Honestly, I was/am intrigued by the Cavs post-trade. I think the trade was good for them. Both Gooden and Hughes had serious flaws and were not fitting into their offense properly. But lets look at their roster now:
PG: D. West/Boobie
SG: D. Brown/Wally
SF: LBJ
PF: Wallace/Smith
C: Ilgauskas/Varejo
One of the things that amazed me after the trade was how many similar players they had (in terms of skill sets). From my observation, West and Boobie have similar skill sets (spot up three point shooters, limited lateral mobility, combo-point guard). As do Wallace and Varejo (rebounders both offensive and defense, limited offense, defensive stoppers and shot blockers). As do Ilgauskus and Joe Smith (to a lesser extent - outside shot, no shot blocking, limited lateral movement, defensive rebounders). As do Pavlovic and Wally (limtied defense, great shooters, sf bodies).
From what I saw it seems that the Cavs have two of everything, except LeBron James. Thank goodness. He is simply awesome. Best player in the series right now, a force, and capable of carrying his team to win a least two games based on his strengths alone.
The Cavs, also, play surprising defense considering their roster. Brown has really done a godo job at teaching team defense, and haveing that many defensive bigs does not hurt in the least. Layups are hard to come by against this team after the trade.
Having said that, there are also real limitations with Cleveland's roster (save LeBron, of course). It seems that almost every player has a serious flaw. Boobie has a hard time defending quick point guards and cannot create his own shot. Ilgauskis is getting older and losing mobility, therefore, he tends to foul more than before and get tired; also, he is not really able to pick and roll anymore, now he is only a pick and pop guy. Wallace has some of the same problems - no offensive range, getting older and less effective, not much help on the pick and roll or the pick and pop. Of course we all know Wally's flaws; I doubt his mobility these days and his defense. I am willing to drink shots whenever the color guy says "Wally takes it strong to the hole and throws it down" and am comfortable I will still be driving home that night.
By way of contrast, the Celtics players are not nearly as one-sided as the Cavs support players. Sure, they have flaws, but they are not as glaring. Of course, the Celtics do not have LeBron James.
So the keys to this series, from my point of view, is (1) whether LeBron can compensate (mostly offensivly) for his teammates flaws and/or whether the Celtics team defense can take advantage of these flaws (make Wally drive, for example). Another key is whether the Cavs defense can continue to play tough defense inside (Washington was not much of an interior defense test) or whether the Celtics can take advantage of those Cavs with limited mobility and get in the lane to create easy buckets, fouls, and three point shots.
Early on, I am going to watch (and hopefully see) the Celtics doubling LeBron on screens and being VERY VERY careful not to allow him to split the double (which is hard - he is really really strong). Also, I am going to be watching to see if the Celtics can get the ball into the paint and create from there or if they will be limited to jump shots.
As a final idea (I have been dying to get these thoughts out anyway) who guards Ray Allen? Wally? Really? If so, Ray (or whoever Wally guards) is the offensive key to the series for the Celtics. He has to get the ball into the paint and create for the others. Some people buy the hype that Ray Allen is slow. No, he is slowing, but he is not slow, especially when compared to Wally these days. If Ray can shake his recent funk and create offense, the Celtics should crack the Cavs defense and win the series. However, the Celtics need to trap LeBron strongly and then keep the ball out of his hands on the other end, or else we are in trouble.
Topic: What Do You Think Of The Cavs? (Read 22185 times)