how he felt, especially with his explosion and his ability to get to the hole...

Sasha was playing his best basketball when he went down, but this team has different pieces now. Mike Brown's task will be finding meaningful minutes for him, knowing Sasha lost his starting job because of injury...

We should see him back within the next week...The Cavs play five games in eight days starting tomorrow night against Portland, so ample opportunities are right around the corner...

"The James" on Rush Street

2008-03-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

How good is LeBron? He gets 50 and in Chicago they erect a hotel in his honor!

Seriously though this is where the team hotel should be, ”The James” on Rush Street...somewhere between Niketown and the world famous Garrett Popcorn shop...

Last night’s game was one of those performances (now many) where King James takes your breath away. He started in warm-ups, between the legs, off the board and a thunderous smash that had the crowd roaring - IN WARM-UPS - and now he’s doing it with a spirit breaking jumper. I know we keep talking about it on the broadcast how he worked so hard in the summer with assistant, Chris Jent, anytime of day, anywhere. Chris has a way about him that connects with players, a no nonsense approach, but an engaging personality that players can relate to. The former Buckeye earned LeBron’s trust, the way David Ledbetter did with Tiger Woods. Even the great ones want to be taught, or lent a discerning eye...

From where I sit, I see a guy consistently repeating his stroke, with the confidence to knock it down from anywhere, including that absolutely absurd 34 footer (the now official distance) to close the half. That wasn’t a heave, it was a flat out, leaning left JUMPER. His brute strength, along with all his other attributes, is what separates him from the greats, including Kobe Bryant...

I would continue, but my keyboard is totally covered with orange-cheese flecks from a bag of Garrett’s cheese/carmel popcorn. Don’t knock it, until you try it...
See you tonight at 6:00 on FSN...

Running the Point

2008-03-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

Delonte West sat at the end of the scorer's table this morning after shootaround and exhaled..."I think I finally have the plays down". It's been a cram course for the Cavs' point guard since joining the team a week and a half ago. Mike Brown simplified the offense for the four new guys...Delonte says there are around 15 or so plays that he has had to learn, for both the one and two guard positions. It's what players go through when they change teams; it's as much terminology as it is the plays themselves...

Delonte has had Eric Snow in his ear a lot since the two play the same position and go back to the days when Eric played for the 76ers and Delonte played at St.Joes of Philadelphia. Eric says Delonte is still feeling his way when to be aggressive, making not only plays for others, but for himself and Eric's been helping him with the Cavs defensive concepts...

Clearly though we have seen a young guard who is very good at pushing it down the floor - sure helps when you have a LeBron James filling the wing. Since going 2 for 10 against Memphis in his first Cavaliers' appearance, Delonte has gone 20 for 40 from the floor...

See you tonight on FSN...

Drew and Larry's Return

2008-03-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

The return of Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes was what we expected; for both, a strange feeling, as it will be for Ben Wallace and Joe Smith on the return engagement Thursday night in Chicago. Drew had a Cavs’ home white 90 draped over his leg in the Bulls’ lockeroom after the game. He says the guys he left will always seem like family, and added he’ll always be proud of the Eastern Conference championship banner in the rafters, and that can never be taken from him...

Pure gamesman ship in the 2nd half when Larry hit the long ranger to put the Bulls up 8...he said something to the Cavs bench on the way to a timeout, wearing a smile. But later, when the Cavs went on the rampage with LeBron scoring 6 straight, 23 was animated in his response to the Bulls’ bench. When asked what he said, Lebron smiled and said “I don’t remember”. On the floor he had made a gesture as if to say not in my house, and when that was suggested to him, he said, ”I forget”, and smiled again...

Wally Szczerbiak says the fact that son, Maximus Jack was born yesterday meant little sleep as he flew back from New York this morning and perhaps that helped settle him down a little bit, because he’s been on an adrenalin rush the past three games and needed to settle down. He actually had not planned on returning today, but his wife, Shannon said go play, everything is fine...so, Wally gave her credit for encouraging him to return. This was clearly his best game as a Cav...

See you Wednesday night from NYC…

Taking the Court...For An Important Reason

2008-03-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of the week has been the “Take the Court” benefiting the Children's Tumor Foundation, presented by the Better Halves (coaches, players and personnel staff wives and girlfriends) headed up by Carolyn Brown which was a big hit. Mike’s wife has that special touch...from the shrimp the size of baseballs which sat in ice sculptured basketballs, to centerpieces of Nike shoes filled with Gerber daisies and tulips. Jennifer Ilgauskas helped spearhead the evening from the podium and showed she is just as cool under pressure as Z is.

Former Cavaliers, Jim Brewer, Larry Nance and Jim Chones were among the special guests of honor, but the show was capped by auctioneers, Dan Gilbert and Danny Ferry. They started out taking bids on a LeBron James signed jersey, followed by a trip on the team plane to watch the Cavs tangle with the Pistons at the Palace. Also a popular item was an upcoming skills competition at the Cleveland Clinic Courts...the winning bid meant competing against the Cavs assistant coaches.

But the big hit of the night, was when the two auctioneers ad-libbed their additions to the auction items. It started with two tickets in the owner's suite, sitting next to Danny, who would be wearing an Anderson Varejao wig. As the bids continued to climb, they kept sweetening the pot "Two feet on the floor” said the GM, meaning two prime tickets courtside, premier parking right next to LBJ, and oh yeah, the boss added, "How about a Mike Brown piggy back ride around the court." Good idea, until Mike's better half saved him. Carolyn thus had her husbands back...after all, it's only March and the head coach has too much standing to go this season...can’t throw out his back before the playoffs.

One fan asked Dan G "Are you still matching all bids?" Dan said "Yep." $10,000 was the winner...a great time had by all...over $75,000 were raised. Great job!!!

If you’d like to donate to the Children’s Tumor Foundation…go to CTF.org.

These Aren't the Same T-Wolves

2008-02-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in town, and for Wally Szczerbiak and Joe Smith, it's more the uniform than the team they will be facing that brings back memories. Both of course played in the twin cities...but for Joe, none of the players he played with are still with the team...

For Wally, only 3 guys are still with the team from his most recent season there, 2 years ago - Rashad McCants, Mark Madsen and Marco Jaric. Still, this will only be Wally's 4th game against the Wolves since he was sent to Boston in the Ricky Davis deal...

For Joe, it's just his 6th lifetime game against the Wolves and he's spent more time in a Minnesota uniform than any where else...

Speaking of former T-Wolves, looks like Sam Cassell will wind up in Boston, reunited with Kevin Garnett. Wally Szczerbiak played with "Sam I am" for two years, including their run to the Western Conference finals under Flip Saunders in '04...

See you tonight on FSN...

Quick Turnaround in Boston

2008-02-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

Hello from Bawwston - we all rolled into Beantown about 3:30 a.m., which meant the heads hit the pillows at about 4. It’s always a dilemma on a two hour type of flight from Milwaukee, do you stay awake, or sleep, and then run the risk of tossing and turning all night. Most of us chose the former...

The Cavs, just like a year ago are catching the Celtics coming off a west coast trip, with essentially no off day in between. They got back from LA yesterday after sunrise, and probably slept most of the day and now play tonight. It’s the same scenario the Cavs have faced two years in a row against Orlando at The Q - the Cavs have lost both of those games...

In fact, over the past two seasons, Eastern Conference teams in this type of brutal turnaround home game (most teams have to do it once a season) are 8-11, and this season are 2-5. Four more teams have to do it, including Detroit and Toronto...so, for the Celtics, this game tonight with truly feel like a road game...

No word yet on Z...he passed through the lockeroom last night and got right on the bus to the airport. Athletic trainer, Max Benton, who has the same upper respiratory bug, looked better this afternoon at brunch, so maybe that’s a good sign for the big fella...

See you tonight on FSN, for the final regular season meeting between these two teams - I emphasize REGULAR season because I think we’ll be back here in May!

Jekyll and Hyde

2008-02-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

From blustery Milwaukee we come to you, where the Bucks are coming off two impressive home wins over Detroit and Denver. They also lost recently at home to the Clippers and Knicks. So it’s been a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde act, but talent? They have plenty - Andrew Bogut has been lights out since the turn of the calendar to ’08, while Mo Williams and Michael Redd have been scoring big. So, this will be a stern test...

If the Cavs get Anderson Varejao back tonight, that will be huge. Andy says it feels like he hasn’t even played this season, missing 21 games with the contract holdout and another 13 with the ankle sprain. Mike Brown’s task will be to find the balance of minutes for Andy, Z, Ben and Joe. A pleasant problem to have, but a challenge none the less. I am intrigued to see the times when Joe Smith plays the 3, LeBron the two, and then a combination of Z/Andy/Ben at the 4-5. This will happen in certain match-ups...

But clearly once Daniel and Sasha get back, this team goes 11 deep, and you can’t play all 11. It will Mike’s toughest job since he has been in Cleveland to find the right mix, and make guys understand he can’t play everyone, every night...but when the goal is winning it all, egos have to take a back seat. All of these guys can play multiple positions and because of this I think the defensive numbers are going to come down, even though we are in the “getting to know you” period...

See you tonight on FSN...

First Road Trip With the New Squad

2008-02-25T17:55:00.000-08:00

The first road trip with the fab 4 meant picking seats on the plane they'll stay with...in fact we all tend to sit in the same seats for roadies...part of the NBA superstition I guess.

A second practice today as Mike Brown continues to keep things simple, yet for Ben, Joe, Wally and Delonte it means one day closer to feeling totally comfortable. They all are blown away by the Cleveland Clinic Courts. Joe Smith says the ribs in the players lounge are awesome.

Being around Delonte it's apparent he has a quick wit. While walking through the hallway to the locker room, Delonte noticed that posterizing dunk picture hanging on the wall from two years ago against the Celtics...the man below King James in the helpless position? Delonte.

He saw the picture and smiled..adding..."You'll have to take that down now!" Gotta protect your teammates!

Must See TV!

2008-02-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

We’ll all be filled with curiosity not only tonight, but for remaining two months of the regular season and beyond, to see how the new Cavaliers meld with the rest.

No one knows how quickly, from Danny Ferry and Mike Brown to the new guys themselves...chemistry on and off the floor is an elusive carrot that every team chases.

In Detroit and San Antonio, the corporate blueprint has been the road map...and in Cleveland, the Cavs' version is being crafted...and it's around LeBron James and Mike Brown's defense.

I think Ben Wallace will thrive in this system, which demands paint protection. Ben is still a dominant off-the-ball defender, and in his first practice session looked lively. For those in Chicago, who overpaid in the first place, the expectation of the man known as “Body” to score is unrealistic. Ben was most successful under Larry Brown, when he got a few low post touches to keep defenses honest. The rest was typical Ben dirty work, which he thrives on...rebounds, blocks, and toughness.

The Cavs now have three of the top 16 offensive rebounders in the NBA in Ben, Zydrunas and Anderson. Joe Smith, for a 4th big is no slouch either.

Mike is still toying with different starting combinations tonight, and as the game goes on, will work combos by feel.

I’m really interested in watching Delonte West. He will bring a different kind of perimeter defense than Larry Hughes. Like Larry, he is long, just not as big…while Larry was more of a passing lane defender and could guard big 2’s. Delonte is a ball pressure battler...it’s how assistant coach, Michael Malone spotted him as a high school junior outside DC. Michael, who was an assistant at Manhattan College in New York, was scouting another player from Delonte’s high school when he was mesmerized by a feisty left handed guard, who refused to back down and never stopped. Michael eventually told Delonte, you will play in the NBA some day if you continue this work ethic. For the longest time, Manhattan was the only scholarship offer Delonte received until St. Joe’s of Philly came along.

Must see TV tonight on FSN Ohio…see you then!

What a Night!

2008-02-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

What a wild, wild, night we just came off - a victory including two guys who had just come to town in Billy Thomas and Kaniel Dickens and they did their parts. All with the four new Cavs watching from suite level...

Damon climbing on the scorer's table and vehemently pointing to Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith and Delonte West was like something out of a Hollywood movie as The Q rocked...

Practices will be intriguing because of the rush to get the new Cavs acclimated. I'm always interested in jersey numbers and why guys pick them, numerology, NBA style I guess...

Delonte will get #13, his jersey number at St. Joes; Joe Smith has always worn 32, so, Larry Hughes' number goes right back into circulation; Wally gets 10 again, his Miami number, the same worn by his Father, when he played...

And everyone associates Ben with #3 because his #4 from the Tri-C Metro days was Joe Dumars' retired number. The first year he came to Cleveland during his college days he wanted #4, but the jersey with that number was a guard's jersey and was too small, so he couldn't wear it. The next season, the #4 was sewn on to a jersey to fit big Ben. He wore #4 in Orlando, and he comes full circle with #4 in Wine and Gold - this jersey will be plenty big enough for him...

I'll get back to you following practice...

Finding Bodies to Play

2008-02-22T11:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight will be a surreal night for all of us watching with some, if not all of the newest Cavaliers in building, not able to yet play, as all the physicals must be passed...

Mike Brown will be reunited with Ben Wallace, as they spent two years together in DC, both at stages when they were trying to establish themselves in the league...

Mike says he spoke to Ben, Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak, and traded text messages with Joe Smith. Mike says all four are excited about the opportunity...Ben in fact, offered to play, but was told it would be premature, until all the physicals are finished in the 11 player swap...

Kaniel Dickens and Billy Thomas are also excited about signing 10 day contracts, thus giving the Cavs 8 bodies for tonight. Both Dickens and Thomas have had cups of coffee in the NBA...Dickens says when he thinks of how many teams he has been with around the world, he falls asleep from fatigue. He’s played in Russia, the Ukraine, Korea, and Portugal. He says he actually speaks from Russian and is actually a pretty good long distance shooter...

Thomas spent some time with the Washington Wizards, who the Cavs face tonight, so, as he told the Cavs coaches, he will be able to “cheat” on some of the plays, he still remembers...

Join us tonight on FSN Ohio as we hope to hear from some of the new guys, plus assistant GM, Lance Blanks will join us on the broadcast to break it all down...

New Faces in Town

2008-02-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

An awful lot to digest over the last few hours...six players dealt, with four coming. I think the Cavs have upgraded themselves for this reason: and that is because of how these pieces fit, and how the club retains its financial flexibility to be even better a year from now.

Ben Wallace will be a driving force as always at the defensive end. He's never played with a talent quite like LeBron. He comes full circle, coming back to Cleveland, where it all started for him at Tri-C Metro 15 years ago. You know his pal, Charles Oakley is smiling, since he is the one who led him to Cleveland and then Virginia Union in the first place.

Ben has never played with a talent like LeBron James before, and that's no disrespect to his championship teammates in Detroit. Big Ben allows teammates to gamble on the perimeter. I think he can bring the same kind of edge and toughness that Nate Thurmond brought to town 23 years ago...and Ben is even younger than Nate was at that time.

Wally Szczerbiak flourished with Kevin Garnett for six and a half years, because of all the attention KG drew in Minnesota...he'll get similar open looks with LeBron. Same for Joe Smith...don't fall asleep on this guy, who is still a very accomplished shooter on the baseline and from the elbows.

And Delonte West, whom Dwayne Jones knows so well from their days together at St.Joe's, is a tough-minded guy who will be able to apply ball pressure...plus, he has a knack for blocking shots on help-out.

The gamble here, is of course tinkering with chemistry...but the Cavs culture is well entrenched by now, and the four new guys have been through the battles. Wally and Joe were teammates in Minnesota for three years...so, there is inherent knowledge there.

The most telling statement Danny Ferry made tonight was the current Cavs team was not good enough to win a championship...a move had to be made to upgrade for the short term, still with an eye on the long term. This team, when healthy will be very deep...it will be fascinating to watch things unfold over the next few months, and years for that matter.

Cavaliers Trade Update

2008-02-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

Take a look...

I know you fans are eager to find out more about the Cavs deal...

Nothing is official until the NBA conference call is complete. It's like a traffic jam on the innerbelt with numerous trades today creating a backlog.

We're assembled here at the Cleveland Clinic Courts waiting for Danny Ferry to make it official and put it into perspective.

Check back this evening for comments from Danny and Mike Brown. Joe Gabriele and I will be blogging as well.

Talk to you then.

Daniel Update

2008-02-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest on Daniel Gibson - he's able to put weight on his left foot and ankle. He'll receive treatment tomorrow and will be re examined...

Boobie says the pain was intense at first, mixed in with a healthy dose of fear...

He says he could see Travis Diener coming at him, thus in an instant he was able to turn his foot, bracing for the contact. That, Daniel says saved him from a very serious injury...

Too early to tell how long he might be out...

Home of the Hoosers...and NFL combine

2008-02-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hello from 'Nap town...No, I am not here for the NFL combine, which has drawn nearly a thousand folks to this city as it always does this time of year...today is Day-1 of a week of testing for over 300 college players. It makes me wonder what LeBron James would do in front of a stop watch. Could you imagine him as a tight end, at 6-8 250 pounds? Wonder what his 40 time would be? Mel Kuiper probably knows...

LeBron's last trip here, netted a triple-double, a different one from the 5th of the season he had last night. Kudos to the Houston Rockets - their defense was the best I've seen by an opposing team at the Q all season...

Tonight, Indiana will invite the Cavs to take shots, hoping to make this a high possession game, but the Cavs will have to avoid the temptation. Anderson Verejao made the trip to continue his workouts and he continues to feel better. We may see him back on the floor this weekend...

All the talk here surrounds Kelvin Sampson and the decision Indiana U will make concerning his NCAA violations of improper contact with recruits. His fate will be decided Friday...

See you tonight on FSN...

Back from All-Star Weekend

2008-02-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Back from All-Star weekend, where it will get hot and heavy with 30 games in 57 days, the trading deadline this week, and jockeying for playoff position. Now the fun really begins...

Although Daniel had plenty of it, he says he has never taken 20 3's in a game. Maybe half of that in any game in his career. Boobie says he asked Mike Brown if maybe he'll run a few plays for him to take a 3, and the answer came back quickly, "No!" Boobie knew it was a rhetorical question, as he laughed...

He's anxious to get back. Remember it was against the Rockets that he strained his hamstring, forcing him to miss the next 4 games. He's back tonight against his hometown team - the blazing hot Rockets, winners of 8 in a row, playing the 2nd best basketball of any NBA team in the new year...

Anderson Verejao is getting closer to returning from that ankle sprain with tonight being his 10th missed game in a row. Hopefully we'll see him by the end of the week...

See you tonight in FSN..

Twin MVP's!

2008-02-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

How about that - Twin MVP's - Big brother and little brother...

LeBron says the competitve juices kicked in for the East after getting thumped in Las Vegas a year ago. He says it's the most hard fought All-Star game he's been a part of...

Gloria James was loving every minute of it, feeling just as proud of Boobie in that MVP tag team...

After the game, plenty of photos for the NBA, then LeBron got to take one with Gloria, and another with girlfriend, Savannah as well as snapshots with friends, business associates and more family...

LeBron saved the last picture for free stylin' where everyone got to pose how they wanted...

You'll see that one on Access Cavalier this weekend...

King James was asked if he wanted the trophy shipped back home and he said nope, it's going with him because Yao Ming's on the same flight back to Cleveland - LeBron wanted to make sure he sees it...

What a weekend!

Catching up with Jason Kidd

2008-02-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

LeBron and Jason Kidd are enjoying spending time again with each other this weekend and playing on the same team, something they did of course this past August with team USA...

I had a fascinating conversation with J Kidd about LeBron and his leadership growth this past summer. Jason says LeBron wants to be the best and works at it. He said they talked an awful lot while they were in Las Vegas, and one of the things the future hall of fame point guard told him is the decision to pass to Donyell for the game winning shot at the Palace at the end of Game-1 of the ECF was the right pass no matter what anyone said. Not only because it was the right basketball play but because of how hot Donyell was in the Game-6 closeout against his Nets...

Jason says he e-mails LeBron from time to time when he catches something watching a Cavs game on NBA League Pass. I asked him what for instance - he said when LeBron leans back on his free throws or on his jumper...

Kidd says without hesitation LeBron is the the league's MVP for what he does for his team, leading the league in scoring and for another element we take for granted, the fact that wherever he goes, fans expect him to make the spectacular plays and be the star. Kidd says LeBron carries that weight every night and gets it done, the true meaning of an MVP...

And the 3-Point Shootout Winner Is...

2008-02-16T19:44:00.000-08:00

Hats off to Jason Kapono...must be something about those Cavalier 2nd rounders.

Daniel was gracious in his long distance finals defeat...but 2nd place in his first run? He was pleased...so was Damon Jones, who was courtside.

All in all a pretty amazing weekend for Boobie, who said, "and did you see who said hello to me at the end?" I sure did...only Magic Johnson, Doctor J and Dominique Wilkins...they all congratulated Boobie on his weekend sharp shooting.

Boobie had never met Doc or 'Nique before. Julius told him, "you're young, you'll get one" (meaning a 3 point title) Daniel beamed.

Runner-up, not a bad finish....now, Boobie says he can't wait to support LeBron in the All-Star game on Sunday night.

Inside Look at the East's Practice Session

2008-02-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

Other than gridlock traffic, New Orleans has been up to the task for All-Star weekend...the food, the music, the atmosphere has been dead on.

Today was All-Star practice, which is a very light run through. Doc Rivers wore a microphone so the fans could hear him run the practice, which was cool. Doc ran one set, and called it the "Cleveland play", which of course was for LeBron to score. Doc then asked LeBron to run it for the East stars...the 45 minute session culminated with a half court shootout.

Each player had to see how many half court shots he could make in :60...a physical task actually...even LeBron admitted it was tough. The winner??? LeBron James of course, who made three. Several of the guys like Ray Allen and Chauncey Billups made two each. Jason Kidd made three as well, two of them underhanded, so, the Guinness World record was split, LeBron with the traditional shot record, and his pal, J-Kidd with the underhand record of most half-court makes in :60.

Boobie Gibson signed autographs and read to some kids...he says his voice mail is FULL, in fact overflowing with well wishes from last night. He said Mom and Dad were beaming after his 11 triple performance, full of pride.

Daniel says it all still seems surreal. He stopped short of saying he's now the favorite to win the long distance shootout, but says, his confidence is sky high.

It's off to sample some red beans, rice and jambalaya. It's so good...and gotta top it off with a beignet (hot French donuts).

Boobie is MVP

2008-02-15T23:55:00.000-08:00

Boobie can't get that megawatt smile off his face and he shouldn't...what a night shooting the ball.

He's doing interviews right now coast to coast. Karl Malone just came up from behind where Daniel was sitting doing NBA TV and gave Boobie a huge bear hug, pulling his headband over his eyes. It may have been just an exhibition game but there are definitely some stars in the making.

Boobie's now walking down a hallway being interviewed by Chinese TV. Seconds later we go into a special photo shoot with the trophy...they can't get enough of Cleveland's own.

I think this makes Daniel the favorite for the long distance shootout.

Big Easy is Abuzz

2008-02-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

The Big Easy is abuzz...not because of the Hornets, but because the best basketball players in the world are here...and that, of course, includes LeBron James, as the All-Stars have settled in for the weekend...it is a hoops Mecca.

'Bron and the stars met with media from around the world for 30 minutes. He was asked every imaginable question from who's going to replace Shaq as the team jokester (he says Dwight Howard) to his new shoe...to would he win the dunk contest...he wouldn't touch that question, saying he has no interest. He was then asked if it was a million dollar winner take all...LeBron quipped..."ah now that's interesting" he said with a huge smile, accompanied by plenty of laughter from the hoard of folks around him.

LB says Daniel doesn't need his help to get ready for the All-Star hoopla, but admitted Boobie's eyes are pretty wide right now with the scope of this weekend.

We sampled some of the stars on who the clubhouse leader is for the MVP...Dwyane Wade says it's down to 3...Kobe, Chris Paul and LeBron. Chris Paul himself said LeBron is one of two he'd pick...and Jason Kidd flat out said it's LeBron for what he means to his team...he didn't even hesitate in his answer.

More tonight from New Orleans, following the rookie sophomore challenge.

Nothin But Net

2008-02-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

We got home a little bleary eyed about 2:00am, following just 10 hours in Fla. All but Larry who was still smiling on the flight to Cleveland. I understand when he got home, he tossed his socks across the room and into the hamper - nothing but the bottom! He still can't miss! That performance last night was mesmerizing.

I thought LeBron's comments were revealing, when he said he continues to learn how to do a better job of recognizing right away when Larry has his rhythm, and keep going to him - play after play after play. That's called 23 points in the 3rd quarter. Larry admitted he was having fun, "just playing basketball".

On a side note, Anderson Verejao continues to make progress in his ankle rehab. He says it feels much better. He's doing some light running and feels he will return soon after the All Star break. Andy says he has horrible memories of the incident in L.A. and even more so when he sees the video. He's amazed he didn't fracture it, or tear some ligaments. When you consider he also twisted his ankle and strained the achilles in Atlanta, he is lucky. It tells you what kind of condition these guys are in, and how flexible Andy is.

Technical Difficulties

2008-02-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

It's a throw back travel day, flying into Orlando on the day of, the way it used to be, before charter travel arrived on the scene in the late '80's.

Mechanical problems meant getting to bed late and up early today. So, ZZ's for Z and everyone else on the flight to Florida.

Drew Gooden and Daniel Gibson will be gametime decisions. Boobie's hamstring is feeling better. He feels pretty certain he can go against the Spurs on Wednesday if not against the Magic and plans on taking part in the all-star weekend duties.

See you on FSN.

LeBron vs. Melo

2008-02-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

Just like Magic vs Bird, LeBron vs Carmelo will always be tracked as long as they remain in the NBA. This will be the 9th head to head meeting between the two fast friends and draft mates of '03, meaning 'Melo has missed one of the Cavs-Nuggets get togethers since they came into the league. Denver is 6-2 in those 8 games so far.

Both LeBron and Carmelo actually average less against each other than the rest of the league. LB averages 21.6 against the Nuggets, compared to his 27.1 NBA average. Anthony averages 19.6 against the Cavs, nearly 5 points a game less than his lifetime league average.

The reason? Certainly not pressure to perform, but I'm sure they do tend to neutralize each other with their multiple talents. The only number that means anything to either player is that win-loss record, something King James hopes to amend tonight.

See you at 6:30 on FSN...

Playing Short-handed

2008-02-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

Back from Atlanta and the team is still in one piece, despite this incredible rash of ailments. Larry Hughes jammed his right big toe and will get treatment, meaning the Cavs had to finish off the win over the Hawks without five of their rotation guys - FIVE!

Speaking of 5, how about Ira getting some reps at that spot. One time Mike Brown called a play for him and moments later, Ira came to the huddle and said, "coach you have to tell me what the play is for a center, I have no idea." Ira had played some pivot in college because as he says his teammate who was a center didn't want to play the position because of being labeled "a center". Ira does enjoy playing power forward though because he feels he is quicker than traditional fours, but yet strong enough to hang with them at the other end of the floor.

One position he won't play is point. Mike laughed at that notion, and Ira shook his head, saying, "No...Way."

Tune into the Cavs version of "Grey's Anatomy" tomorrow night to see who is healthy enough to go against the Nuggets.

The Wine and Gold Look to Rebound

2008-02-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

Tough task in Atlanta, as the banged up Cavs come in on a back to back. The guys got to the hotel about 2:30 this morning following the loss in Houston. Daniel Gibson and Drew Gooden will be game time calls on their respective hamstring and groin ailments.

The Cavs, still #1 in the league in rebounding will have to do gang glass work tonight. Last night they were minus-20 in that department and it killed them. Tonight, they face the athletic Hawks. Al Horford is coming off a 20 rebound game against the Lakers on Wednesday night, while Josh Smith has come very close to triple doubles in their last two games including 9 blocks against Philly on Monday night.

The Hawks sure look as though they are playoff bound for the first time since the lockout year. Their 8 seasons without the post-season is the longest drought in the NBA, but this team has turned the corner. They are still a team with shooting concerns, but they love to run out and use their speed and athleticism (they're 4th in the league in fast break points). So, it all gets back to how well the Cavs rebound tonight, to try and keep these Hawks under control.

See you tonight in FSN.

Drew's Injury

2008-02-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

Drew Gooden will continue to get treatment on his right groin strain, hoping to play tonight. The durable power forward has played in nearly 98 percent of the Cavs games in his 3 and a half year stint in Cleveland. He’s only missed 7 games during that time and as big and strong as he is, Drew’s one area of concern are his groin muscles.

He is susceptible to pulls and strains.

Drew says he has fought the issue his entire playing career and the other night, when powering down a dunk, he strained his right groin. The ironic part about it is, he has diligently done his stretching exercises, as recently as Monday, constantly aware of his history. Remember last season, during warm-ups against Indiana at the Q, he went up for a dunk as he always does in pre game, and strained his left groin. Drew sat out 2 games then played every game after that.

He’s like a pitcher, who has to always be careful of elbow or shoulder issues.

The good thing is, Drew’s strain this time is not as severe as last year’s. No moral of the story here, because you can’t take away a power dunk from a power forward.

Hopefully we see Plenty of Gooden in Houston.

Newble a Hit Against Celts

2008-02-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Ira Newble was the center of attention following the win over the Celtics, not only because of his best scoring quarter (1st) and best scoring half of the season. But also because of the thunderous base line drive and dunk he threw in the face of the Bostonians to help close them out. Ira smiled when asked when was the last time he did that, "probably 3 years ago...heck, probably 5 years ago."

Ira looked like he had just come out of a 12 round bout in Vegas, with the cut under his right eye from the accidental elbow from Z. Of course Zydrunas apologized for cutting Ira (4 stitches), then added, but get out of my way (kidding of course).

I asked Ira if he had looked in the mirror yet and he said, "yep...I look like Frankenstein."

This was not the first time for his hockey type of facial cut. When Ira was 12 years old he needed sutures. Why? His sister threw a steak at him from across the table. Yes, a STEAK, not a STAKE. Specifically T-Bone! My guess is well done to cause a cut. Z's elbow was a rare one if you know what I mean.

Cavs Prepare for Celts, With or Without Garnett

2008-02-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

Kevin Garnett did indeed make the trip with the Celtics and was at shootaround this morning. He is not supposed to play this week due to his abdominal strain, but the Cavs will believe it when they see KG in street clothes. Mike Brown is preparing for the Celts as if the MVP candidate is playing. The worst thing he says that could happen would be to prepare for no Big Ticket, and then surprise!

The Celtics are still 2-1 without him in this stretch, with guys like Leon Powe and Kendrick Perekins picking up the inside slack. The Bostonians are the real deal because they defend - first in fewest points allowed, first in opponent’s field goal percentage, and first in opponent’s three point percentage. A rare trifecta!

LeBron has killed the Celtics the last 8 meetings going back to the beginning of the ’04-’05 season, averaging nearly 36 points a game over 8 meetings the C’s. His lowest scoring game is 31 points!

Keep in mind, this could be a 2nd round playoff match-up, so, sparks should be flying.

See you tonight at 6:30 on FSN.

Sleepless in Seattle

2008-02-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Sleeping in Seattle, yep, one extra night. We were at the arena ready to leave for the airport when we got word the storm in the midwest would be too tough to navigate. So, back to the hotel we went.

No problem awakening here today though, not with caffeine calling our names every few feet. Starbucks has lots of competition.

Donyell will still be hearing it today for entering the game last night in his blue undershirt, not realizing his game jersey had stuck to his warm-up.

LeBron said he lost it when he heard the PA announcer say "DELAY OF GAME WARNING, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS". LB says that will be a mainstay on blooper shows for years and years to come.

On this team, when you slip up and provide levity, you are fair game!

Warming Up

2008-01-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

No escape from the cold for the guys on the trip - brr in Portland today and Seattle tomorrow. LA wasn't a whole lot better.

It was so frosty in the Rose Garden this morning at shoot around, the headbands became ear muffs!

The shooting game warmed things up though. Damon is always the commentator as the competition heats up. He was teamed with LeBron and Larry against Ira, Shannon, Boobie and Eric in the smalls 3 point shooting dual. DJ said "you guys want this to be a quiet competition?. With DJ its never a "quiet competition", and he made sure of it, talking smack.

DJ's team was knockin' em down, but Boobie's crew caught up and took a one shot lead. It came down to Damon to hit one to avoid losing - AND HE MISSED! He fell to the floor in mock shame, and laughter poured in from the competing four.

You could make a movie out of these moments.

Congratulations to Boobie Gibson for making the Rookie Youth Jam Challenge. That means he has gone from being the 42nd pick of '06 to being one of the top-9 players of that draft. How about that for a leap. Paul Millsap of Utah was the other second rounder from that draft selected.

LeBron gave Daniel some love for joining him on all-star weekend. Boobie hopes to also get the nod for the 3 point shootout. He says he is humbled by today's invite. Saying words can't express his gratitude to the assistant coaches who voted him in. He couldn't wipe that famous smile off his face, adding it's tough to come up with the right words to express his joy, but adds, he never thinks about individual honors, however, this makes all the summer work all that more worth while.

Daniel is so humble, and I'm willing to bet, will never lose that. It's a part of his DNA.

See you at 8:30 on FSN.

The Pacific Northwest

2008-01-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

On to the Pacific Northwest we go, but first we had to go to the LAX airport where we passed picketers, members of the striking writers guild of America. Those re-runs are getting a little old!

We were met with rain here in Portland and in this part of the country, no one bats an eyelash. In LA it's a headline story, and even on many sidewalks in Manhattan Beach they had "Caution, Slippery when Wet Signs" all over the place. All because it was drizzling!

To us it wasn't even an April shower.

Outside of Portland practice was held at the Nike Gym - a spectacular glass encased floor on the 3rd floor of which is the Bo Jackson building. Its next door to the Michael Jordan building which is not far from the Tiger Woods and Nolan Ryan buildings.

Roger Federer is on campus today and the hope is to have the king of tennis meet another face of Nike, King James. Wouldn't it be fun to run in those circles!!

The Closer

2008-01-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

We witness another example of LeBron being perhaps the NBA's best closer...not only did he score 14 points in the 4th quarter, including the last four against Kobe Bryant, but he also held Kobe to 1 of 6 shooting in the 4th when he guarded him head to head.

After the game LeBron deflected any praise for his defense, but I could tell he was very proud of how he took on the defensive challenge. He really does live for the 4th quarter!

The "rain delay" by roofers leaving their soaking wet coats hanging on the cat walk high above the floor...the local radio stations were laughing because they work for the company called Cavalier Roofing...seriously!!! That's the name of the company! And it all fits because the delay enabled LeBron to get extra rest which is why he says he was able to play the entire 2nd half. Gotta love Wine and Gold Roofing!

The downer, of course, was losing Andy to the ankle sprain...after the game he was in good spirits, but definitely in pain. We'll know more tomorrow.

Amidst all the glitz and glamor of L.A. was Z decked out in a tan colored suit and tie...a rarity for the big guy! I think he just bumped off DJ for the team's best dressed award.

2008-01-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

The Cavs have the 2nd best record of Eastern teams against the West at 11-6 with only Boston ahead of them at 11-0. Last season you may recall the Cavs were 19-11 against the West - that's 30-17 in 2 seasons, a .640 win clip. And you know what? I have no idea why, but neither do the players.

I'll take a stab at it, though. The Cavs are built around a great player, defense and rebounding. When all three components are in play the Cavs are hard to beat. The West is so good and deep, they demand your full attention, so perhaps that focus is turned up a notch subconsciously. Who knows.

Tonight the Cavs will be tested by the 2nd best team in the West, the Suns. It will be a game of wills. Can the Cavs' size and strength (LB-Z-Drew combined for 69 points against them on November 4th in their gym) overcome the Suns fastbreak (2nd in the league) and 3 point bombs (4th best pct). You may recall last season the Cavs were run out of the building out there and had trouble with them again here at the Q. But this past November, without Sasha and Andy, the Cavs outplayed them in a slower paced game for a half, then lost down the stretch when Steve Nash took over.

Another compelling match-up tonight.

At the end of practices the guys go through what amounts to shooting contests in groups. The conversation thus becomes lively. Drew professed to recently knock down 12 straight 3's from the corner. LeBron scoffed at the proclamation and Drew had to call upon Boobie to verify. Daniel smiled and said something to the effect of
"I can't lie...he did." Drew roared with approval, as LeBron just shook his head, probably thinking, show me the video tape for proof.

An All-Star Bid

2008-01-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

This just in, Z missed a shot at practice - yep he's not perfect! Z said - tongue in cheek - he stopped shooting against the Wizards once he reached 10 for 10 because he had never done that before.

Mike Brown hopes his Eastern Conference coaching collagues have noticed how consistent the big fella has been when they cast their votes for a back-up center.

I had not heard Mike say this before, but in all his coaching days, he's never been around a player who works harder than Zydrunas.

Pretty high praise.

Don't Take Wizards Lightly

2008-01-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

This is not your normal Washington Wizards who come to town tonight. Obviously, no Agent 0 will make a huge difference, but these Wizards get after you on the defensive end. Yes, defensive end! They’re markedly improved in all defensive areas -they challenge you, play physical, and even Antawn Jamison, a brilliant skilled player, never known for his D, has bought in. I think a lot of it comes off the toughness of Caron Butler. What a warrior he is! This game tonight will have a playoff feel because of the recent post season history and because just one half game separates two hot teams. The Cavs since Christmas Day have the best record in the East at 11-2.

On another note, the East coaches will give a hard look at Z for a back-up center role. Zydrunas sort of shrugs off the talk saying his numbers aren’t there with his ’03 and ’05 stats when he was an all-star, but he does admit he has been consistent, as he continues to rebound the ball better than he ever has. Z also smiles and says there just aren’t many true centers left, so maybe by process of elimination he would get in. That’s downplaying what so far has been one of his best all around seasons. Chris Bosh may be the key as he’ll make it, but will he go as a “4” or a “5”.

See you tonight on FSN…

Exciting Week at The Q

2008-01-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

This will be a fun week at the Q with two dynamic teams coming to town - the Wizards and Suns. Washington has won 7 of the last 9 including a sweep of back to back games against the Celtics. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are having career years, and appear to be bound for the all-star game. The Suns lead the West and simply put, are the Suns - more on them later in the week.

We know the Cavs are playing their best basketball of the season, as we reach the halfway mark of the season tomorrow night. The Cavs have won of 8 of their last 9 and are now just two wins behind last year’s 50 win pace.

What I find the most encouraging is the different combinations which are finishing games, meaning Mike Brown has found chemistry among 9 guys at the current time. Sometimes Damon Jones might be on the floor in crunch time, or Larry Hughes, or Sasha, perhaps Drew, Devin or Z even. LeBron, Andy and Daniel are at the core of what’s happening in the final quarter and depending on the match-ups and who’s hot, Mike is able to push a lot of different buttons. That’s not to say Ira, or Eric or Dwayne won’t force their way into the mix, but as Mike often says, a coach can’t play everybody.

Did you catch the high praise for Mike coming from Doug Collins last night on the TNT telecast? He is not one to loosely throw around plaudits. I’ve known and respected Doug for a long time and he knows this league inside and out as a player, head coach and broadcaster. He sees what has happened here and recognizes how the head coach treats his players.

See you tomorrow night on FSN…

A Good Fit for the Cavaliers

2008-01-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

Hey congratulations to Mike Brown and his contract extension. He has earned it in every way - not only back to back 50 win seasons and a trip to the finals, but more than that, has established a culture, and a blueprint for success, long term success, by doing things the right way, with down to the most minute detail.

It goes far beyond his defense first mentality, to how he treats people. Players, assistants, personnel staff, media, fans. Mike gets it - you have to be a good person first and foremost and be true to yourself or players will see right through it.

Mike is the 12th head coach I have had the pleasure of working with in the NBA. It all started with Bill Fitch on down through the likes of Doug Collins and Larry Brown. Brilliant coaches in their own way and I’m here to tell you, they don’t make them any better than Mike because he has built his platform on hard work and honesty. In other words, he has no personal agenda…he only wants to win, and give his players the credit. Those attributes are not always a slam dunk in coaching.

The assistants are given latitude to coach and teach without feeling like they are infringing on Mike’s authority and he allows his players to take ownership in the overall body of work. We always talk about LeBron James being only 23 and having an incredible future. Well, Mike is only 37 years old, and like LeBron, will only get better. He readily admits he will continue to learn as a head coach.

As LeBron says, today is good for the Cavaliers franchise, and for him personally, Mike has helped him grown as a defensive player.

When I asked Danny Ferry who Mike reminds him of, he quickly smiled and said, Gregg Popovich - a pretty good role model.

Mike has quickly become a Cleveland gem and time will prove his staying power.

BIG win Friday

2008-01-13T17:45:00.000-08:00

In case you are wondering about the significance of the win over Charlotte, consider the fact, not only did the Bobcats win in Boston on Wednesday night, but playing without two more starters, (Raymond Felton and Jeff McInnis) the Bobcats left Cleveland and 24 hours later, took the Pistons to overtime. So, that is one scrappy team. Thus, the double OT victory is one of those you gladly take, because it's a win, period.

Damon Jones continues to fight his way into the rotation, giving the Cavs a dependable second unit, along with Anderson, Boobie and Devin. The intriguing aspect of Damon Jones is not the threes he is hitting...you expect that...but he's challenging on the defensive end...even on switches, where he is often times the marked man.

DJ has been fighting the bigger post-ups and more than holding his own. He says he loves that challenge.

This is a guy who has aired his frustrations, but has bought into what is being asked of him. As Damon says, "he just wants to play"...but he also had to earn those minutes from Mike Brown, hitting shots, playing D and running the offense on occasion.

Damon is as outgoing a personality as there is in the league, but he does have a serious, business-like side and we're now seeing that...to wit...he did not "turn on the faucet" after he hit the 2nd overtime three the other night, as he did last season. Damon said, with a smile..."I've grown up...I've matured now...I'm being more serious". Many a true word said in a joke.

Checking in on the Vipers

2008-01-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

One up - one down, as in Cavaliers between here and Rio Grande, Texas.

The man up is Cedric Simmons, who spent 3 games with the NBA D League Vipers. He was able to test that ankle which he has been fighting with for months and to gain some confidence. He displayed his best skill - blocking and challenging shots which is a commodity that comes in handy at any level.

The 21 year-old from North Carolina also showed an ability to score with either hand, which will continued to be developed up here. The point is, Cedric is intriguing because he does have the upside. He’ll have to show he can stay healthy and stay ready when his time comes, and it will come. Cedric compared the atmosphere to the summer league where guys are hungry and want to show they deserve a spot in the big time on a regular basis. There is a major difference of course in accommodations, travel, and oh ya, the competition level.

Shannon meanwhile wanted to go down to get in some consistent playing time. The skill set has never been a question with him. Just his opportunity to improve defensively and ball handling as well as his decision making, that takes time and game reps. It’s tough to do on a part time basis here, when full blown practice sessions come so sporadically. This stint will be good for Brown and he is not down there on his own. Wes Wilcox from the front office staff will be there watching intently as he was with Cedric and Mike Brown will receive daily reports as well as video of his performances.

From the ATL

2008-01-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Cavs come to Atlanta for the first of two meetings These will be tightly contested games because the Hawks are for real - they are athletic, talented and have bought into Mike Woodson’s defensive mentality. It’s amazing, because when the Cavs faced the Hawks at The Q last week, Atlanta came in 4th in the East and the Cavs were 10th. Now the Cavs are tied for 4th, and the Hawks have slipped to 9th, but this is how it will be the rest of the way. Winning and losing streaks will send teams up and down the ladder in the blink of an eye. Atlanta has lost 4 in a row while the Cavs have won 4 straight.

Anderson Verejao continues to be a rebounding monster with 8 more last night. So, over the last 9 games he’s averaging nearly a double-double at 8.7 ppg and 9 rpg. Andy says part of his rebounding secret is watching the flight of the ball and anticipating where he feels the miss will go. This takes more than guessing, it’s an innate feel. Dennis Rodman used to say the exact thing. Rodman had an amazing ability to also start deep beyond the rim and then back out into the lane to basically sneak in for rebounds where he would many times tip the ball to himself. Rodman, and Charles Barkley used to say over 60% of missed shots go to the weak side - so, they would anticipate in that direction.

Andy does it with that 6th sense and amazing feet, plus he never stops moving. He’s made quite an impact since his return.

Gotta sneak out for a quick lunch at one of my favorite spots, Pitty Pat’s Porch. Gotta say that name with a little southern drawl and you know you are in Atlanta.

See you tonight on FSN!

North of the Border...Again

2008-01-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

Hey from Toronto, excuse me, 'Eh'(sorry had to do it). This is a big Wine and Gold weekend for a lot of team sponsors, who have arrived to root on the Cavs at the Air Canada Centre. This is one of my favorite gyms because the crowd is really, really loud and into it.

Dinner plans include the top of the CN tower, where a section has a glass floor (I won't be dropping my napkin for fear of looking down to grab it). Then we'll be off to Fionn McCauls on the Esplanade, a hot night spot.

The Entertainment District is filled with the nightlife, so much so, the local powers that be, capped the number of waterholes at 150. Only because of the crowds they have drawn, plus the lawmakers have installed cameras on every street corner to keep an eye on the potential rowdies. After passing through the District which is only a couple of blocks long. A good place to rile the locals is called Loose Moose. Hey we have a Winking Lizard and the Laughing Monkey, so we'll fit right in.

As for the game, a win would mean catching those Raptors in the standings at 17-17. Andy wasn't here for our last trip in, but he does smile at the memory of his game winning offensive put back smash that beat these guys last February.

Gotta fly, team FSN Production meeting...

Go Cavs!

We Got a Trap Game on our Hands

2008-01-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

A dangerous game tonight with the Kings who are without Bibby, Artest, Martin and Abdur-Rahim, but the Kings will come in and play without pressure and play hard.

They’re coming off a win at NY and can still score the ball. John Salmons and Francisco Garcia are having career years.

Larry Hughes is not making a big deal about his shooting effort the other night, but his stroke looked as good as I have seen it since he became a Cav...Pure.

LeBron thought it was a case of Larry not thinking, and just playing, letting it go without hesitation. What does go unnoticed though is what Larry brings as a floor leader and a defender. He’s a smart basketball player who again wants no credit for it, but does enjoy making the right decisions with the ball.

He also helped LeBron stay on the floor the other night when King James was smoked in the nose by Drew Gooden’s deflection. Larry immediately yelled “blood” which enabled athletic trainer, Max Benton to leap into action to stop the nose bleed before it became an issue. It’s a case of one teammate coming to the immediate aid of another, and recognizing the situation spontaneously.

LB shook his head when talking about all the abuse his face has been taking with shots to the mug. Maybe he still has that ST V-St M face mask laying around the house.

See you tonight on FSN…

New Year's Resolutions

2008-01-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

Time for New Year's resolutions and most of the guys are merely asking for W's. Mike Brown wants more of the defensive intensity he's starting to see, along with offensive efficiency, pretty normal for a head coach wish list. Andy says he wants to continue play better.

Drew recently said he promised to eat better as his resolution, but then he admits it's merely a continuation of better food intake which he ramped up this past off-season (I'll try and get a few tips, as long as seafood is not a component!!!).

Boobie says he promises to drink more water instead of soda, at least he has good intentions. He also says he will do a better job of staying in closer touch with his family members outside of his Mom and Dad of course.

Knowing Daniel, he'll stay true to his word.

See you tonight on FSN...

Larry at the Point

2007-12-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

Larry Hughes' return to the point may not be his first choice, but it may be what the Cavs need most...Even when Larry is not scoring, as he is still searching for his stroke, he makes sound decisions with the ball...A year ago when the Cavs made the switch of Larry to the point, the team went 29-11 from the beginning of March through the Eastern Conference Finals until he could no longer go with that sore heel...He admits the team appears to find a comfort zone when his hands are at the wheel.

This again becomes the tallest starting five in the NBA, averaging 6-7...And the biggest impact comes at the defensive end, with length...Perhaps the switch will enable this team to rediscover it's defensive identity...Over those 40 games I spoke of last spring, the Cavs allowed just 90 points a game.

See you Saturday night from New Orleans on FSN Ohio.

Trouble in NY

2007-12-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

In a town famous for theater we'll have some more tonight at the Garden in NYC. Chants of "Fire Isiah" have become popular as the heat is really, really on the Knicks and it's sad to see because Isiah is truly one of the greatest competitors I have ever watched play. Unfortunately now, every button he pushes seems to be the wrong one.

Isiah used to say as a player, the New York basketball fan was the most knowledgeable in the league. Now, he has to coach and try and block out the masses when things go wrong.

After the most recent home blowout loss to the Pacers on Monday night, Thomas questioned among many things, his team's heart. That can go either way when you play that card - either the Knicks come out fighting against the Cavs to prove him wrong, or they bail on him.

The Cavs can't get caught up in any of this and just go about their business and put it to them early. This is where Damon Jones had a field day 13 months ago, raining 3's on the Knickerbockers en route to 27 points.

Certainly no time to feel sorry for what has happened in the "Mecca of basketball".

See you on FSN Ohio...

DJ Goes Live

2007-12-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

Damon Jones will go on national TV at NBA Entertainment when the Cavs arrive in New York where he'll join Ahmad Rashad in studio. First of all, know that DJ will be nattily attired, that's a given, and he'll be on meaning they have not made a camera the Cavs guard doesn't sparkle in front of. Oh yeah, by the way, it's live.

There will be some lifestyle conversation and of course Wine and Gold Talk. DJ says he'd always be open to doing TV once his playing days are over, but he's not thinking that far ahead. He still enjoys playing too much to think about the NBA after life.

Damon sees the game so well, I've wondered if he might consider coaching some day instead. He said...ooh..."Too many personalities there." Takes a personality to spot them and that's partly why he'd be good.

Check him out Tuesday on NBA-TV 7:30, prior to the Bulls-Lakers game.

Gibson is a "Go"

2007-12-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

Looks like a go for Daniel Gibson tonight, coming off the wisdom tooth removal..he got tired of food through a straw. The first regular meal he chowed? Burger and fries...he said he had to cut it into small bites, but the "best burger I've ever had."

LeBron vs. Richard Jefferson will be fun to watch...that's the NBA's #1 scorer against #6. Both are top-3 in getting to the line...so staying out of foul trouble will be a severe challenge for both.

See you tonight at 7:30 p.m. on Cavaliers Live on FSN Ohio.

Payback in Jersey

2007-12-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

It's on to NJ for a little payback and the guys aren't talking that way, but good teams usually respond well against a team when they lose to them the prior meeting. The Cavs were 13-5 in those bounce back games a season ago.

Boobie Gibson has made a quick recovery from getting his wisdom tooth pulled. The smile is back, and so is his ability to speak. LeBron asked him to open wide to check out the aftermath and that's what a captain is there for.

The guys got after it pretty good in the scrimmage portion of practice, including a mid air collision between LB, on the drive, and the help out by Anderson....it was called a blocking foul, much to Andy's dismay.

Play of the session was a Larry Hughes' high hand off to Shannon Brown in the half court set in which Shannon caught it with the left hand above the cup and threw it down.

Whew!!!

See you Cavaliers Live on FSN..