|
After all of the heated talk about the Cavaliers acquiring Amar'e Stoudemire, in the end, they chose the safer bet, making the less costly deal, acquiring Antawn Jamison from the Wizards along with PG Sebastian Telfair in a three-team deal that cost them their franchise cornerstone center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the rights to Emir Preldzic, and their 2010 first round draft pick. The deal increases the Cavaliers already solid chances at getting back to the Finals and winning their first ring amid LeBron's free agency year.
Before I launch into this, let me be clear that I LOVE this deal. They got an All-Star caliber stretch power forward for perhaps just their first round pick, which is looking like a certain 29th or 30th pick. Jamison is just as much of a steal off-the-court as on-the-court as he's known as a terrific locker room guy. His veteran, playoff-tested experience will prove invaluable to the Cavaliers in the postseason since he is used to being the go-to guy in tight spots; Jamison won't be afraid of the moment.
By the numbers, AJ is averaging 20.5 points and 8.8 rebounds on 45% shooting in almost 39 minutes and taking just over 17 shots per game this season. With the Cavs, both of those last two figures will go down signficantly. If the Cavaliers keep Jamison at 28-30 minutes, I think it will keep him much more fresh for the stretch run, and his shot selection will probably be better here in Cleveland taking 10-12 shots instead of 17 per game.
This move also shifts the Cavalier frontcourt (at least for now). Anderson Varejao will shift to backup center and take Z's minutes there. Then, it really gets sticky. J.J. Hickson, Jamison, and Varejao will have to split the 48 minutes at power forward. I could see a breakdown of the following fashion up front: Jamison - 28 minutes, Varejao - 28 minutes, Shaq - 24 minutes, Hickson - 16 minutes. As for who starts, I've heard rumblings about Hickson keeping the starting job, and I think that makes sense at least initially. You keep Hickson with LeBron and Shaq, where he has thrived, and you develop chemistry between Jamison and Varejao, who I suspect will be finishing a decent amount of games together.
Speaking of Hickson, it's absolutely fantastic that Danny Ferry was able to hold onto J.J. while getting Jamison. I was fully prepared to give up Hickson to snatch up Jamison or Amar'e, but the fact that he held onto him is just great. The Cavaliers now hold onto Hickson and Varejao for the future, and they have Jamison for the next two years as well up front. Ferry has now robbed John Hammond of the Bucks (Mo Williams), Steve Kerr of the Suns (Shaq), and Ernie Grunfeld (Jamison) blind by giving up Damon Jones, Joe Smith, Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, and Z for those three All-Star caliber supporting cast players. Most importantly, Joe Smith came back later in the year, and the Cavs are hoping that is the case with another one of those players.
As truly excited as I am about this trade, it's bittersweet for me. Zydrunas Ilgauskas was my favorite player, and he was the heart and soul of this team. Big Z's been with the Cavaliers for more than half of my life and most of my tenure as a Cavs fan. I still can remember the day they drafted the tall, awkward, string bean center in 1996. Z's been through the worst and the best of this franchise's history, and he's went through the best on two feet that most people would have just thrown in the towel with if they had them. It breaks my heart that they had to use Z in this deal, but there was really no other choice. Sure, they could've used Wally's Bird Rights, but that would involve an even greater absorption of money.
The hope now is that Z will be bought out by the Washington Wizards, who can get under the luxury tax by doing so. If he is, Z's agent has said "I think his heart is in Cleveland, that's for sure." However, it's been reported that the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks, among others, would be interested in adding Z immediately to bolster their frontcourt. In all honesty, I don't see Z doing anything but sitting on his hands for 30 days and coming back to the wine and gold. If he can't get back here for the stretch run and something truly special happens, I will really feel for the guy who has given his all for the organization.
In the end, though, this deal simply makes the Cavaliers better. The Cavaliers should now be the favorite to get out of the East, if they weren't already, and I feel they have a fantastic shot at beating the Lakers or whatever the West throws at them. Time will tell, but I will feel much better if we have Z to help do battle with the Magic and Laker frontcourts.
All for one. One for all.
Kirk
|
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 