What can they do?
by Chuck Collins, cleveland.com sports writer
After an offseason that saw about as many moves as a game of chess, and an early-season trading frenzy that sent players one way or another, the hype around the Cleveland Cavaliers is slowly beginning to cool down. The regular season is once again underway and basketball games are becoming an almost daily routine for the players and the fans. Now is the time when the players are meant to create the hype, not with signing for a team, but playing for it. The Cavs have a 6-5 record and much is still expected of the team. Here's a look at who is doing what for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Michael Olowokandi provides the Cavs with what they need inside: strength, rebounding and shot blocking ability. A number one pick from 1998, The Kandi Man has been labeled as one of the biggest draft busts ever. He has expressed his excitement about joining the Cavs, and has a great chance to redeem himself by helping the team succeed. Olowokandi is not one of the league's top centers, but can still intimidate any big (or small) player with his shot blocking.
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Anderson Varejao was given a chance to shine last season, he became known for his defensive and rebounding skills. A part of the reason why Cleveland were able to trade two big men away was the trust they had in Varejao's abilities. He has picked up from where he left off last season, even putting in a couple of six-point performances alongside great rebounding.
Drew Gooden could be an all-star this season. A great defender and rebounder, he has the ability to put up some great figures in points as well. Gooden plays such an important role for the team that he should be in Cleveland for a long time to come. What he still needs to do is become a match for the top power forwards in the league, such as Elton Brand and Kevin Garnett.
Tractor Traylor gives great depth to the Cavaliers team. The powerful sixth man seems unstoppable at times, moving opponents out of his way. Sure, there have been games where the powerhouse player has finished with two or four points, but more often than not he lights up sometime in the game, making three consecutive baskets. His ability to use his strength cannot be matched by any bench player in the league.
LeBron James played his first playoff games against Detroit last spring, and in those games he showed signs of being a true leader. When the team was down, it was LeBron who made the inspiring play to try and get the Cavs back into the game. What we still want to see is him play in a crucial playoff game, with the game tied at two minutes to go.
Luke Walton was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to cover for James, as well as Gooden, Traylor and Varejao at power forward. He is a solid all-round player who will not score 15 or even 10 points, but he can rebound, defend, pass and sometimes put the ball in the basket, if that's what he's asked to do.
Larry Hughes' promising start at his new team was disrupted by an injury after just a couple of games. He will hopefully take some the scoring load off LeBron James a little, but Hughes is not a superstar just because of his scoring. He showed his defensive skills already with six steals in a game this season. Hughes also adds more dimensions into the Cavs offence with his ability to play the open court game and shoot three-pointers.
DerMarr Johnson is a pure scorer. At 6'9, he can shoot a jumper over a defender, but has been shooting a worryingly low percentage so far. He needs to get to the basket more, whether it's using his speed which he hasn't got much, or posting up against smaller guards.
Ira Newble was starting shooting guard last season, but there's a lot more competition for the spot this campaign. He has played some minutes and is still the reliable role player he used to be.
Dajuan Wagner is stuck at the bottom of the shooting guards list. In order to play shooting guard he should grow taller which is unlikely to happen, so he will be playing spare minutes at the point.
Eddie Robinson has played very few minutes since signing for the Cavs after being a free agent.
Luke Ridnour was brought in from Seattle to become the Cavs playmaker. The Cleveland half court game doesn't make for big figures in assists, but Ridnour has been making use of his playmaking skills at every opportunity. He has scored some fast break points and the Cavs should be an open court threat with him, James and Hughes in the team.
Carlos Arroyo played a decent first few games, but has since been the clear second choice to Ridnour. He has scored very few points but has otherwise been doing a decent job running the point.
