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Cavs go 0-2: Is it time to panic in Cleveland?
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have started the 2009/2010 season with two consecutive losses and the basketball world is in a panic. LeBron and Co. kicked off the NBA season with a 95-89 home loss to the Boston Celtics. The following evening the Cavs took a 101-91 spanking from the Toronto Raptors.
Last season the Cavaliers had a league best home record of 39-2. One loss came at the hands of the eventual NBA Champion Lakers, the other to the Philadelphia 76ers with LeBron James in street clothes. Cleveland now has no chance of matching last years home record.
Losing to Boston is one thing, but losing to Toronto is a head scratcher. While the Raptors are much improved they aren't in the same class as the Cavaliers--so what's the problem?
Despite having talented players like Shaquille O'Neal, Mo Williams, and Daniel Gibson, the Cavs are still a one man show. LeBron James had a triple double against the Raptors of 23 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds, yet the Cavs never seemed to be in the game. They got down early and continued to fight back but it was never enough. All of this against the man that Shaq dubbed the Rupaul of the NBA.
It's easy to point the finger at Shaquille O'Neal for the Cavs slow start because he's the new face in Cleveland with 4 rings under his belt. Shaq had an All-Star year last season in Phoenix. I expect him to continue to contribute substantially on the offensive end. Critics of the Shaq trade should always remember that he was traded for an aging Ben Wallace and a clueless Sasha Pavlovic. Who wouldn't do that deal? Not to mention that Shaq has an extremely attractive $21 million dollar expiring contract in the summer of 2010.
The Cavaliers may not go 66-16 this season but they're sure to be at the top of the Eastern Conference. Cleveland has three new players playing important roles for the ball club. Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker, and Jamario Moon were brought in to contribute immediately. When Delonte West returns and the new players get acclimated the Cavs will return to dominance.
Cavaliers fans can relax--you get to play the Timberwolves tonight!
For more info: Matt Loede, Cleveland Cavaliers Examiner
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