After Thursday’s frenzy of trades, LeBron James has come away with a brand new supporting cast.
On the Perimeter
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, everything starts and stops with LeBron James. He’s going to be an MVP candidate for at least the next ten years of his career. The 6′8″, 240 pound forward is also capable of carrying the entire franchise on his shoulders.
With every passing game, Daniel Gibson is establishing himself more and more as a good sidekick for LeBron James. Everyone knows that when you play with an offensive juggernaut like King James, you’re going to be left wide open on more than a few occasions. Daniel Gibson has been shooting an impressive 48% from the three point line.
Sasha Pavlovic provides some quality backup minutes at both wing spots.
Thanks a crowded backcourt in Seattle, Delonte West’s numbers aren’t all that impressive. However, the talent is there. He’s a nice combo guard that can handle the ball and shoot it as well. Plus, he’s still young and developing.
If there’s one thing that you need to know about Wally Szczerbiak, it’s that he can shoot and score. The Cleveland Cavaliers have forever been looking for a sidekick for LeBron James since the moment they drafted him. Wally Szczerbiak might not be the perfect complement, but his outside shooting should make life just a little bit easier for LeBron James.
Offensively, this is going to be a great rotation. They’re going to be able to do a lot of damage. The new additions are also going to help LeBron James be that much more devastating on offense.
It would have been nice for the team to have a defensive stopper in the rotation, but a general manager can only do so much each year.
In the Paint
Former defensive player of the year, Ben Wallace takes over as the focal point of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ defense. He needs to find that spark that made him one of the best shot blocker and rebounder in league history. The perimeter players aren’t going to be shutting down too many opponents, so it’s vital that Ben Wallace steps up.
There’s a good chance that Anderson Varejao’s energy could light a fire under Ben Wallace again. The guy does a lot of the dirty work on defense, and his energy allows him to produce on offense. Whenever the Cleveland Cavaliers need to shut down opposing big men, these two guys will more than likely be on the floor together.
Former first overall draft pick Joe Smith is another energy guy that does a lot of the little things. The veteran can also step outside and hit the midrange jumper consistently.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas can score well enough in the low post to draw double teams. Of course, it’s going to be harder to double team him now that the rotation consists of so many outside shooters. He’s not a defensive stopper by any means, but that won’t be as much of an issue with Joe Smith, Anderson Varejao, and Ben Wallace by his side.
This group has the potential to be one of the best big men rotations in the league. Offensively, they’re set with Zydrunas Ilgauskas scoring inside. Joe Smith and Anderson Varejao can also chip in with some garbage man points as well.
Defensively is where this group can dominate games. If they can mesh well enough by playoff time, they can cause fits for just about any big man in the league.
Closing Thoughts
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ balance and depth puts them on an even playing level with the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons.