Cleveland Cavaliers: Who Should Stay and Who Should Go?
The Cavaliers are the worst team in the entire NBA, and it's not even close.
Already with 27 losses through 35 games, a team that started out a respectable 7-9 by beating the Wizards, Nets and 76ers of the league has now been through a much more grueling schedule, and the results show it.
General Manager Chris Grants biggest move since the season started has been the release of Jawad Williams. No doubt a necessary move, but not one that will dramatically improve the team.
Who else needs to be shown the door? Who needs to be shipped off and who still needs more time to prove their worth?
Let's take a look.
Byron Scott
1 of 9
Just after taking the head coaching job in July, Scott was asked what he thought about the team in case that one guy happened to leave.
His answer: "It's still a better situation then when I took over in New Jersey and New Orleans."
Are you sure about that Byron?
Despite the terrible record, coach Scott still has my full support and given the right talent and time, he can take an above average team and turn them into a great one.
Result: Stay
Mo Williams
2 of 9
This is a tricky one. Normally with a veteran on a struggling team, it would automatically be a go.
But despite the change in teams, Mo has said all the right things, stating that he wants to remain in Cleveland and see through the rebuilding process.
He's still productive at 28, and is worth his pay of about $9 million per year. His assists numbers have dramatically improved, averaging a career best 7.2 per game.
The truth of the matter is, Mo would be much more helpful to a contender looking for scoring then chucking up shots for a last place team. With young guards in Sessions and Gibson, Mo can afford to go.
Result: Go
Anthony Parker
3 of 9
Parker is a smart, veteran player that can play the two or the three and can still knock down three's with the best of them. He's a nice role player who doesn't always need the ball in his hands to be effective.
That being said, he's another player better suited to a veteran, contending team.
Parker's $3 million expiring contract could be moved at the deadline to a team looking to make the extra push. He may very well be the easiest Cavalier to move.
Result: Go
Boobie Gibson
4 of 9
Buried on Mike Browns bench the past few seasons, Gibson has been given a fresh start with Coach Scott and has made the most of his opportunities.
Averaging 13 points and shooting 44% from three-point land, Boobie has made the most of his opportunities and now finds himself in the starting lineup.
Gibson won't turn 25 until next month and has a reasonable salary of just over $4 million a year for the next few years, and is a true blue collar player who wants to play in Cleveland.
Result: Stay
Jamario Moon
5 of 9
Moon went from starting, to coming off the bench, to not even sniffing the court.
He's a talented leaper who can finish dunks and pester small forwards on defense, but needs to be on a better team to maximise his talents, if you want to call them that.
Moon is averaging eight points per 36 minutes of playing time, dead last on the Cavs.
His expiring $3 million contract will at least be easy to move.
Result: Go
Antawn Jamison
6 of 9
Let me start out by saying that Antawn Jamison is a class act, and one of the true good guys of the league.
After going from starter to 6th man in Dallas in 2003, he never complained.
After going from a great Mavericks team to lowly Washington in 2004, he never complained.
After Washington started tanking and the problems with Gilbert Arenas ruined the team, he never complained.
After his best shot at a championship left Cleveland, being moved back to sixth man on a rebuilding team and battling through early season injuries, he never complained.
Antawn, you deserve better.
The Cavaliers leading scorer is still a productive player at 34 and could help whatever team is willing enough to pay him the rest of the $28 million he's owed over this year and next.
While I'd love to see him stick around, it's probably better for both parties if Cleveland traded Jamison so he has a chance at a championship that he must certainly deserves.
Result: Go
Ramon Sessions
7 of 9
Acquired along with Ryan Hollins for Delonte West in the offseason, Sessions has been Chris Grants' biggest acquisition since taking control.
Sessions is perfect for Byron Scott's offense, and has an impressive 16 point, 6-rebound and 7-assist per 36 minutes stat line.
His playing time has been erratic this season, and I would like to see Sessions start if Mo Williams is traded.
Ramon is under contract for about $4 million a year for the next three years, so he's a very inexpensive solution at the future point.
Result: Stay
Anderson Varejao
8 of 9
There are 30 teams in the NBA that need a player like Varejao. An excellent rebounder and post defender who brings his A-game every night.
What's not mentioned however is the improvement in his offense. Four years ago Andy was only good for taking a couple charges and now is a very solid finisher around the rim.
Andy has four years left on his deal plus a team option for a fifth at right around $8 mil per year. At 28 he's in the prime of his career and still possesses the energy he had at 23. He's probably the most sought after player on the Cavs, and as it stands may be the most popular player.
You don't just give a guy like this away, even if you're a rebuilding team.
Result: Stay, unless there's an offer you can't refuse.
JJ Hickson
9 of 9
Before the season started many were surprised when Scott benched the veteran Jamison in favor of third-year man Hickson.
JJ took over games at times, and looked like an All Star against the Celtics on opening night.
This showing didn't last long however, as inconsistent play and arguments with the coach sent Hickson back to the bench, where he's been, as usual, inconsistent.
However, Hickson is still just 22 years old and has a world of potential if he can get his head on straight and channel some passion and energy for his job. It's too early to give up on JJ.
Result: Stay
