FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Esco: Done w/ FN said 05/20, 07:59 PM
With the Cavaliers' season over, I think it is time to look at what the Cavs should do in the downtime in order to get back to the Finals. I, as a die-hard Cleveland fan am the first to admit that they need another piece to add to complement Bron Bron.

First off, Zydrunas Ilgalskus has become a sort of a liability. His defense is no longer what it has been, and he is not a presence down low on offense. The only facet of his game he still does on a high level is his mid-range shot and free-throw shooting. So what am I saying? Let Z go. Yes, I said it. Elton Brand can opt of his contract this year, and moving him to power forward make a better matchup versus the power forwards in the East such as Rasheed Wallace and Kevin Garnett. This frees Big Ben to go back to his natural position of center, because he at times looked out of place D'ing up Antawn Jamison and KG.

Ron Artest could also opt out this season. His defensive game is obvious, as he was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. Despite his off-court issues, Artest is still a very good player, and doesn't have to be the big star. He can defer to LeBron.

A third option is Baron Davis. Out of space, but will explain next

Esco: Done w/ FN said 05/20, 08:52 PM
I'm not sure about Jefferson. He looks like he is on his way to Denver right now, so a deal to Cleveland is unlikely.

Anyways, what is - or should be - the number one concern for Cleveland is a guard. Point or 2 guard, it is important that the Cavs sign one. Delonte West is good, but at times he makes a crucial mistake, such as taking it to the lane instead of passing, etc. He tries a little to hard to be the star, and he is not that great, shown by his 4 TOs a game against Boston in the semis. A trade involving Wally is also interesting, but how about to Golden State for Davis? A trade involving Szczerbiak, Devin Brown and possibly Dwayne Jones or Sasha Pavlovic could work.

I do think Big Z is expendable. The Cavs played at their highest level, not with him, but with Anderson Varajeao and Joe Smith manning the front court. Actually, the Cavs have 5 big men on the roster, and a trade involving any of them (with the exception of Smith, who was as valuable as a role player as you can get against Boston) for Artest would also be an interesting option. Artest and James would be a sight to see, as I think he, not Jefferson would be a better sidekick for LeBron.

Esco: Done w/ FN said 05/21, 10:13 PM
But Ron Artest has publicly said that he wouldn't mind a trade, remember that he said he would like to go to among other teams, Denver. He's not happy in Sacramento, and may try to force his way out of there.

Even though it may not make very much sense for Denver to trade away Melo and Camby for Marcus Williams and Jefferson, George Karl no longer wants anything to do with Carmelo Anthony, and Richard Jefferson wants out of Jersey. Numerous places, like ESPN, SI, and the NY Daily News are coming out with stories on the daily about this deal going down. I actually think Karl hates Anthony enough to make a seemingly stupid deal like this.

Another thing I didn't even think of until today was the draft. The Cavs pick 19th , and by then, a Brandon Rush of Chris Douglas-Roberts could still potentially be around. Both players are swingmen that the Cavs could use. The signing of one of these would actually fill the need that either an Artest (that you don't think would happen) or a Jefferson (that I don't think would happen) would fill.