Moving On: An Early Look at the Cavaliers New Starting Five

I had the chance to catch up with 8-time Ohio Sportswriter of the Year Winner Terry Pluto recently, discussing many topics but primarily the new look Cavaliers and what their new starting lineup may look like this fall. 

He revealed to me that nothing is set in stone yet, however coach Byron Scott has given him an inclination of who his guys will be.  The following is a preview of not only who will most likely get the starting nod, but who SHOULD start for the Wine and Gold when they take the court for the first time in 2010-2011.

The Departed

A staple in the starting lineup for years.  Fan favorite.  Franchise record holder.  Greatest Cavalier of All Time.  All of these statements could be used to describe the Cav that bolted for the Heat this summer.

Big Z

Yes, Zydrunas Ilgauskas will be missed by Cavalier fans.

While he may not be the only hole left in the roster, the center position does seem to be the team’s most glaring weakness heading into the 2010-2011 season.

With Z, Shaq and that other guy gone new players will be forced to step into starting roles for the Wine and Gold and attempt to plug all the holes in the dam before the flood comes rushing through.

First let's take a look at the point guards.

Point Guards

Candidates: Mo Williams, Ramon Sessions, Daniel Gibson

Last Season:  Mo Williams

Let's be honest, the only thing PG about Mo Williams is his size.  Given the makeup of the team the past two years he didn't need to be Chris Paul.  In fact, he was an All Star just being Mo, scoring 16 points a game, dishing out 5 assists and knocking down threes. 

Now the team shifts to an up tempo offense that's going to need a talented passer first and a dynamic scorer second.  My sources tell me this is why new acquisition Ramon Sessions will get the starting nod at the point, and will hopefully do a better job guarding the quicker guards in the east like Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose than Mo did last year.

Result: Sessions

Shooting Guards

Candidates: Mo Williams, Danny Green, Anthony Parker, Christian Eyenga

Last Season: Anthony Parker

You can't be the best scorer on your team and come off the bench (unless your Ben Gordon) so this is why Mo gets the early nod for shooting guard.  I know, I know, he won't be able to guard the Kobe's and Wade's of the league with his size, which is true.  However, I like him matched up against Ray Allen rather than Rondo, and CJ Watson, Kyle Korver, or whoever starts for the Bulls at shooting guard instead of Derrick Rose. 

You'll see a lot of Anthony Parker on nights where Mo doesn't match up real well against the opponents two-guard.  I like Danny Green and hope he gets solid minutes this season to show what type of player he'll become in this league.  Eyenga is a complete wild card.  A for athleticism, D+ for basketball knowledge and experience. 

Result: Williams

Small Forwards

Candidates: Jamario Moon, Joey Graham, Jawad Williams

Last Season:

Moon and Graham have limited experience starting in the NBA.  Moon can jump through the roof and can get hot from the outside from time to time, but is a very streaky and somewhat unreliable player. 

Graham is more of a defensive fixture but would probably have trouble scoring on his grandmother in a game of 1 on 1.  Jawad Williams is Jawad Williams.  Anyway you look at it, this is the most difficult spot in all of the NBA to take over.  As much as I'd like to see Moon start, sources indicate Joey Graham seems to be the guy.  I'll pause for five minutes so you can click over to Wikipedia and type in J-o-e-y G-r-......

Result: Graham

Power Forwards

Candidates: Antawn Jamison, JJ Hickson, Leon Powe, Samardo Samuels

Last Season: JJ Hickson/Antawn Jamison

Hickson started and showed signs of dominance last season before the trade to bring Jamison in.  Antawn becomes the savvy veteran on a team that features only three players (Moon, Parker) in their thirties. 

While it seems a given that a veteran scorer like Jamison will start on a talent starved team, Scott likes Hickson in his fast paced offense.  Powe continues to work his way back to full strength from knee surgery and should be a solid backup.  Samardo Samuels impressed in the summer league after leaving school early only to be snubbed in the draft.  While Jamison was a tremendous disappointment in games he came off the bench last year, it appears that's where he's headed again.

Result: Hickson

Centers

Candidates: Anderson Varegao, Ryan Hollins, and, um, geez...that's it?

Last Season: Shaq

While in past years it was always a luxury to bring Wild Thing in off the bench, the Cavs will not enjoy such a luxury this year.  Cleveland lost 14' 4'' of center in the off season in Shaq and Z, and will be forced to move Varegao into the starting lineup. 

While I personally would like to see Hickson start here (he did a decent job guarding Dwight Howard, watch the tape) the teams only back up five becomes lanky and unproven Ryan Hollins.  Leon Powe should see minutes at center as well, but this remains the weakest part of the team.  When Varegao has nights he gets in early foul trouble, I cringe at the thought of having Hollins attempting to guard Howard, Shaq or Brook Lopez for the rest of the night.

Result: Varegao

Conclusion

Starting Five:

PG Ramon Sessions

SG Mo Williams

SF Joey Graham

PF JJ Hickson

C Anderson Varegao

It appears the Cavaliers will enter the season with the roster they currently have, pending any willingness by the Pacers to part with Danny Granger (Maybe?  Please?  No?  Damn).  New uniforms won't hide the fact that this won't be a pretty team to watch no matter how optimistic you may be.  Think early 2000's Chicago Bulls.  After losing their franchise player and suffering through Eddy Curry, Chicago's pretty darn good again.

Cleveland will be too.  Not this year, maybe not the year after, but someday.  At least we still have Austin Carr and Digiorno Pizza to help get us through the Northeast Ohio winter.