The Cavaliers 2007-08 Edition - Part 2 - LeBron James

The focal point of the Cavaliers is LeBron James. He is their leader and salvation. Everything in the organization revolves around him. Few sports teams have had the same opportunity to build on a player as the Cavaliers. And that means Michael Jordan too. His era, the 80's and 90's, hadn't glimpsed the global nature of today's NBA. With 200 million Chinese kids playing basketball and leagues forming around the globe, Jordan's legend will soon be eclipsed by LeBron, Carmello, Gilbert, Dwayne and other easily packaged stars.

Here's my thoughts on LeBron entering the 2007-08 season:


LeBron James is the most physically and mentally gifted athlete in the NBA. There isn't anything he won't be able to achieve. If we wants to win the scoring title, he can do it. Triple doubles all year? It will happen before his career is over. It will be our pleasure to watch him for years to come (and no, he ain't leaving town. Cleveland/Akron is the perfect situation for him. Did playing for the Cavs inhibit him from being mobbed by fans in China? Did it stop Nike from displaying a tall banner of him in Times Square? New York needs LeBron more than LeBron needs New York).


The quickness and agility are incomparable. Note the footwork. LeBron has already taken the inside against an over-matched opponent. Footwork is the name of the game playing inside. (This is why Danny Ferry never became the dominating player in the NBA like he was in college. He had no footwork skills.)


Here we see the speed and power. Bursting down the lane before anyone can catch up to him LeBron moves like a running back hitting the line. If he can surround himself with a couple of killer catch and shoot guys then it becomes impossible to stop him. Note I say "killer". Damon? Donyell? Boobie? Sasha? Who will it be?


Now for the leaping ability. Here LeBron dodges 7-footer Dirk Nowitski for a hoop. Is it unimaginable that LeBron could bring down 10+ boards a game? It will happen.


Double team? No problem. Try triple teaming. Without any other credible threat LeBron will see plenty of this all season.


Still LeBron isn't getting the calls he should. He is so strong that opponents bounce off of him and the refs more often than not call it the wrong way.


It's more than likely that LeBron will find a way to overcome the challenges facing him this season but his surrounding cast has become more suspect than ever before.

See my next post regarding the rest of the Cavs.

Copyright 2007 James D. Fisher
All Rights Reserved.

The Cavaliers 2007-08 Edition - Part 3 - The Supporting Cast

A quick look at the major supporting cast of players.


I liked what I saw of Devin Brown. He takes the ball to the hole without hesitation. But what are we talking here? 2-4 points per game off the bench? This is not a major pickup for the Cavs.



Z is looking very fit and ready for the season. It should be another 17 points, 8 boards year. The rebound figure is deceptive because at least two of them per game are from tapping the ball after a miss. With Anderson on holdout the Cavs will have problems on the boards in the early part of the season.


Boobie Gibson did well last year especially in the playoffs. But he ain't no Gilbert Arenas. The regular season starting role means he has to put his game into place every night. Can he get the kind of shots that will produce consistent point totals?


Drew Gooden looks to have a monster year because of more confidence and minutes on the floor.


So what is the Cavs coaching staff thinking about these days? The new offense they brought to the team this year looked pathetic opening night.


Or maybe Coach Brown is wondering what to do with Larry Hughes? Sometimes brilliant but more often inconsistent. He may not be running the offense this year but what's his role? The Cavs need to figure this out and soon.

Copyright 2007 James D. Fisher
All Rights Reserved.