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7/9/09
The Cleveland Cavaliers Can't Beat The Boston Celtics
Why The Cavaliers Have Absolutely No Chance of Winning It All This Coming Season
READ MORE:
NBA, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Team News / Analysis
by kantwistaye more posts by author
148
All the talk about the Cleveland Cavaliers potentially winning an NBA title this upcoming season is really just a waste of precious human breath.  Surprisingly, this has nothing to do with the Cavs inability to draw in a big name athletic wing man.  Anthony Parker will actually fill in that role pretty decently.  Instead, it has everything to do with Shaq and the fact that basketball is a game of match ups and whoever exposes those to their advantage the most will win.

The signing of Rasheed Wallace will end up being the final nail in the coffin for the 2009-10 Cleveland Cavaliers.  As I stated earlier, basketball is all about match ups.  The Cavs and Celtics are the two clear favorites to meet up in the Eastern Conference Finals.  There, the Cavaliers will (again) be exposed.  At the end of games, Doc Rivers will in all likelihood sit Kendrick Perkins and play Rasheed Wallace and Kevin Garnett.  The problem for the Cavs is that both Wallace and Garnett can defend Shaq.  However, Shaq couldn't defend either one of those players in his prime and certainly cannot anymore today.  At the end of any and every game between these two teams, that match up will be exposed and the Celtics will win.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you're a Celtics fan), it really is that simple.  Shaq's inability to defend will kill the Cavaliers.  The trade for Shaq, shows an inability to recognize, by Danny Ferry, that basketball has changed.  Big overpowering centers do not win titles anymore, unless they are a once in a lifetime talent.  Shaq was that, however he no longer is.  The last time a truly dominant center won the NBA title was 2006 (Shaq).  However, that was won by D-Wade and some of the worst officiating in the history of sports.  Prior to that, it was 2002 (Shaq again).  Since then, its been power forwards or centers who have the ability to take their game out to about 15 feet who have won NBA titles every year (Duncan, Wallace, Garnett, and Gasol).    This is the new type of big man, and its how NBA titles are won.  Shaq is the antithesis to that and is not nearly good enough anymore to overcome that.  Unfortunately, that's why the Cavs are done even before the season begins.
READ MORE: NBA, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Team News / Analysis
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7/9/09
13
The Cavs can win the East.....if the Celtics get sucked into a black hole. Which is theoretically possible.

7/9/09
5
"The Cavs are done before the season begins"
What a dadburncottonpickin' stupid asnine statement! Even though Shaq is 37 years old, he is still very very active down low. And please don't tell me LeBron is going to bolt from Cleveland in 2010. It aint going to happen. The Cavs will relocate; my fan IQ Points is going to take a big hit and I'm going to be dadburncottonpickin' ticked off, if that happens. I'll say this though. I'm confident the Cavs will win a title this year. I mean it! To the writer of this article, I respectfully disagree with you on this.

7/9/09
13
The Cavs can win the East.....if the Celtics get sucked into a black hole. Which is theoretically possible.

7/9/09
5
(Edited by kantwistaye)
mk_donley wrote:
"The Cavs are done before the season begins"
What a dadburncottonpickin' stupid asnine statement! Even though Shaq is 37 years old, he is still very very active down low. And please don't tell me LeBron is going to bolt from Cleveland in 2010. It aint going to happen. The Cavs will relocate; my fan IQ Points is going to take a big hit and I'm going to be dadburncottonpickin' ticked off, if that happens. I'll say this though. I'm confident the Cavs will win a title this year. I mean it! To the writer of this article, I respectfully disagree with you on this.
Thinking the Cavs will win it all is fine and all, but why?  How do they counter a 'Sheed/KG frontline?  If they put Shaq on Sheed, he'll just sit out on the 3 point line.  If they put Shaq on KG they'll just run pick and rolls with him.  Either way,  Shaq becomes useless in that situation especially since both of those guys can defend Shaq.  Plus, Kendrick Perkins can defend Shaq as well.  The Cavs are going to get dominated by the Celtics's frontline.  Instead of bringing in someone who clogs up the lane and is useless outside of it, they should have brought in someone who can spread out the court (and free up the lane for LeBron to drive) and is athletic enough to defend bigs who are mobile.  Parker was a nice enough signing, but he alone isn't the answer and quite frankly there is no answer now that they have committed to Shaq.  Its over. 

BronBron might stay, but he's not winning a title this year and the Varejao deal may keep them from getting a mobile big like Chris Bosh (or even D-Wade).

7/9/09
7
The problem was mismatches.  Anthony Parker will now be able to guard larger SG/SF's that caused problems (Turkoglu).  Shaq can help guard big men underneath.  Also, you said teams with big men that spread he floor win.  Let's check who beat the Cavs last season:  the Magic.  They had a true big man, Howard, who was a center.  Also, Turkoglu was being guarded by Delonte West who was undersized.  It comes down to mismatches again.  Shaq can guard the big men, and Varejao can guard big men who spread the floor.  Have you ever watched a basketball game?

7/9/09
2
(Edited by kantwistaye)
Lebron123 wrote:
The problem was mismatches.  Anthony Parker will now be able to guard larger SG/SF's that caused problems (Turkoglu).  Shaq can help guard big men underneath.  Also, you said teams with big men that spread he floor win.  Let's check who beat the Cavs last season:  the Magic.  They had a true big man, Howard, who was a center.  Also, Turkoglu was being guarded by Delonte West who was undersized.  It comes down to mismatches again.  Shaq can guard the big men, and Varejao can guard big men who spread the floor.  Have you ever watched a basketball game?
Have you seen the Celtics? They're an offensive machine.  What they'll do at the end of games is put the ball in Rondo's or Pierce's hands.  They have Sheed and Ray Allen sit in the corners and have KG run a pick and roll with the ball handler.  Who is Shaq defending in that scenario?  The Magic are probably irrelevant.  The Celtics on the other hand have no one in the East who can match up with them.

Edit: And in no way am I biased towards the Celtics.  I despise them, but they have one heck of a roster for one last championship run.

7/9/09
5
Also about the celtics frontline.  Mo Williams is a way more dominant player than Rondo, plus Rondo makes poor decisions.  Allen is too inconsistant plus delonte or Parker can guard him.  Then Pierce vs. Lebron.. Do I need to say more?

7/9/09
6
i am not even a Celtic fan but I can see the logic in your post. I am inclined also to agree with you. Your points were well made,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,To the Cavs fan, I would not get my hopes up too high, Shaq does what he does and he is still a very good NBA center, yet he will not be able to contend with a healthy Orlando or Boston front line. The pick and roll has historically been Shaq;s undoing.

7/9/09
9
kantwistaye wrote:
Have you seen the Celtics? They're an offensive machine.  What they'll do at the end of games is put the ball in Rondo's or Pierce's hands.  They have Sheed and Ray Allen sit in the corners and have KG run a pick and roll with the ball handler.  Who is Shaq defending in that scenario?  The Magic are probably irrelevant.  The Celtics on the other hand have no one in the East who can match up with them.

Edit: And in no way am I biased towards the Celtics.  I despise them, but they have one heck of a roster for one last championship run.
I'll say this. One never knows what in the hell Danny Ainge might do. He could ship Rondo out of town and kill that team in an instant. I'm never comfortable with Ainge in power. Dude is an idiot the majority of the time.

7/9/09
4
The author is actually a Lakers fan. A BIG Lakers fan. So he doesn't have much to gain by hyping the Celtics. It was probably the toughest thing he's ever had to write (I'm right, kantwistaye, aren't I?)

7/9/09
4
Didn't you know Andy leads the NBA in drawing CHARGES last year? Veeeeeeery important stat Author!

7/9/09
2
mk_donley wrote:
Didn't you know Andy leads the NBA in drawing CHARGES last year? Veeeeeeery important stat Author!
So he flops a lot? Regardless, it won't matter.  The Celtics can spread the court in a matter very similar to the Magic, yet are far more balanced than the Magic.  They'll expose Shaq's defense over and over.  When the Cavs adjust to that, they'll just find the next open man. 

If everything goes right for the Lakers (admittedly a rather large if), we're going to have one heckuva Finals match up between the Celtics and Lakers.  They match up almost perfectly.  The only big mismatches are Kobe against Ray Allen (or if they put Allen on Artest, Artest will just post him up) and Rondo against Fisher/Farmar/Brown.

7/9/09
4
Hahaha, thanks for letting us know.

7/9/09
0
who says the game will be close enough for the celtics to use there mathups and if they are close enough then mike brown will just go with a smaller line up like he did alot of the times last year
rondo:West
allen:Mo
Pierce:Parker
kg:king
sheed:AV
Solved

7/9/09
4
Are you writing about the SAME RASHEED WALLACE that just posted a 6/6/1 against Big Z and the Cavs just 2 months ago?? How the hell does that ensure victory for the Celtics. As for matchups:
PG: Mo Williams vs Rajon Rondo  - Williams wins this
SG: Delonte West vs Ray Allen - Allen wins this.
SF: Lebron James vs Paul Pierce - James wins this.
PF: Anderson Varejao vs K.G. - K.G. wins this.
C: Big Z/Shaq vs Sheed/Perkins - Big Z/Shaq win this. See Sheed 2009 playoff avg (1 round vs Cavs)

I like the matchups.

7/9/09
3
I'll give you 4 reasons why the Cavs wont win the NBA Championship, Pierce, Garnett, Allen and Wallace.

7/9/09
2
100%InjuryRate wrote:
The Cavs can win the East.....if the Celtics get sucked into a black hole. Which is theoretically possible.
Or the Bulls can :)  i wish.

7/9/09
3
walkingonglass wrote:
Are you writing about the SAME RASHEED WALLACE that just posted a 6/6/1 against Big Z and the Cavs just 2 months ago?? How the hell does that ensure victory for the Celtics. As for matchups:
PG: Mo Williams vs Rajon Rondo  - Williams wins this
SG: Delonte West vs Ray Allen - Allen wins this.
SF: Lebron James vs Paul Pierce - James wins this.
PF: Anderson Varejao vs K.G. - K.G. wins this.
C: Big Z/Shaq vs Sheed/Perkins - Big Z/Shaq win this. See Sheed 2009 playoff avg (1 round vs Cavs)

I like the matchups.
Williams beats Rondo?
Hahahahaha.  Yeah, right.

Rondo is a much better athlete, is a better point guard, and is more well rounded.
The only way Cleveland wins the PG battle is if the Celtics run Rondo out.

7/9/09
2
ricecrispy28 wrote:
who says the game will be close enough for the celtics to use there mathups and if they are close enough then mike brown will just go with a smaller line up like he did alot of the times last year
rondo:West
allen:Mo
Pierce:Parker
kg:king
sheed:AV
Solved
Right idea, but its not going to work.  Height still matters in the NBA and Anderson Varejao couldn't defend last year in the playoffs, why would he be able to now?  Interior defense (and lack of a athletic 3/4) killed the Cavaliers last year and they haven't improved on it at all. 

7/9/09
2
I agree with Cinnalocks, this was a well constructed case.  It's difficult to say because of LeBron, but Cleveland has very little shot against 4 future Hall-of-Famers... and then, LeBron will walk. 

7/9/09
2
Of course we're assuming that everyone's gonna be healthy and running at full efficiency, so this is preseason cockapoo,

7/9/09
3
walkingonglass wrote:
Are you writing about the SAME RASHEED WALLACE that just posted a 6/6/1 against Big Z and the Cavs just 2 months ago?? How the hell does that ensure victory for the Celtics. As for matchups:
PG: Mo Williams vs Rajon Rondo  - Williams wins this
SG: Delonte West vs Ray Allen - Allen wins this.
SF: Lebron James vs Paul Pierce - James wins this.
PF: Anderson Varejao vs K.G. - K.G. wins this.
C: Big Z/Shaq vs Sheed/Perkins - Big Z/Shaq win this. See Sheed 2009 playoff avg (1 round vs Cavs)

I like the matchups.
Except that same Rasheed Wallace is now the 5th option on offense and is surrounded by a cast of real All-Stars, including an MVP and a Finals MVP.  He isn't going to be depended on to do great things, just hit an open three or post up on a weaker defender when the situation presents itself.

As for position vs position match ups... it isn't just who's better.  Shaq and Big Z might be better than Sheed and Perkins (I'd disagree, but that doesn't matter), they have to be able to defend the other guys as well.  Shaq can't defend Sheed, meanwhile both Perkins and Sheed can defend (as can KG). 

7/9/09
3
Okay, first of all, you are 20 years of age, and i hardly believe that you have mastered this sport to the point where you can predict anything. Secondly, They have a line up of four guys older than 32 yrs of age. And if you know this sport, you know age hurts. Also, last time KG was 100% CLE beat the celtics without shaq and we still ahve the rest of our team sooo, why would the matchup be any different? Oh Wallace? you mean the guy who was on the team CLE swept last season?? The guy who averaged 6.5 pts against the roster CLE had last year? Yeah, the "difference" maker...nonsense. Unless you argue that sasha and ben's absensce will be the sole reason we lose, you have made absolutely no sense. Also, i understand that the cle team isn't perfect by any means adn has plenty of holes that need filling. You can say the same for celtics with its old old roster. And orlando with its lack in depth in its roster. Each team  has its flaws. 

7/9/09
1
Jpsgrewal wrote:
Okay, first of all, you are 20 years of age, and i hardly believe that you have mastered this sport to the point where you can predict anything. Secondly, They have a line up of four guys older than 32 yrs of age. And if you know this sport, you know age hurts. Also, last time KG was 100% CLE beat the celtics without shaq and we still ahve the rest of our team sooo, why would the matchup be any different? Oh Wallace? you mean the guy who was on the team CLE swept last season?? The guy who averaged 6.5 pts against the roster CLE had last year? Yeah, the "difference" maker...nonsense. Unless you argue that sasha and ben's absensce will be the sole reason we lose, you have made absolutely no sense. Also, i understand that the cle team isn't perfect by any means adn has plenty of holes that need filling. You can say the same for celtics with its old old roster. And orlando with its lack in depth in its roster. Each team  has its flaws. 
Everyone knows that regular season and post-season basketball are extremely different.  Again, all thing being even at the end of the game the Celtics will put out a Rondo/Allen/Pierce/Wallace/KG lineup and the Cavs will probably roll out Williams/West/James/Varejao/Shaq.  Who is Shaq going to defend?  The fact that Ben Wallace and Sasha are gone is irrelevant.  Its about matchups and the Cavaliers don't match up. 

The Celtics certainly are old. However, they aren't the team pretending that a 37 year old who clogs up the lane for an offense that depends on slashing and cutting and can't defend is their savior.

7/9/09
4
kantwistaye wrote:
Except that same Rasheed Wallace is now the 5th option on offense and is surrounded by a cast of real All-Stars, including an MVP and a Finals MVP.  He isn't going to be depended on to do great things, just hit an open three or post up on a weaker defender when the situation presents itself.

As for position vs position match ups... it isn't just who's better.  Shaq and Big Z might be better than Sheed and Perkins (I'd disagree, but that doesn't matter), they have to be able to defend the other guys as well.  Shaq can't defend Sheed, meanwhile both Perkins and Sheed can defend (as can KG). 
 uhm...dude, he was surrounded by some nice talent last year too. RIP, TAYSHAUN, AI, STUCKEY, DICE...im sorry, but thats also a nice lineup. And secondly, you ASSUME he will do well in this atmosphere. The guy gets more technicals than anyone and who else gets a lot? Oh wait, thats right half of the boston lineup. I'm assuming Celts will be knee deep in them before half of the season is over. Once again, you are "assuming" he will do better here, you have no proof, no historical evidence, nothing. nada. 

7/9/09
3
kantwistaye wrote:
Everyone knows that regular season and post-season basketball are extremely different.  Again, all thing being even at the end of the game the Celtics will put out a Rondo/Allen/Pierce/Wallace/KG lineup and the Cavs will probably roll out Williams/West/James/Varejao/Shaq.  Who is Shaq going to defend?  The fact that Ben Wallace and Sasha are gone is irrelevant.  Its about matchups and the Cavaliers don't match up. 

The Celtics certainly are old. However, they aren't the team pretending that a 37 year old who clogs up the lane for an offense that depends on slashing and cutting and can't defend is their savior.
 You are right, post season is even harder, and sheed couldnt stand the heat. Regular season he averaged 12 points, and in 3 games he had only 9 points. One game 21. So, how was he a difference maker in the 4 games they played? Once again, he averaged 6 pts in 4 games in the post season. Thats an average of 8 points...how many technicals did he get in those 8 games?? god knows. 

7/9/09
1
Jpsgrewal wrote:
 uhm...dude, he was surrounded by some nice talent last year too. RIP, TAYSHAUN, AI, STUCKEY, DICE...im sorry, but thats also a nice lineup. And secondly, you ASSUME he will do well in this atmosphere. The guy gets more technicals than anyone and who else gets a lot? Oh wait, thats right half of the boston lineup. I'm assuming Celts will be knee deep in them before half of the season is over. Once again, you are "assuming" he will do better here, you have no proof, no historical evidence, nothing. nada. 
And you are assuming he won't do well with no proof, no historical evidence, nothing nada.  Its what we're doing here.  Also, if you think that Pistons team was doing well last year you're crazy.  'Sheed is at the point of his career where he needs to be a super-sub of sorts and that is what he'll be in Boston.  Its almost a perfect role for him and it allows the Celtics to spread the court in a way that few teams can.  With todays uber-atheletes, that how you need to win.  The Cavaliers can't defend teams like that and they didn't add anyone who allows them to defend that.  Again, how are they defending a Sheed and KG frontline?  As bad as he was last year, he still shot 35% from three last year and thats all the Celtics are depending on him for.  When you get old, you play on teams that play to your strengths and thats what will happen in Boston.

7/9/09
3
 All in all, im not saying CAVS will be the clear winner, cuz if i said that, i would be an idiot. I'm saying that the talent on both teams is so packed that it could go either way, thats what the NBA is all about. One day could be bad for the Celts and another for the Cavs. The team CLE has, is the same that has beaten Celts over and over but only difference is they now have Shaq. What type of difference will he make? No one knows. What type of diff will Sheed make? No one knows. Hence, i think your article even though wonderfully written contains nothing but guess work of a 20 year old lakers fan, hoping they play celtics old lineup over  a younger cavs line up at the end of the tiring season. 

7/9/09
2
Well I wouldnt say no chance because they still have Lebron. On the other hand if the Celtics stay injury-free they will be a very hard team to beat in the playoffs.

7/9/09
1
kantwistaye wrote:
And you are assuming he won't do well with no proof, no historical evidence, nothing nada.  Its what we're doing here.  Also, if you think that Pistons team was doing well last year you're crazy.  'Sheed is at the point of his career where he needs to be a super-sub of sorts and that is what he'll be in Boston.  Its almost a perfect role for him and it allows the Celtics to spread the court in a way that few teams can.  With todays uber-atheletes, that how you need to win.  The Cavaliers can't defend teams like that and they didn't add anyone who allows them to defend that.  Again, how are they defending a Sheed and KG frontline?  As bad as he was last year, he still shot 35% from three last year and thats all the Celtics are depending on him for.  When you get old, you play on teams that play to your strengths and thats what will happen in Boston.
 uhmm, i dont think you are getting my point. I...am...telling...you..that...you can't..."assume" anything. Because teams that were never meant to make it far like the magic made it. The teams that looked very very weak on paper like CLE had an amazing regular season and swept through first two teams (as bad as they were). You talk about defense? Are we forgetting that CLE were the #2 team and at times #1 team in defense in ALL of NBA?

7/9/09
1
Jpsgrewal wrote:
 uhmm, i dont think you are getting my point. I...am...telling...you..that...you can't..."assume" anything. Because teams that were never meant to make it far like the magic made it. The teams that looked very very weak on paper like CLE had an amazing regular season and swept through first two teams (as bad as they were). You talk about defense? Are we forgetting that CLE were the #2 team and at times #1 team in defense in ALL of NBA?
But here's the thing... Orlando showed how easy it is to expose Cleveland's defense.  They have no one who is athletic enough to defend on the perimeter outside of LeBron.  So if you have enough athletic shooters you can easily beat the Cavs.  Well, what do the Celtics have? A bunch of athletic shooters.  Adding Shaq just cemented their current defensive issues.  We know the strengths and weaknesses of Shaq and the strength and weaknesses of the Cavaliers.  Shaq did nothing to change those.  Its more of the same just with a bigger name and more entertainment.

7/9/09
2
 I never take any completely lopsided assumptions to be intellectual and that is exactly what you have done in this article. I'm sure you have written some amazing articles at a younger age but this one is way too lopsided to be unbiased and note-worthy. You don't give any credit to the other team. You dont give them any respect in the phenomonal season they had, countless records they broke...Their defense and offense were off the charts all season long. And if you wanna talk post season? The fact celts have an OLD lineup, will play a HUUUGE part in how they play. Old players tend to give out when you play every other day and given that post season is harsh, they wont be able to run with the rest of the players. 

7/9/09
2
Jpsgrewal wrote:
 I never take any completely lopsided assumptions to be intellectual and that is exactly what you have done in this article. I'm sure you have written some amazing articles at a younger age but this one is way too lopsided to be unbiased and note-worthy. You don't give any credit to the other team. You dont give them any respect in the phenomonal season they had, countless records they broke...Their defense and offense were off the charts all season long. And if you wanna talk post season? The fact celts have an OLD lineup, will play a HUUUGE part in how they play. Old players tend to give out when you play every other day and given that post season is harsh, they wont be able to run with the rest of the players. 
How many titles have been won in the regular season?  The Lakers were 11 whole games better than anyone else in the Western Conference in the regular season, but struggled mightily on their way through the Western Conference.  Sure, the Cavs had an excellent regular season.  But title contenders aren't happy with that and certainly don't ever defend themselves with their regular season number and achievements.

7/9/09
3
(Edited by Jpsgrewal)
kantwistaye wrote:
But here's the thing... Orlando showed how easy it is to expose Cleveland's defense.  They have no one who is athletic enough to defend on the perimeter outside of LeBron.  So if you have enough athletic shooters you can easily beat the Cavs.  Well, what do the Celtics have? A bunch of athletic shooters.  Adding Shaq just cemented their current defensive issues.  We know the strengths and weaknesses of Shaq and the strength and weaknesses of the Cavaliers.  Shaq did nothing to change those.  Its more of the same just with a bigger name and more entertainment.
Orlando has Dwight. Dwight is a younger shaq. No one can defend DHow, not even your lakers, not even your celtics. Shaq scored 16 points in one game and 17 in another when celtics played against the suns. How is that shutting him down? And i swear to god, if you say "he was playing in a different system" as your rebuttal because i can say the same for their new teammates. 

7/9/09
3
kantwistaye wrote:
How many titles have been won in the regular season?  The Lakers were 11 whole games better than anyone else in the Western Conference in the regular season, but struggled mightily on their way through the Western Conference.  Sure, the Cavs had an excellent regular season.  But title contenders aren't happy with that and certainly don't ever defend themselves with their regular season number and achievements.
 So, i say sheed had crappy numbers in post season, you said regular and post are different. I make note of regualr, you say how many titles are won in the regular season. Do you see how you dont' really have an argument, you are just going in circles? 

7/9/09
3
CLE played crappy against Orlando every game. They were always bad against them, have been for sometime because of the flaws they exposed in them. In the post season, CLE had swept two teams (they were bad but they were swept, even ur lakers/celtics suffered losses to crappy teams). CLE lost because dwight pushed em around like sissies. having a taller heavier roster will change that. And not to mention younger. LBJ, AV, MO are all in their 20's.  Ray Allen, sheed, KG, eddie house, Paul Pierce, and Scalabrine all over 30. Believe me, their age will show, it always does. 

7/9/09
2
(Edited by Chris)
I thought Cleveland's odds dropped after the Jefferson trade, and then the Shaq trade (i think hurts CLE a bit), and then the NBA Draft, then Ron Artest signing, and then the Wallace signing. Phew... wow what a long line of events. And Spurs building up that front-court! Woohoo! And could still get Fabricio back if he is waived by Detroit. Wooohoooooo! Just mark your calendars for May 2010: Lakers vs. Spurs rematch, and Cavaliers vs. Celtics conf. finals. Of course we all know what that means. A 2008 rematch of LA/BOS -TD vs. KG, Spurs versus Celtics FINALS!!!

7/9/09
2
Jpsgrewal wrote:
Orlando has Dwight. Dwight is a younger shaq. No one can defend DHow, not even your lakers, not even your celtics. Shaq scored 16 points in one game and 17 in another when celtics played against the suns. How is that shutting him down? And i swear to god, if you say "he was playing in a different system" as your rebuttal because i can say the same for their new teammates. 
Um, the Celtics absolutely shut down Dwight Howard and the Lakers shut him down even more.  As for Shaq number's against the Celtics... um, so?  Big Z couldn't put those numbers up?  Shaq is going to have to score much more than 16 or 17 points against the Celtics in order to make up for the points he's going to give up.  Again, its about matchups.  Who is Shaq going to defend against a Sheed/KG lineup?  Also, Shaq disrupts Clevelands offense which is completely predicated around LeBron driving the lane and either scoring or dumping off to an open man.  With Shaq clogging the lane, thats going to be even more difficult.  Shaq alreadly ruined the Suns by clogging up the lane for their Nash/Amare pick and roll and now he'll ruin the Cavaliers offense (and cement their defensive shortfalls).

7/9/09
1
Jpsgrewal wrote:
 So, i say sheed had crappy numbers in post season, you said regular and post are different. I make note of regualr, you say how many titles are won in the regular season. Do you see how you dont' really have an argument, you are just going in circles? 
I never said Sheed's number were better in the regular season.  Just said he's in a new role surrounded by more talent that will take advantage of his remaining strengths.  Big difference there.

7/9/09
0
Jpsgrewal wrote:
Orlando has Dwight. Dwight is a younger shaq. No one can defend DHow, not even your lakers, not even your celtics. Shaq scored 16 points in one game and 17 in another when celtics played against the suns. How is that shutting him down? And i swear to god, if you say "he was playing in a different system" as your rebuttal because i can say the same for their new teammates. 
did you watch the Finals??? Also, when you take 20-something shots, some will go in. LOLLLLLLLL Don't swear to Him, thats disrespectful to God.

7/9/09
0
kantwistaye wrote:
I never said Sheed's number were better in the regular season.  Just said he's in a new role surrounded by more talent that will take advantage of his remaining strengths.  Big difference there.

Just let it steam. LOL. Eventually the water will all evaporate and there will be no steam left!

7/9/09
1
Jpsgrewal wrote:
CLE played crappy against Orlando every game. They were always bad against them, have been for sometime because of the flaws they exposed in them. In the post season, CLE had swept two teams (they were bad but they were swept, even ur lakers/celtics suffered losses to crappy teams). CLE lost because dwight pushed em around like sissies. having a taller heavier roster will change that. And not to mention younger. LBJ, AV, MO are all in their 20's.  Ray Allen, sheed, KG, eddie house, Paul Pierce, and Scalabrine all over 30. Believe me, their age will show, it always does. 
Hmmm... close. Cleveland didn't really stop Dwight. The perimeter game is where Orlando exceeded Cleveland. Orlando thrives from outside-inside. Cleveland has poor perimeter defense. On other end, Orlando pushed Cleveland to mostly jump-shooting, and LeBron trying to do everything which hurts the offensive rhythm of Cleveland. That is how they met their demise... not Dwight "pushing them around". Tony Parker averaged over 30 PPG versus Dallas and still lost 4-1.

7/9/09
2
Dude, you are going in circles. Did you just say SO to his numbers?!?! Because he wont be able to defend??! He had total of 2 TO's and 16-17 pts each in those games against Celtics. Perkins had 4 TO's and 5 pts. It's simple as this, you don't know how sheed will perform. He may do well, or he may do worse. He's one year older and still had 18 technicals last year. He hurt his team more than he helped so he may do the same for boston. This whole article is a complete waste of time and has no basis.

7/9/09
2
Chris wrote:
Hmmm... close. Cleveland didn't really stop Dwight. The perimeter game is where Orlando exceeded Cleveland. Orlando thrives from outside-inside. Cleveland has poor perimeter defense. On other end, Orlando pushed Cleveland to mostly jump-shooting, and LeBron trying to do everything which hurts the offensive rhythm of Cleveland. That is how they met their demise... not Dwight "pushing them around". Tony Parker averaged over 30 PPG versus Dallas and still lost 4-1.
Wow, you are a smart one. Yes, the whole point is, that the fact dhow could push em around made em double team him, and he would just play the "inside-outside" game and their shooters would hit their shots everytime. It was a pick ur poison type of series for CLE. 

7/9/09
1
Jpsgrewal wrote:
Dude, you are going in circles. Did you just say SO to his numbers?!?! Because he wont be able to defend??! He had total of 2 TO's and 16-17 pts each in those games against Celtics. Perkins had 4 TO's and 5 pts. It's simple as this, you don't know how sheed will perform. He may do well, or he may do worse. He's one year older and still had 18 technicals last year. He hurt his team more than he helped so he may do the same for boston. This whole article is a complete waste of time and has no basis.
You're totally missing the point.  He's playing a new role in Boston.  Regardless, if you can just once answer this question I'll gladly admit that the Cavs have a chance.  Who will Shaq defend in a Sheed/KG front line and how is he going to be able to stay in front of him?

7/9/09
1
I agree with the author. Here is a something that I think should be stated. The Cavs instead of making the team better overall. They make adjustments to the team that beat them in the playoffs the previous year. The team this year was contructed to take on the Celtics. That's why they had an issue in beating Orlando as that is a completely different team then Boston. Now they're making adjustments to beat Orlando, which I doubt they'll probably see in the playoffs.

The Cavs needed to get a big so they can run the floor & who can defend the pick & roll. Oh yea someone who can make their FT's also. On paper this is a good team, but you don't win a championship for having the best roster on paper. Ask the 04 Lakers when they had Shaq, Karl Malone, Kobe & Gary Payton and lost in the finals. You can put up a good roster but can they play together.

We all know that Boston can play, they're just adding Sheed. He will adjust to the change in his responsibilities. I see the Celtics playing the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. Because I see the Bulls taking out the Magic in the 2nd round & the C's beating out the Cavs in 6.

Danny Ferry needs to learn how to build a team. As he is doing patch work & the team always ends up having to change their style of play. LeBron will leave after this year cause Ferry has no idea of what he is doing. So after LeBron leaves, Ferry will lose his job for what he has caused.

7/9/09
1
kantwistaye wrote:
You're totally missing the point.  He's playing a new role in Boston.  Regardless, if you can just once answer this question I'll gladly admit that the Cavs have a chance.  Who will Shaq defend in a Sheed/KG front line and how is he going to be able to stay in front of him?
Perkins will guard Shaq for 3 quarters with Sheed pitching in. Then the 4th, by which time Shaq will be in foul trouble, Sheed will play the five and Shaq will either concede the long ball or exhaust himself chasing Sheed to the 3-pt line. Very soon thereafter Shaq fouls out. I suppose we should all remember that Ilgauskas is still playing in Cleveland.

7/9/09
3
kantwistaye wrote:
But here's the thing... Orlando showed how easy it is to expose Cleveland's defense.  They have no one who is athletic enough to defend on the perimeter outside of LeBron.  So if you have enough athletic shooters you can easily beat the Cavs.  Well, what do the Celtics have? A bunch of athletic shooters.  Adding Shaq just cemented their current defensive issues.  We know the strengths and weaknesses of Shaq and the strength and weaknesses of the Cavaliers.  Shaq did nothing to change those.  Its more of the same just with a bigger name and more entertainment.
NO ATHLETIC perimeter outside of LeBron??? DID YOU WATCH the playoffs last year? D.West and Mo wasn't able to guard the magic players BECAUSE of the size difference... That Size difference isn't there with Boston... Actually Orlando loosing turk and getting Vince was a GOOD thing for the Cavs... Vince is horrible against the cavs and an easier guard for us... Idk if you saw it but we added a defensive BIG guard in Anthony Parker... He isn't a BIG name player but he fits the role WELL... And do you really comnsider Rondo a SHOOTER? Ray Allen ATHLETIC?  Shaq was GIVEN to us... we didn't lose anything getting him and he can beat up on ANYONE that guards him.. And lastly why does Shaq even have to be on the floor in the end of the game? Why can't cleveland go to a smaller lineup? Who is to say KG and Wallace wont be in foul trouble? Andy takes MANY charges... Flops or not they are FOULS putting the opposing big men in FOUL TROUBLE... Cleveland can take a small line up with Mo D. West (or boobie gibson) PArker Lebron and Andy... OR since it is legal now why can't we hide shaq in a zone? we have a FULL season to figure out what we are gonna do and don't forget what shaq said... THERE WILL BE NO DOUBLE TEAMING... NOT WORRIED at all... What i AM worried about is the Spurs... they are looking REAL tough

7/9/09
2
 First of all, I think sheed will come off of the bench, I would be surprised if perkins don't start, and shaq will guard them the same way he guards gasol and yao, give them room, let them shoot, i don't care if they shoot jumpers, as long as they are not scoring in the post where it is a high percentage shot, it's going to be tough for teams to score on cle with shaq in the game, because they don't have to double in the post, and they don't double on the perimeter either. But, 

shaq would be on kg, 

AV on sheed because he shoots more. Also, its not that much of a matchup problem considering KG and Sheed are old, they wont be dominating anymore. Shaq can also guard Perkins, Varejao will guard Sheed/Garnett.

7/9/09
2
radtad007 wrote:
NO ATHLETIC perimeter outside of LeBron??? DID YOU WATCH the playoffs last year? D.West and Mo wasn't able to guard the magic players BECAUSE of the size difference... That Size difference isn't there with Boston... Actually Orlando loosing turk and getting Vince was a GOOD thing for the Cavs... Vince is horrible against the cavs and an easier guard for us... Idk if you saw it but we added a defensive BIG guard in Anthony Parker... He isn't a BIG name player but he fits the role WELL... And do you really comnsider Rondo a SHOOTER? Ray Allen ATHLETIC?  Shaq was GIVEN to us... we didn't lose anything getting him and he can beat up on ANYONE that guards him.. And lastly why does Shaq even have to be on the floor in the end of the game? Why can't cleveland go to a smaller lineup? Who is to say KG and Wallace wont be in foul trouble? Andy takes MANY charges... Flops or not they are FOULS putting the opposing big men in FOUL TROUBLE... Cleveland can take a small line up with Mo D. West (or boobie gibson) PArker Lebron and Andy... OR since it is legal now why can't we hide shaq in a zone? we have a FULL season to figure out what we are gonna do and don't forget what shaq said... THERE WILL BE NO DOUBLE TEAMING... NOT WORRIED at all... What i AM worried about is the Spurs... they are looking REAL tough
Rondo isn't a shooter, but the Celtics will put the ball in his hands and run pick and rolls with him and KG and have Sheed, Allen, and Pierce sitting on the perimeter ready to drain an open three.  Its almost indefensible and its especially indefensible when you're putting Shaq, Varejao, or Illgauskas out there. Also, as you noted the Cavs have a height problem.  If they go small to keep up with the Celtics athleticism, they'll get killed by their lack of size.  They are in a no win situation.  They just can't match up.  As for the West, the Cavs can't match up with the Nuggets, Spurs, or Lakers.  So even the Celtics are hurt, their chances aren't getting any better.

7/9/09
3
 So, you are basing the cavs losing solely on shaq defending sheed or garnett? Kind of a lame reason, don't you think?? they have AV, they have Z...it's okay, it will be an unfair matchup but so is rondo v. mo and lbj v. pierce. I think you fail to remember that they have LBJ. 

7/9/09
2
Jpsgrewal wrote:
 So, you are basing the cavs losing solely on shaq defending sheed or garnett? Kind of a lame reason, don't you think?? they have AV, they have Z...it's okay, it will be an unfair matchup but so is rondo v. mo and lbj v. pierce. I think you fail to remember that they have LBJ. 
I'm not forgetting LeBron.  Let's also not forget that Shaq is hurting LeBron's potential on offense by clogging the lane. He's not just a defensive liability, although he's going to kill the Cavs there.  And yes, that is the argument.  These teams are very even and its going to come down to late game matchups and they don't match up at all there.  Thats when games are won and lost.

7/9/09
2
put the ball in rondo's hands... GREAT idea... I don't know the stats and don't want to look it up but I am willing to bet Rondo has the HIGHEST TO/ASSITS ratio... And Allen Sheed and pierce all can't have the ball at the same time... too many BIG EGO's not enough role players... Don't forget House off the bench wanting to hoist 10 shots a game... We WANT you to shoot from 3... 3 out of 10 times the shot will be missed and they can't rebound the ball from the 3 point arc... We couldn't match up with 2 6'8 PLUS guards... we can now we have parker... and lebron... you forget about the best player in the league... do you remember what LeBron did to the Pistons a few years ago? SHEED was a part of that? Pretty sure they did the whole pick and role thing and pass to wide open 3 point shooters but hey history IS there... you asked who shaq will guard there was your answer... He will be hidden in a zone or he will ALLOW KG shoot jump shots... not worried... idk of any player that will run THROUGH shaq...

7/9/09
3
(Edited by radtad007)
who said the game will even be close? lol
Rondo - Mo Advantage Cleveland (shooting and decision making)
Ray Allen- Parker Lebron or West advantage clevealnd ( defense wins championships and allen can't shoot in the playoffs for some reason)
Pierce - Lebron or Parker ad cleveland for the same reasons above
KG -Andy advantage Boston IF healthy
Perkins - Shaq not even FAIR....

Do you really think the offense will allow shaq to just CLOG UP THE MIDDLE... That is what SET plays are made for... Shaq wont even ahve to go down on the defensive end when our QUICK guards and andy are running fast break transitions....

7/9/09
2
radtad007 wrote:
put the ball in rondo's hands... GREAT idea... I don't know the stats and don't want to look it up but I am willing to bet Rondo has the HIGHEST TO/ASSITS ratio... And Allen Sheed and pierce all can't have the ball at the same time... too many BIG EGO's not enough role players... Don't forget House off the bench wanting to hoist 10 shots a game... We WANT you to shoot from 3... 3 out of 10 times the shot will be missed and they can't rebound the ball from the 3 point arc... We couldn't match up with 2 6'8 PLUS guards... we can now we have parker... and lebron... you forget about the best player in the league... do you remember what LeBron did to the Pistons a few years ago? SHEED was a part of that? Pretty sure they did the whole pick and role thing and pass to wide open 3 point shooters but hey history IS there... you asked who shaq will guard there was your answer... He will be hidden in a zone or he will ALLOW KG shoot jump shots... not worried... idk of any player that will run THROUGH shaq...
1) From now on you may want to look up stats.  Rondo's assist to turnover ratio is 3.14:1.  LeBron's is 2.4:1.  Mo Williams has a 1.8:1 ratio.  For better reference CP3, the best PG in the game, has a 3.6:1 ratio.  If you're in the same stratosphere as CP3, you're doing okay.

2) If there is one problem the Celtics haven't had, its big egos.  Considering Sheed signed after KG, PP, and Allen all talked to him, I'm sure they are all on the same page.  He knows his role and they know what he expects.

3) What LeBron did to the Pistons in 2007 is rather irrelevant.  Nothing is the same anymore.  We know that LeBron is amazing, but the NBA is vastly improved since then.  

4) Also, if you're going to play a zone, have fun watching the Celtics hoist up all those open shots.  These guys are pros, they don't miss many open shots.

7/9/09
2
(Edited by radtad007)
just becasue you are playing a zone doesn't mean you stop guarding ppl... and what part of we WANT other teams to shoot 3's? the stats favor us if they shoot many 3's... 3 MAYBE 4 out of 10 shots will make it... Sheed will get his Tech's and point blank CLEVELAND wants it more.. They fear LeBron will leave... Shaq wants to one up Kobe... the while 2007 playoffs was brought into the convo becasue LeBron beat Sheed chauncy rip and prince OH and BEN? i don't remember SINGLE HANDEDLY beat 5 players... he is the best player on the planet right now... He doesn't take plays off like your boy 24... And can put his head down and go to the line putting others in FOUL TROUBLE... The bigs will be in foul trouble... NOT A PROBLEM... Watch out for the SPURS...

7/10/09
2
radtad007 wrote:
just becasue you are playing a zone doesn't mean you stop guarding ppl... and what part of we WANT other teams to shoot 3's? the stats favor us if they shoot many 3's... 3 MAYBE 4 out of 10 shots will make it... Sheed will get his Tech's and point blank CLEVELAND wants it more.. They fear LeBron will leave... Shaq wants to one up Kobe... the while 2007 playoffs was brought into the convo becasue LeBron beat Sheed chauncy rip and prince OH and BEN? i don't remember SINGLE HANDEDLY beat 5 players... he is the best player on the planet right now... He doesn't take plays off like your boy 24... And can put his head down and go to the line putting others in FOUL TROUBLE... The bigs will be in foul trouble... NOT A PROBLEM... Watch out for the SPURS...
Except if you're in a zone, then one of Boston's bigs are open because you're leaving Shaq in the lane.  Also, do you really want to leave perimeter players wide open for 3's?  Isn't that exactly the reason why Cleveland got knocked out of the playoffs?  LeBron put up one of the greatest seasons EVER this year and didn't win it all.  Also, LeBron won't be driving as much because (again) Shaq is clogging up the lane.  He clogged up the lane in Phoenix and he'll do it again in Cleveland.  Free and open offense don't work when you put an inmobile center on the block.  Illguaskas is a better offensive fit for Cleveland because he can play the high post and stay out of the lane. 

7/10/09
3
Again do you REALLY think a NBA PROFESSIONAL Coach Mike Brown will have the set plays allowing SHAQ to be in LeBron's way? Do you really think that? Just beacuse you are in a Zone doesn't mean ppl will be WIDE OPEN... Also just a question... How many minutes do you think Shaq will really play a night? We are HOPING for 20min at most 25 mins... thatr is a LOT of time he can't be "clogging the lane"

7/10/09
0
I remember The Boston Three Party winnin the 'ship a couple years back.
 
Garnett= Hungry for another trophy, Pierce= The Truth, Allen= One of the best perimeter shooters ever, Wallace= What the Celtics need.

7/10/09
3
kantwistaye wrote:
Except if you're in a zone, then one of Boston's bigs are open because you're leaving Shaq in the lane.  Also, do you really want to leave perimeter players wide open for 3's?  Isn't that exactly the reason why Cleveland got knocked out of the playoffs?  LeBron put up one of the greatest seasons EVER this year and didn't win it all.  Also, LeBron won't be driving as much because (again) Shaq is clogging up the lane.  He clogged up the lane in Phoenix and he'll do it again in Cleveland.  Free and open offense don't work when you put an inmobile center on the block.  Illguaskas is a better offensive fit for Cleveland because he can play the high post and stay out of the lane. 
have you ever played basketball? Do you know how a 2-3 zone is ran? you have a big center in the middle (shaq) then you have Andy on one side of him and have our SF or SG whoever Mike Brown wants to put there on the other side... the guards on top can defend the arc and the 2 guys on bottom can run out and defend also... Another point I  would l ike to say is we are ASSUMING no other deals are made... do you really think Cleveland is done? Don't be surprised when Cleveland makes a trade at the deadline for teams that are having a bad season want to unload cap space in preperation for FA 2010

7/10/09
2
Just wait author, my Cleveland Cavaliers win the championship in 2009-2010; after that, you ....will....eat....CROW!!!!!

7/10/09
1
islanderbehle wrote:
I remember The Boston Three Party winnin the 'ship a couple years back.
 
Garnett= Hungry for another trophy, Pierce= The Truth, Allen= One of the best perimeter shooters ever, Wallace= What the Celtics need.
also 2 years older... and KG is coming off a big injury and already got one wont be as hungry for another... do you think LeBron wont be MORE hungry? The truth is DOMINATED by LeBron and ray allen? Miss more than hit

7/10/09
2
It just struck me that you are 20 years of age and have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. You are assuming everything you are arguing, you have no evidence for any of your arguments. I'm not saying i do, thats the beauty of hte situation, i didnt assume like a fool that some team will DEFINITELY win.  Ahhh! What a waste of my time. I'll be back 10 years from now, when what you say may hold some merit. Until then, good luck with English 101 and beer pong!

7/10/09
2
radtad007 wrote:
Again do you REALLY think a NBA PROFESSIONAL Coach Mike Brown will have the set plays allowing SHAQ to be in LeBron's way? Do you really think that? Just beacuse you are in a Zone doesn't mean ppl will be WIDE OPEN... Also just a question... How many minutes do you think Shaq will really play a night? We are HOPING for 20min at most 25 mins... thatr is a LOT of time he can't be "clogging the lane"
If Shaq is outside of the lane, he's useless and he is still wasting space because he can't hit a shot.  And I know that NBA PROFESSIONAL Coach Mike Brown will make inept offensive decisions because he is an inept offensive coach.  Also, if you're in a zone with Shaq, then yes people will be left open.  He can't chase guys outside of the lane and no matter what type of defense he will either have to leave a guy open or some other man will have to leave his area and leave a new player open.  Cleveland is absolutely screwed defensively againse good perimeter shooting teams, especially if they have a 4 or 5 who can play outside of the lane.  They can't defend that and there are at least 5 title contending teams that fit those qualifications.  Also, even if Shaq is only playing 20 minutes of the game that is still close to half the game where he will clog up the offense and leave defenders open.  Thats not how you win titles.

7/10/09
2
mk_donley wrote:
Just wait author, my Cleveland Cavaliers win the championship in 2009-2010; after that, you ....will....eat....CROW!!!!!
i am a HUGE clevalnd fan if you can't tell but you can't say that man... Remember last year? What happens when LeBron has a big injury... We are Cleveland... DISASTER ON THE LAKE EVERY YEAR... don't get to high yet... believe but don't say things like that... Ashtabula ohio? I am from conneaut SMALL WORLD lol

7/10/09
3
Jpsgrewal wrote:
It just struck me that you are 20 years of age and have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. You are assuming everything you are arguing, you have no evidence for any of your arguments. I'm not saying i do, thats the beauty of hte situation, i didnt assume like a fool that some team will DEFINITELY win.  Ahhh! What a waste of my time. I'll be back 10 years from now, when what you say may hold some merit. Until then, good luck with English 101 and beer pong!
beer pong GREAT game lol

7/10/09
2
radtad007 wrote:
have you ever played basketball? Do you know how a 2-3 zone is ran? you have a big center in the middle (shaq) then you have Andy on one side of him and have our SF or SG whoever Mike Brown wants to put there on the other side... the guards on top can defend the arc and the 2 guys on bottom can run out and defend also... Another point I  would l ike to say is we are ASSUMING no other deals are made... do you really think Cleveland is done? Don't be surprised when Cleveland makes a trade at the deadline for teams that are having a bad season want to unload cap space in preperation for FA 2010
You realize that shooters destroy zones, right?  This is basketball 101.  Everyone knows this.  The Celtics can put out 5 guys who can hit at the very least 15 footers, 3 of whom can consistently hit 3's, one of which is a big.  A zone defense can't stop that.  This is the very basic stuff of basketball.

7/10/09
3
cinnalocks wrote:
i am not even a Celtic fan but I can see the logic in your post. I am inclined also to agree with you. Your points were well made,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,To the Cavs fan, I would not get my hopes up too high, Shaq does what he does and he is still a very good NBA center, yet he will not be able to contend with a healthy Orlando or Boston front line. The pick and roll has historically been Shaq;s undoing.
The pick and rolls, screen and rolls and pick and pops will be problems for Shaq and though Varejao is a solid defender in these situations he is vulnerable to picking up quick fouls, which leads to Z or Shaq having to play more.  As a Laker fan I'd love to see the Cavaliers win, the Celtics are the tougher match for LA, but the Celtics, as of now, seem to have a slight edge.

7/10/09
2
kantwistaye wrote:
You realize that shooters destroy zones, right?  This is basketball 101.  Everyone knows this.  The Celtics can put out 5 guys who can hit at the very least 15 footers, 3 of whom can consistently hit 3's, one of which is a big.  A zone defense can't stop that.  This is the very basic stuff of basketball.
watch the games... and don't forget about the best player on the planet... WHO IS EVEN MORE HUNGRY NOW... LeBron even more hungry SCARES ME...

7/10/09
1
radtad007 wrote:
watch the games... and don't forget about the best player on the planet... WHO IS EVEN MORE HUNGRY NOW... LeBron even more hungry SCARES ME...
If you think that really matters over X's and O's and basketball talent, then you sir, don't know anything about basketball.  I'm going to guess that you are actually far more intelligent than that.

7/10/09
2
kantwistaye wrote:
If you think that really matters over X's and O's and basketball talent, then you sir, don't know anything about basketball.  I'm going to guess that you are actually far more intelligent than that.
LeBron throws out all the x's and o's when he plays... what single player can guard him? NO ONE... what 2 players can guard him leaving one player wide open... Not many and what 3 players can guard him... Most but again leaving THREE players wide open... LeBron is the great equalizer

7/10/09
2
(Edited by kantwistaye)
radtad007 wrote:
LeBron throws out all the x's and o's when he plays... what single player can guard him? NO ONE... what 2 players can guard him leaving one player wide open... Not many and what 3 players can guard him... Most but again leaving THREE players wide open... LeBron is the great equalizer
1) I'll ignore that first sentence... how much did this matter last year?

2) Shaq is going to limit his ability to slash and kick.  We know that LeBron cannot consistently shoot from the outside.  Shaq is limiting the Cavalier's offensive potential.

3) Ironically, Cleveland's defense killed them in the end and they still haven't found a solution. 

7/10/09
3
everyone had boston winning till KG got hurt last yr. jus wait till the season starts to start sayin whoses gonna win cause as i look free agency aint over yet. so this means nothin till we know where everyone will be next yr.

7/10/09
2
kantwistaye wrote:
1) I'll ignore that first sentence... how much did this matter last year?

2) Shaq is going to limit his ability to slash and kick.  We know that LeBron cannot consistently shoot from the outside.  Shaq is limiting the Cavalier's offensive potential.

3) Ironically, Cleveland's defense killed them in the end and they still haven't found a solution. 
keep thinking he will LIMIT LeBron... Keep thinking that... Cleveland lost to a team that lived and died by the three... Cleveland IMO will win that series 90 out of 100 times... How many teams taht live and die by the three ACTUALLY LIVE???? Let alone a SERIES.... And why do you think they had all the WIDE OPEN three's that they happend to make in the ECF and not the NBA finals? Because we had to DOUBLE D12... With Shaq we wont have our guards doubling down... That wont happen this year... A hungry player is a better player end of story... KG was POSESSED and played like it also... that had a LOT to do with why they won the championship... Cleveland is younger outside of Shaq and Z... We have JJ hickson who will have another year of playing time and may become an important 6th or 7th man and we still might sign a player... We embarassed the celtics last year with our current team plus ben and sasha... take those two guys out of the equations and add parker and shaq? SWEET... What was Ben? A smaller shaq... Bad free throw shooter and had to be in the paint... Faster but also MUCH smaller... Shaq will not get in LeBron's way... I take that back Shaq will not get in LeBron's way OFTEN enough to cause a problem....

7/10/09
2
ray allen is 34
Kg is 33 gonna be 34
Paul is 32
Sheed is 35...

7/10/09
2
(Edited by kantwistaye)
radtad007 wrote:
keep thinking he will LIMIT LeBron... Keep thinking that... Cleveland lost to a team that lived and died by the three... Cleveland IMO will win that series 90 out of 100 times... How many teams taht live and die by the three ACTUALLY LIVE???? Let alone a SERIES.... And why do you think they had all the WIDE OPEN three's that they happend to make in the ECF and not the NBA finals? Because we had to DOUBLE D12... With Shaq we wont have our guards doubling down... That wont happen this year... A hungry player is a better player end of story... KG was POSESSED and played like it also... that had a LOT to do with why they won the championship... Cleveland is younger outside of Shaq and Z... We have JJ hickson who will have another year of playing time and may become an important 6th or 7th man and we still might sign a player... We embarassed the celtics last year with our current team plus ben and sasha... take those two guys out of the equations and add parker and shaq? SWEET... What was Ben? A smaller shaq... Bad free throw shooter and had to be in the paint... Faster but also MUCH smaller... Shaq will not get in LeBron's way... I take that back Shaq will not get in LeBron's way OFTEN enough to cause a problem....
Um, it will limit him.  Shaq's already limited a far more dynamic offense than this with far better shooters than LeBron.  He's the best right now, but he still has a major flaw. 

Cleveland didn't lose because Orlando was on fire, they lost because they can defend teams with big shooters, which is exactly what Boston is (except they actually have guys with post moves too). 

I've pointed this out already, but when Shaq's in the game, they're just pulling his guy out of the lane.  He really is that easy to nuetralize. 

If you don't think other title contending teams are hungry, you don't know jack about sports.

JJ Hickson will not be able to defend Sheed out on the 3 point line.  However, he could/should be a solid post defender.  But, as I've said over and over, the Celtics won't have to play out of the post and they can nuetralize any post defender.

Um, when did you play the Celtics in the playoffs? Also, these Cavs are worse than last years and the Celtics improved.  Shaq got in the way of the Nash/Stoudemire pick and roll that dominated the whole NBA, and that was despite the fact that both men are excellent shooters.  LeBron isn't a great shooter.  Defensively, Shaq has the same issues as Illguaskas.

7/10/09
1
and it will hurt them a LOT if Glen Davis doesn't resign with them

7/10/09
1
who is more hungry than LeBron... I honestly don't think anyone... How do you figure the cavs are WORSE? we have the same team but ADDED SHAQ for 2 players that hardly played... And added Parker... A BIG guard that can defend... All I know is what the Bulls (a young team) like Cleveland Minus the best player in the world did to the celtics and what the Magic did to them also... Nash and Stoudemire is no LeBron.. That is a totally different type of play... they are run and gun cleveland is more of a set team,,, How is Boston better? they may lose Big Baby... they are a year older... and  Sheed is CANCER TO TEAMS unless he is happy... AND BTW he is 35!!!!! JJ Hickson can defend the pick and roll... Cleveland lost becasue we didn't have BIG guards and no one to guard D12... We have the answer for d12 and We added a BIG defender... BUT WAIT WE AREN'T better I forgot....

7/10/09
1
kantwistaye wrote:
Um, it will limit him.  Shaq's already limited a far more dynamic offense than this with far better shooters than LeBron.  He's the best right now, but he still has a major flaw. 

Cleveland didn't lose because Orlando was on fire, they lost because they can defend teams with big shooters, which is exactly what Boston is (except they actually have guys with post moves too). 

I've pointed this out already, but when Shaq's in the game, they're just pulling his guy out of the lane.  He really is that easy to nuetralize. 

If you don't think other title contending teams are hungry, you don't know jack about sports.

JJ Hickson will not be able to defend Sheed out on the 3 point line.  However, he could/should be a solid post defender.  But, as I've said over and over, the Celtics won't have to play out of the post and they can nuetralize any post defender.

Um, when did you play the Celtics in the playoffs? Also, these Cavs are worse than last years and the Celtics improved.  Shaq got in the way of the Nash/Stoudemire pick and roll that dominated the whole NBA, and that was despite the fact that both men are excellent shooters.  LeBron isn't a great shooter.  Defensively, Shaq has the same issues as Illguaskas.
I LOVE FRONT RUNNERS... Root for your timberwolves.... lakers look great losing Ariza and wont have the money to sign ODOM... How are your BELOVED LAKERS gonna guard Boston but more importantly SA SPURS!!!! Write a post about that...

7/10/09
2
How the heck is Cleveland better?  They added a 37 year old center that clogs up the lane when their whole damn offense is predicated on slashing into the lane and finding the open man.  That's not possible when a fatass is already sitting there.  LeBron won't be finding Anthony Parker or Mo Williams for an open three when he's stuck on the perimeter because Shaq is blocking up the lane.  Just because LeBron is the best player in the game and really really really wants to win, doesn't make Shaq disappear from the lane.  Also, he can't play defense.  He can't defend Dwight Howard.  He can't defend KG.  He can't defend Rasheed Wallace.  He can't defend anyone.  He could never defend anyone.  And he will certainly not be defending anyone at age 37.  Have you ever seen Shaquille O'Neal play basketball before?  He can't play defense.

7/10/09
2
I have a question for you who on the Celtics can guard LeBron? Not worried about Shaq when we have a player named LeBron James... This COULD be the last year I can say that... BUT the salary cap I think helped Cleveland keep LeBron where he belongs... IN CLEVELAND

7/10/09
2
Paul Pierce defends and gets help from KG, Sheed, and Kendrick Perkins.  Not to mention it will be considerably easier with Shaq clogging up the lane.  With KG in the game, the Celtics gave up the 2nd least amount of points per possession in the NBA last year, right behind Orlando when they have Dwight Howard in the game.  Boston is just fine defensively.

7/10/09
2
kantwistaye wrote:
How the heck is Cleveland better?  They added a 37 year old center that clogs up the lane when their whole damn offense is predicated on slashing into the lane and finding the open man.  That's not possible when a fatass is already sitting there.  LeBron won't be finding Anthony Parker or Mo Williams for an open three when he's stuck on the perimeter because Shaq is blocking up the lane.  Just because LeBron is the best player in the game and really really really wants to win, doesn't make Shaq disappear from the lane.  Also, he can't play defense.  He can't defend Dwight Howard.  He can't defend KG.  He can't defend Rasheed Wallace.  He can't defend anyone.  He could never defend anyone.  And he will certainly not be defending anyone at age 37.  Have you ever seen Shaquille O'Neal play basketball before?  He can't play defense.
HAHA HOW IS ADDING SHAQ A disadvantage? Did you see what we gave up for him???? BEen who is gonna retire and SASHA!!! Are you kidding me? That is a no brainer.... And no he NEVER guarded anyone... he is just a imovable object that d12 can't move and push around... D12 will have to go AROUND shaq not through him... and do you really think Shaq will get in LeBrons way game after game play after play? Do you think Shaq will CAMP in the lane? Or do you think shaq will be on one side while LeBron drives the other side and whoever is guarding Shaq goes over to help whoever CAN'T guard LeBron and LBJ dumps the ball off to Shaq for a RIM ROCKING DUNK.... Don't you think Shaq will drop into the lane while LBJ drives? Shaq has no post moves... Who can guard Shaq? In the beginning of the game we will feed Shaq the ball like we use to Z and let him dominate the paint and then he will get out of the paint and let LBJ do what he does... the only fear i have with Shaq is his age and if he can stay healthy... Shaq is gonna keep Z healthier taking more minutes from him...

7/10/09
2
kantwistaye wrote:
Paul Pierce defends and gets help from KG, Sheed, and Kendrick Perkins.  Not to mention it will be considerably easier with Shaq clogging up the lane.  With KG in the game, the Celtics gave up the 2nd least amount of points per possession in the NBA last year, right behind Orlando when they have Dwight Howard in the game.  Boston is just fine defensively.
WHEN he is in the game... KG is how old now? His minutes WONT go up... He will be out of the game more and more... and IF he can stay healthy.... IF!!!!! Losing Glen Big Baby Davis will be TRAGIC

7/10/09
3
kantwistaye wrote:
Paul Pierce defends and gets help from KG, Sheed, and Kendrick Perkins.  Not to mention it will be considerably easier with Shaq clogging up the lane.  With KG in the game, the Celtics gave up the 2nd least amount of points per possession in the NBA last year, right behind Orlando when they have Dwight Howard in the game.  Boston is just fine defensively.
did shaq clog up the lanes for Penny, Kobe or D-Wade

7/10/09
2
fremontguy26 wrote:
did shaq clog up the lanes for Penny, Kobe or D-Wade
i thought the same but his rebutal will be Shaq is 37 years old now... But HEY they were all coached by PROFESSIONAL coaches.... i can't imagine it being a clog in the lane that will cause problems

7/10/09
2
1) It doesn't matter what you gave up.  In order to win in the NBA today, you need a big who can open up the floor.  With today's athletes, its far too easy to clog the lane and stop a LeBron or a Shaq.  That's why Illguaskas was a better offensive fit.  When you have a LeBron, you surround him with shooters, including your bigs.  Let him find a spot on the floor, whether it be slashing or in the post and make things happen.  Shaq prevents that from happening.  Thats why he is a downgrade.  He curbs the potential of an offense at this stage in his career.

2) Losing Big Baby will not hurt Boston (at least this year).  They already replaced him with a better shooter who can spread the floor out even more.  Not to mention, 'Sheed is a better defender.  Brining back Big Baby just gives them more options and helps them in their eventual rebuilding.

7/10/09
2
fremontguy26 wrote:
did shaq clog up the lanes for Penny, Kobe or D-Wade
Shaq was dominant then and you lived with his deficiencies.  He no longer is and is no longer worth having on the floor for a true title contender.

7/10/09
2
average age of Cleveland is 23 and the average age of boston is 26.82.... 4 years is a LOT for basketball players...

7/10/09
1
radtad007 wrote:
average age of Cleveland is 23 and the average age of boston is 26.82.... 4 years is a LOT for basketball players...
...and yet Cleveland still can't match up with Boston.

7/10/09
1
kantwistaye wrote:
...and yet Cleveland still can't match up with Boston.
IN YOUR OPINION....

7/10/09
1
radtad007 wrote:
IN YOUR OPINION....
... that no one has come up with a logical rebuttal to.  Cleveland's chances lie in a whole lot of major injuries or idiot GM work (like 100% alluded to). 

7/10/09
6
I think it's time everyone watched this video. And then this one.

7/10/09
0
radtad007 wrote:
ray allen is 34
Kg is 33 gonna be 34
Paul is 32
Sheed is 35...
wait... this means... (calculating)... YES!

The Spurs are no wheres NEAR the Celtics in age! C's average in the 30s, and the Spurs are around 28... and haven't signed their draft picks yet! Woohoooo! The grey hair went to some other team!

7/10/09
1
kantwistaye wrote:
... that no one has come up with a logical rebuttal to.  Cleveland's chances lie in a whole lot of major injuries or idiot GM work (like 100% alluded to). 
there is no argueing with you... you base all your info on IF's... Just watch the games and I hope you like CROW....

7/10/09
1
100%InjuryRate wrote:
I think it's time everyone watched this video. And then this one.
yes... Cleveland is in the Rust belt... not to glamourous.... We love The Cavs....

7/10/09
1
radtad007 wrote:
there is no argueing with you... you base all your info on IF's... Just watch the games and I hope you like CROW....
Um, your arguments are on what? Ifs as well?  Look, we know Shaq's pros and cons.  We know Cleveland strengths and weaknesses.  We know how Cleveland likes to play basketball.  Shaq doesn't mesh with that.  Sure this is hypothetical because nothing has happened yet, but its not just random hopeful thoughts.  Shaq and Cleveland basketball don't go together.  Its just not a good fit. Anyway, I hope you're here next May and don't go hiding away like other fans when something goes wrong for their team.

7/10/09
0
Hmmm. i was off. CLE 26.3; BOS 28.0; and SA 27.5 as af current.

7/10/09
1
kantwistaye wrote:
Um, your arguments are on what? Ifs as well?  Look, we know Shaq's pros and cons.  We know Cleveland strengths and weaknesses.  We know how Cleveland likes to play basketball.  Shaq doesn't mesh with that.  Sure this is hypothetical because nothing has happened yet, but its not just random hopeful thoughts.  Shaq and Cleveland basketball don't go together.  Its just not a good fit. Anyway, I hope you're here next May and don't go hiding away like other fans when something goes wrong for their team.
Don't worry I am NO BANDWAGON fan or FRONT runner... I root for my team till I am blue in the face... LA FAN in WI... SAD.... and Who is to say we will do the same thing with Shaq on the court? Why can't we beat up on the SOFT CELTICS... KG and Sheed are FINESE players.... Which means soft... Beat up on the with Shaq and when shaq is out go back to doing what Cleveland does well??? Just a thought.... why do we have to pick ONE set and style of play and do it all the time... Why do we have to shove a Square peg like Shaq in a CIRCLE hole which is Cleveland... Why can't we put square pegs in square holes and circle pegs in circle holes....

7/10/09
0
Chris wrote:
Hmmm. i was off. CLE 26.3; BOS 28.0; and SA 27.5 as af current.
idk where you got your numbers from but the number i calculated came from the NBA.com website oficial team roster of the cavs and celtics... Celtics are 26.823529 and cleveland is 23.0

7/10/09
1
They don't win so he has to root for the LAKERS!!!

7/10/09
2
Wow... I think it's hilarious that Cavs fans are trying to bash Rondo, who came within spitting distance of averaging a triple double for the playoffs, and also is a ridiculous defender. Keep doubting him. Keep it up.

7/10/09
0
Pat wrote:
Wow... I think it's hilarious that Cavs fans are trying to bash Rondo, who came within spitting distance of averaging a triple double for the playoffs, and also is a ridiculous defender. Keep doubting him. Keep it up.
there is a reason Ainge is trying to trade him... He isn't that good and not a good shooter... His defense is ridiculous i think you mean...

7/10/09
2
Pat wrote:
Wow... I think it's hilarious that Cavs fans are trying to bash Rondo, who came within spitting distance of averaging a triple double for the playoffs, and also is a ridiculous defender. Keep doubting him. Keep it up.
Isn't that good? He nearly averaged a triple-double during the playoffs.

7/10/09
1
And before I go to bed... Signing Channing Frye would solve all your problems... A fast PF that can defend... Comming off the bench... We WILL sign SOMEONE to take care of that problem for you...

7/10/09
2
Ya' know, I was gonna comment but you guys are being mean  and  yelling, and scaring me, so i just wanna say  thanks for giving me another exscuse reason to go get yet another brewskie!!!!

7/10/09
1
guylake wrote:
Isn't that good? He nearly averaged a triple-double during the playoffs.
ya... LeBron WOULD have averaged a Triple Double if he didn't sweep every team and his team mates made shots against the Magic

7/10/09
2
lleedubb wrote:
Ya' know, I was gonna comment but you guys are being mean  and  yelling, and scaring me, so i just wanna say  thanks for giving me another exscuse reason to go get yet another brewskie!!!!
never need a reason or excuse for a BREWSKIE

7/10/09
2
radtad007 wrote:
never need a reason or excuse for a BREWSKIE
spoken like a true gentleman!!

7/10/09
1
Good read Mike. This NBA season should be one of the best in recent memories since it is even more loaded at the top where the best teams are a lot better than the middle teams and the bad teams are much worse than the middle teams.

I do think that Cleveland made a mistake in trading for Shaq. Yeah he did have a pretty solid season last year but that was in the more wide open Phoenix style while Cleveland tends to be more of a give it to LeBron and him dribble the air ball a lot then try and drive and kick. (Not to mention they also GREATLY over paid for Varejao)

Cleveland's main problem last year was they needed another long and athletic wing player to go with LeBron and while Anthony Parker is a nice player, he is no where near the level of a Gerald Wallace (who the Cavs should have gone after harder). Defending the paint wasn't their problem so picking up Shaq really doesn't answer that need.

I am curious as to how this upcoming season will play out. If Sheed can mesh with the Big 3 already in Boston and Rondo can continue to mature like he did in the playoffs last year then Boston will be tough to beat. Their bench will be a little thinner if they don't go and get a solid backup PG, but with older vets wanting to hop on and get a title, I wouldn't be surprised if the Celtics pick up one mid season.

The crazy thing about this offseason is, sure there have been a lot of moves, but really if you want to break it down, only San Antonio and really the Clippers have made themselves a better team. Everyone else is either worse off or just going sideways and not getting better.

7/10/09
0
Jubanator14 wrote:
Good read Mike. This NBA season should be one of the best in recent memories since it is even more loaded at the top where the best teams are a lot better than the middle teams and the bad teams are much worse than the middle teams.

I do think that Cleveland made a mistake in trading for Shaq. Yeah he did have a pretty solid season last year but that was in the more wide open Phoenix style while Cleveland tends to be more of a give it to LeBron and him dribble the air ball a lot then try and drive and kick. (Not to mention they also GREATLY over paid for Varejao)

Cleveland's main problem last year was they needed another long and athletic wing player to go with LeBron and while Anthony Parker is a nice player, he is no where near the level of a Gerald Wallace (who the Cavs should have gone after harder). Defending the paint wasn't their problem so picking up Shaq really doesn't answer that need.

I am curious as to how this upcoming season will play out. If Sheed can mesh with the Big 3 already in Boston and Rondo can continue to mature like he did in the playoffs last year then Boston will be tough to beat. Their bench will be a little thinner if they don't go and get a solid backup PG, but with older vets wanting to hop on and get a title, I wouldn't be surprised if the Celtics pick up one mid season.

The crazy thing about this offseason is, sure there have been a lot of moves, but really if you want to break it down, only San Antonio and really the Clippers have made themselves a better team. Everyone else is either worse off or just going sideways and not getting better.
i almost completely agree with this statement other then you when you said no other team has made them selves better, i believe portland is trying and if we do get KIRK from chicago we will improve, i wish hedo didnt screw them over though but hey its a business right?

7/10/09
0
Jubanator14 wrote:
Good read Mike. This NBA season should be one of the best in recent memories since it is even more loaded at the top where the best teams are a lot better than the middle teams and the bad teams are much worse than the middle teams.

I do think that Cleveland made a mistake in trading for Shaq. Yeah he did have a pretty solid season last year but that was in the more wide open Phoenix style while Cleveland tends to be more of a give it to LeBron and him dribble the air ball a lot then try and drive and kick. (Not to mention they also GREATLY over paid for Varejao)

Cleveland's main problem last year was they needed another long and athletic wing player to go with LeBron and while Anthony Parker is a nice player, he is no where near the level of a Gerald Wallace (who the Cavs should have gone after harder). Defending the paint wasn't their problem so picking up Shaq really doesn't answer that need.

I am curious as to how this upcoming season will play out. If Sheed can mesh with the Big 3 already in Boston and Rondo can continue to mature like he did in the playoffs last year then Boston will be tough to beat. Their bench will be a little thinner if they don't go and get a solid backup PG, but with older vets wanting to hop on and get a title, I wouldn't be surprised if the Celtics pick up one mid season.

The crazy thing about this offseason is, sure there have been a lot of moves, but really if you want to break it down, only San Antonio and really the Clippers have made themselves a better team. Everyone else is either worse off or just going sideways and not getting better.
oh, and i have to take the easy shot at saying it doesnt take much to make a bad franchise better, haha but the clippers have horrible luck when they draft a power forward with there first pick, they usually end up hurting themselves haha o well though right? still no threat in my opinion yet

7/10/09
0
muska-125 wrote:
oh, and i have to take the easy shot at saying it doesnt take much to make a bad franchise better, haha but the clippers have horrible luck when they draft a power forward with there first pick, they usually end up hurting themselves haha o well though right? still no threat in my opinion yet
Well Portland is trying but they haven't done anything this summer yet.

Also, the Clippers got a lot better by drafting a great player and only sure thing in the draft in Griffin and the key was that they were able to unload Zac Randolph. Any team able to do that gets instantly better. They have a great young group in Gordon, Griffin, and Thornton and a solid vetern group in Davis, Camby, and Kaman. Their problem is they have the worst coach in the entire NBA.

7/10/09
0
(Edited by islanderbehle)
islanderbehle wrote:
I remember The Boston Three Party winnin the 'ship a couple years back.
 
Garnett= Hungry for another trophy, Pierce= The Truth, Allen= One of the best perimeter shooters ever, Wallace= What the Celtics need.
I've got nothin' against LeBron. I'm basin my opinion off the fact they have an actual championship. I know that hurt so I'm sorry. I like LeBron and Shaq and if they finally bring Cleveland a championship good for them. I also think Rays career hasn't perished because of 2 playoff series, Pierce might not be LeBron but he can hang with him. And you're crazy for thinkin KG won't be hungry to get back to his elite status, everyone always wants more. So idk where you got the idea that KG won't be hungry for another championship. Shaq has how many? 4 and is still haulin his body to get another. One's never enough to the all-stars of the NBA. Watch, you'll see

7/10/09
0
 Clevelands Economy is based off LeBron James!

7/10/09
0
muska-125 wrote:
oh, and i have to take the easy shot at saying it doesnt take much to make a bad franchise better, haha but the clippers have horrible luck when they draft a power forward with there first pick, they usually end up hurting themselves haha o well though right? still no threat in my opinion yet
haha this is very true, i am surprised how they have handled there situation in LA give it a couple of years without them messing up that core and adding a few more players they could be a force, i really believe Portland could be a force in the west, in a couple of seasons.

7/10/09
1
Your diagnosis is way off! Shaq is not the center to go totally against the Celts. Don't forget Z!! The Cavs haven't had any trouble with Wallace in the last few years. Shaq may be old, but the Celts are ALL getting old. Should be an interesting match up, just don't count out the Cavs on this one. Once again, remember, it's not just Shaq vs Boston. It's still LBJ and Co. My money is on LeBron!!

7/10/09
3
All this Boston and Cleveland talk is dumb. The Hawks re-signed ZaZa Pachulia. Championship!

7/10/09
1
SHAQ!

7/10/09
1
That's what I like to hear! The Celts are going to be the team to beat, especially now that we have Wallace. But, if their plan to get Grant Hill works out, then I think they could definitely blow through the playoffs in no more than like 5 or 6 game series. That is, if they all stay healthy, we don't need a repeat of the 2009 injuries.

7/10/09
1
(Edited by radtad007)
Jubanator14 wrote:
Good read Mike. This NBA season should be one of the best in recent memories since it is even more loaded at the top where the best teams are a lot better than the middle teams and the bad teams are much worse than the middle teams.

I do think that Cleveland made a mistake in trading for Shaq. Yeah he did have a pretty solid season last year but that was in the more wide open Phoenix style while Cleveland tends to be more of a give it to LeBron and him dribble the air ball a lot then try and drive and kick. (Not to mention they also GREATLY over paid for Varejao)

Cleveland's main problem last year was they needed another long and athletic wing player to go with LeBron and while Anthony Parker is a nice player, he is no where near the level of a Gerald Wallace (who the Cavs should have gone after harder). Defending the paint wasn't their problem so picking up Shaq really doesn't answer that need.

I am curious as to how this upcoming season will play out. If Sheed can mesh with the Big 3 already in Boston and Rondo can continue to mature like he did in the playoffs last year then Boston will be tough to beat. Their bench will be a little thinner if they don't go and get a solid backup PG, but with older vets wanting to hop on and get a title, I wouldn't be surprised if the Celtics pick up one mid season.

The crazy thing about this offseason is, sure there have been a lot of moves, but really if you want to break it down, only San Antonio and really the Clippers have made themselves a better team. Everyone else is either worse off or just going sideways and not getting better.
Why in God's name would we want Gerald Wallace? Isn't he a LOT like LeBron? A SF that can't shoot the ball? He isn't even a FA and can you imagine what Cleveland would have to give up for him?

Signing Andy was necessary but we DID OVERPAY him A LOT!!!

How can you say defending the paint wasn't our problem? We had to Double Team Dwight Because Andy was too weak and Z was too old and slow so we doubled down with our guards and left the gurds like Alston and Turk and Lewis Open for 3's... They Happened to make them also...

7/10/09
0
The biggest problem for the Cavs is the 4th quarter against Boston.  Shaq is no longer a "crunch time" player, so it's still LeBron against the world.  Can he beat Boston 4 times going 1 on 5? 

7/10/09
1
islanderbehle wrote:
I've got nothin' against LeBron. I'm basin my opinion off the fact they have an actual championship. I know that hurt so I'm sorry. I like LeBron and Shaq and if they finally bring Cleveland a championship good for them. I also think Rays career hasn't perished because of 2 playoff series, Pierce might not be LeBron but he can hang with him. And you're crazy for thinkin KG won't be hungry to get back to his elite status, everyone always wants more. So idk where you got the idea that KG won't be hungry for another championship. Shaq has how many? 4 and is still haulin his body to get another. One's never enough to the all-stars of the NBA. Watch, you'll see
Does EVERYONE forget THAT "THE BOSTON THREE PARTY" is MUCH older?

ray allen is 34
Kg is 33 gonna be 34
Paul is 32
Sheed is 35

Unless everyone knows something I don't know... Is Boston the FOUNTAIN of YOUTH??

I'd believe Phoenix MAYBE... Look at Shaq and Grant HIll

7/10/09
0
I agree that this trade didn't do anything to help the Cavs chances of winning the title or even getting out of the east.  Do you think that the Cavs can get past Orlando? If you could play Cavs GM, what "big" would you  have gone after instead of Shaq.

7/10/09
0
radtad007 wrote:
idk where you got your numbers from but the number i calculated came from the NBA.com website oficial team roster of the cavs and celtics... Celtics are 26.823529 and cleveland is 23.0
ESPN has the most updated rosters. NBA.com has incomplete rosters. They have unsigned players on theirs, and usually players get cut, so it's not a better option. 23 average is way too low for a team with a guy inching near 40 years old.

7/10/09
1
  • CAVS
  •  
  • BRON BRON = AMAZIN
  • SHAQ = QUESTIONABLE???
  • MO-DELONTE-PARKER =  QUESTIONABLE
  • Z= ALMOST DONE IF NOT DONE
     
  • CELTICS
  • KG=OLD
  • PP=OLD
  • RA=OLD
  • PERKINS= OLD
  • RONDO = CELTS ONLY HOPE
             I REST MY CASE

7/10/09
0
The strange thing to me is that Lebron is phenomemal in the open floor, getting to the basket, arguably the best transition player in the game. Yet the Cavs front office builds teams that are designed to play halfcourt basketball. Varajao, Big Z and Shaq? Their team is now built to battle Howard (maybe)but now they aren't equiped to battle the Celtics, who will run them silly up front. I am not even sure how they will handle the Pistons for that matter. Gordon, Hamilton, Prince and Stuckey will be a very tough matchup for the Cavs.

7/10/09
0
Sball17 wrote:
  • CAVS
  •  
  • BRON BRON = AMAZIN
  • SHAQ = QUESTIONABLE???
  • MO-DELONTE-PARKER =  QUESTIONABLE
  • Z= ALMOST DONE IF NOT DONE
     
  • CELTICS
  • KG=OLD
  • PP=OLD
  • RA=OLD
  • PERKINS= OLD
  • RONDO = CELTS ONLY HOPE
             I REST MY CASE
What case? None of this even makes sense.

Pierce is only 32, for the record. And if you look at Allen, KG and Sheed's production and style of play, you would realize that their age really isn't coming into play yet.

7/10/09
0
Sball17 wrote:
  • CAVS
  •  
  • BRON BRON = AMAZIN
  • SHAQ = QUESTIONABLE???
  • MO-DELONTE-PARKER =  QUESTIONABLE
  • Z= ALMOST DONE IF NOT DONE
     
  • CELTICS
  • KG=OLD
  • PP=OLD
  • RA=OLD
  • PERKINS= OLD
  • RONDO = CELTS ONLY HOPE
             I REST MY CASE
ummm...Perkins is 26. And I believe Shaq is older than any of the Celts Big 3.

7/10/09
0
Pat wrote:
What case? None of this even makes sense.

Pierce is only 32, for the record. And if you look at Allen, KG and Sheed's production and style of play, you would realize that their age really isn't coming into play yet.
they don't understand. Celtics are not really going down due to guys in their mid 30s... geez. C's did win in 2008. Spurs with a high average age still won in 2005 and 2007, so i don't get what argument people try to make. 3 out of last 5 years. I think they are jealous.

7/10/09
0
Mannysworld wrote:
ummm...Perkins is 26. And I believe Shaq is older than any of the Celts Big 3.
The reason why Shaq stays bald is because he'd know some of those gray hairs in the back would be coming out. lol. He'll be Over the Hill verrrry soon.

7/10/09
0
This is obviously a sensitive subject... You guys are crucial with your comments..  The fact remains that most fans know Boston will smash Cleveland to take the East... & the other 3 are in denial.. Lol... Sorry guys, just stating the facts..

7/10/09
1
The Cavs have Shaq, Z, Verajao, and Lebron who can cause foul trouble for teams very quickly. This means that the Celtics will have to go to the bench early or have guys fouling out at the end of the game. This makes all of the matchups with starter irrelevant. And admit it everyone hacks Shaq, Verajao gets charges, and Lebron well lets just say let him score cause youll just foul him if hes driving to the lane. That kind of wear and tear on an old team like the Celtics will have an effect. Look how Lebron by himself beats up on teams that try to guard him. Now on the offensive side of things even if the Celtics can score dont act like the Cavs are offensively inept. They have the post pressence they wanted, the have the pick and roll that Z and lebron run very well and Z can hit the outside shot, Verajao improved a lot last year offensively, Mo Delonte Boobie and Parker are more than capable of handling the outside shooting (they did it last year), and lets not forget that Lebron gets better every year and if his outside shooting improves like it did last year then you wont be able to stop him. Ill take Lebron James with a solid cast of players with great chemistry (Best Record in the NBA doesnt lie) that are all on a mission after coming up short last year any day of the year. But thats why the games are played.

7/10/09
4
radtad007 wrote:
Why in God's name would we want Gerald Wallace? Isn't he a LOT like LeBron? A SF that can't shoot the ball? He isn't even a FA and can you imagine what Cleveland would have to give up for him?

Signing Andy was necessary but we DID OVERPAY him A LOT!!!

How can you say defending the paint wasn't our problem? We had to Double Team Dwight Because Andy was too weak and Z was too old and slow so we doubled down with our guards and left the gurds like Alston and Turk and Lewis Open for 3's... They Happened to make them also...
If Cleveland had single covered Dwight and let him go off, they never would have lost to the Magic. Cleveland has small guards and Orlando was able to shoot over them with two 6'10 guys who could shoot. Cleveland could have got Gerald Wallace from Charlotte at the trade deadline, a deal was on the table but the chose to stand pat and keep with what they have. You can't tell me that having another big athletic player on the win to help guard Hedo and Rashard wouldn't have made a difference. Cleveland could have gone small and played LeBron at the 4 and Wallace at the 3 and been able to cover Hedo and Rashard better, but they didn't make the move at the trade deadline and paid for it in the conference finals. You obviously can't take off the homer glasses so there really is no point in trying to convince you.

7/10/09
1
SouthernJoy wrote:
I agree that this trade didn't do anything to help the Cavs chances of winning the title or even getting out of the east.  Do you think that the Cavs can get past Orlando? If you could play Cavs GM, what "big" would you  have gone after instead of Shaq.
I think Orlando HELPED cleveland BEAT them because they traded for Vince Carter... Vince Carter is horrible against the cavs... They also let Turk go and that was a BIG mistake

7/10/09
1
By the Celtics getting Wallace ths makes them the team to beat this year in the NBA.  When Celtic fans talk about the problems the Cavs had with the Magic and the matchups...I also think of the Bulls & Celtics. The Celtics were without KG, but the Bulls only had 1 star on their team and they gave the celtics fits.
A possible scenario that will FREAK-OUT a lot of teams is if Shaq and 'Z' are on the court at the same time. The Cavs improved their defense and they added a little more depth to their bench which helps.
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE is the key to winning the Eastern Finals. If the Cavs have home court advantage, then they will win the East

7/11/09
1
Jubanator14 wrote:
If Cleveland had single covered Dwight and let him go off, they never would have lost to the Magic. Cleveland has small guards and Orlando was able to shoot over them with two 6'10 guys who could shoot. Cleveland could have got Gerald Wallace from Charlotte at the trade deadline, a deal was on the table but the chose to stand pat and keep with what they have. You can't tell me that having another big athletic player on the win to help guard Hedo and Rashard wouldn't have made a difference. Cleveland could have gone small and played LeBron at the 4 and Wallace at the 3 and been able to cover Hedo and Rashard better, but they didn't make the move at the trade deadline and paid for it in the conference finals. You obviously can't take off the homer glasses so there really is no point in trying to convince you.
All I have to say is watch the Games... You will see... there is no HOMER glasses here... I am the first to say flaws in my Favorite team but I can't listen to you guys bash the cavs just because we have the best team in the league

7/15/09
0
 this is just a waste of breath of time.  it doesn't matter that shaq is on the cav this year it is still any body game.  the laker gave Ariza away and that has not gotten any attention.  so this shouldn't matter

7/17/09
1

You all forget, think about last year's playoffs.  Boston didn't have KG or Sheed, and they still came close to beating the Magic.  The Cavs weren't close at allto beating the Magic, and they won't be able to handle Boston having basically two seven footers on the floor.  Rasheed brings that floor spreading and unblockabe mismatched threes that the Cavs fear.  Don't even try to tell me that Cavs have a chance, because when it comes down to how they got their keister's handed to them last year, Shaq's slowness will make no difference to the unblockable shots and pickn'rolls that The Celtics have in store for them.

7/23/09
0
one thing is clear, Shaq was not a great help to the Suns getting to the playoffs, what can expect of him helping the Cavs beating the Celtics or Magic...Shaq is too slow to guard KG or Howard...Cavs need a big help in the inside to stop KG, Howard, 'Sheed, and Shaq is not the answer to that.

7/23/09
0
i said it before but WATCH the games you will see

5/21/10
1
 I don't want to say that I called this and was right the whole time but... I was right.

 
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