STRENGTHS:
Any team with MVP LeBron James is a title
contender ... Point guard Mo Williams (17.8
ppg) is a strong complementary player to James ... The Cavs
will remain a strong defensive team after leading the NBA
in scoring defense (91.4 ppg) ... In addition to dominating
on offense, James is also an all-NBA defensive player ...
Besides all of his scoring, James is an exceptional passer
... Anderson Vareajo is a strong defender
... If Shaquille O’Neal can deliver
the numbers of last season (30 minutes, 17.8 ppg, 8.4 rebounds),
the Cavs will be improved ... Despite his advancing age, O’Neal
is still difficult to handle one-on-one in down low ... With
James around, it will be hard for teams to double-team O’Neal
... Anthony Parker was an underrated acquisition
who should bolster Cleveland’s perimeter game ... Jamario
Moon should bring great energy and athleticism ...
Signing Leon Powe adds depth to the frontcourt,
although he isn’t expected to be ready until late in
the regular season while recovering from knee surgery.
WEAKNESSES:
James averaged 38.5 points in the Eastern Conference final against Orlando and appeared to wear down from carrying the team ... O’Neal and Parker look to help this situation ... Teams hurt the Cavs with the pick and roll, and that’s not a strong suit of O’Neal’s game ... Williams isn’t always the best decision maker, taking too many chances ... There is uncertainty over Delonte West after his arrest on Sept. 17 for gun possession ... Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ game has been in decline ... Vareajo is foul-prone ... Daniel Gibson must show more consistency.
PROJECTION:
1st in the Central Division / 1st in the Eastern Conference
.PROJECTED STARTERS
Point
guard Maurice Williams
Shooting
guard
Anthony Parker
Small
forward LeBron James
Can
create his own shot. A nice third scoring option in
Cleveland. Bombed in the Orlando series. Greatly benefits
from playing with LeBron.
While
West battles his demons, Parker is likely to fill
in at the SG spot. A big-time scorer in Europe, he's
more defensive-oriented now in the NBA.
The
best player in the NBA. Out of this planet physique
and skills. Would make a contender out of any team.
Jump shot still needs refinement.
Power
forward Anderson Varejao
Center Shaquille O'Neal
Sixth
man Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Plays
hard and smart and that makes him a valuable piece
for the Cavs. Gets lots of charges. Doesn't get many
buckets.
Looking
for his fifth ring in Cleveland. Still able to overpower
other centers. Decent mobility. Questions about chemistry
with LBJ.
May
be looking at his last season in the NBA. A space
eater defensively and a finesse player on the offensive
end.
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