The Cavaliers have opened the season at 1-2. However, they appear to be improving with each game. Here are some observations from the first week's happenings:
- While Shannon Brown's option was not picked up for next season, there is still a decent chance that Brown and the Cavs will come to terms on a contract for next season. Regardless, the move serves as a reminder that the Cavaliers were not planning on drafting Brown until he fell right into their hands at the 25th pick. Rather, the original plan (which still came true) was drafting Daniel Gibson and working him into the rotation by the middle of this year. There is still the possibility that Brown is 'this year's first round pick' on account of his missed time last year due to injury. However, the declined option weakens that claim for the time being.
- When Sasha Pavlovic signed last week while Anderson Varejao still remained out-of-sight, the move greatly reduced the likelihood that Varejao returns to the team this year. As was noted when Pavlovic signed, the team went a few million over the luxury tax threshold. That means if Varejao were to sign for $8-10 million for this year, the Cavs would have to pay Varejao the $8-10 million plus another $8-10 million to the league for the tax. Thus, it can be argued based on this year's situation that Varejao would cost this team $16-20 million annually. The team cannot afford Varejao's contract unless Dan Gilbert spends like George Steinbrenner or Mark Cuban, or even Wayne Huizenga , who created a deficit of $30 million in building the dream-shattering 1997 Florida Marlins.
- Zydrunas Ilgauskas came ready to play this year. While it is uncertain whether Z can maintain the pace and minutes he has played thus far, he seems determined to lead this team and carry everyone on his back if need be in order to get another shot at the NBA Championship.
- Drew Gooden looked shaky in the first couple games, but the game against Phoenix last night helped bring reminders that Gooden is well-suited to succeed in Western Conference-style basketball. There should be more good play coming, especially with Gooden's return home versus Golden State tomorrow night.
- LeBron James continues to be one of the most recognized faces in sports. From international play to Saturday Night Live and MLB Playoff watching to China preseason ball, James finds himself in the midst of everything. Even during the Browns-Seahawks thriller yesterday, Seahawks receiver Nate Burleson made sure to flash the 'LeBron pregame talcum powder routine' after scoring a touchdown on a punt return.
- Mike Brown needs to make sure to show confidence in his bench over the course of the game. While it is normal for bench guys to make a single, five-minute appearance in a game, Coach Brown needs to be ready to stick with guys when playing well. Dwayne Jones was fairly impressive as a reserve in the first couple games yet still was taken out when the team was rallying back in the second quarter of the Mavericks game. Meanwhile, Ira Newble played a solid game as a backup power forward last night, but Brown seemed reluctant to substitute Newble (or anyone for that matter) as the Cavs steadily blew their lead during the third quarter.
- If the team can play like they did in the first half against Phoenix on a consistent basis, they can definitely turn some heads in making another playoff run. Even when the shots were not falling and the turnovers were a bit more than desired, the Cavaliers flat-out outplayed the Suns in the first half. They looked like they wanted to win badly and helped make the Suns look bad in front of their home crowd. A repeat of the boos from the Suns-Lakers game was close to happening, but the Cavs were unable to avoid the 3rd quarter swoon.