Danny Ferry, Thanks For Shaq But You Still Have Work To Do!

The Cavs and their King will now be running on Diesel. With the acquisition of Shaq the Cavaliers bring to town a whole lot of swagger, four rings, and a lager-than-life personality.

But above all, they now have that big body that can score in the post and defend with physicality. The need for traits such as these became abundantly clear after watching the promise of a 66 win season end, in humbling defeat in the Conference Finals at the hands of the Orlando Magic.

As good as Lebron was, if he does not hit that miracle shot at the end of Game Two, that series could have been over in four games. Danny Ferry knew his previous roster did not match up with teams such as Orlando or Los Angeles to beat them in a Seven game series.

Though beloved by the fan base and both possessing valued skill sets in their own right, Ilgazuaskas and Varejao in the end, were just not getting it done. Shaq in numerous facets, meets and exceeds many of those deficiencies. Considering all Ferry had to give up for a four-time champion, coming off an All-Star season was Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.

Even with Shaq’s advanced age, the reward definitely out weighs the risk.

Shaq coming to town, as exciting as it is, most definitely does not guarantee the Cavaliers a championship. It may not even get them to the Finals with the likes of Vince Carter coming to Orlando, to pair with the even younger than Lebron, man-child himself, Dwight Howard.

Also, if Kevin Garnett comes back fully healthy, the Celtics still possess enough fire power and toughness to make one last run and challenge the Cavaliers for East supremacy. Danny Ferry above all others must know this, and if he wants to keep the King in Cleveland, he knows there is still much work to be done.

Hybrid forwards such as Rashard Lewis, Hedu Turkoglu, Kevin Garnett, and Pau Gasol, who can stretch the defense with their shooting as well as being very proficient in running the pick and roll, will create challenging matchup problems for teams such as the Cavaliers. All-NBA defensive team or not, LeBron could not cover both Turkoglu and Lewis in the conference finals.

What the Cavaliers need is either a defensive swingman or a power forward who is athletic and has above average defensive range.

How do the Cavaliers put themselves over the top as championship favorites? Here are three scenarios that could help them attain their ultimate goal.

Sign and trade for Ron Artest

If Danny Ferry was somehow able to pull this off, he would also make himself the front runner for executive of the year. Artest will probably sigh for a number around $9 Million. That means Ferry will have to package an appealing set of players and also match up salaries. This would take a magical move in the mold of Red Auerbach.

Maybe the package of Varejao, West, and Hickson could do it. Then, Ferry could use the Mid-Level Exemption to sure up the power forward position.  I would not bet on this happening but it’s not impossible.

Sign and trade for Carlos Boozer

This scenario is very similar to acquiring Artest, only it would cost a million or two more a year. While Boozer may be the better player, he would not meet the Cavaliers most pressing needs like Artest would. That said, the addition of Boozer would certainly propel the Cavaliers to the front of the pack as well as redeem Boozer for the deceitful way he left town six years ago.

Sign and trade for Josh Smith

This would probably be the easiest and also most risky move for Ferry to pull off. The word out of Atlanta is they are unhappy with Smith’s behavior and work ethic. On top of that, ownership is running in the red and is looking for ways to save money immediately. If Ferry believes LeBron and Shaq can keep the talented but immature Smith in check, he should pull out all the stops to get this deal done.  

The Cavaliers as they are this moment are a very good team. They have arguably the best player in the world and are coming off a season where they possessed the best record.

But if this franchise and its mega star want to have a dynasty the like of Jordan’s Bulls or Magic’s Lakers, then there is no better time then now to start.

If Ferry can get that last piece, the final difference maker, then the torturous title drought in Cleveland is seeing its waning days. Only time will tell if he has the savvy to pull of such a move and bestow upon the city of Cleveland what it has so longed for…championship euphoria.