NBA Basketball: The Cavs Lost a Lot More Than LeBron's Talents

Lebron's talents were not the only thing that left the Cavaliers this past offseason. Whether it be trade or free agency the Cavs lost some integral parts of the team that had the best record in the NBA last year. To go along with players they also lost a head coach and the one of the best home court advantages in the league. I'm not saying that if they had all of these things back that they would be a contender, I just think they would be better then what they are now.

Mike Brown

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BOSTON - MAY 13: Head coach Mike Brown of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a call against one of his players in the first half against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA playoffs at TD Garden on May 1

I was never a Mike Brown fan when he was in Cleveland because it seemed like his offense of philosophy was to give the ball to Lebron and let him do what he wanted with it. For as bad as an offensive coach he was, he did have a good defensive team usually. Compared to Byron Scott, he at least had some sort of strategy. Scott seems like he doesn't even know what to do and it feels like he doesn't want to be there. The players also seem to have a hard time adjusting to the new system and never seem to be clicking.

Big Z

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PHOENIX - DECEMBER 21: Zydrunas Ilgauskas #11 of the Cleveland Cavaliers puts up a shot during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 21, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 109-91. NOTE TO USER: Use

When Z left for Miami the Cavs lost a fan favorite in Cleveland. He was a class act and didn't complain about what his role was with the team. Even though he saw his minutes diminish in his last year he still had alright numbers. In just over 20 minutes a game he had 7.4 ppg. and 5.4 rpg.

Shaquille O'Neal

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BOSTON - MAY 13: Shaquille O'Neal #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers tries to take a shot as Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics defends during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA playoffs at TD Garden on May 13, 2010 in Boston,

Even though Shaq only gave the Cavs just over 23 minutes a game he still was pretty productive. He led the team in blocked shots and averaged over 12 points a game. He played below average defense but was still a big body that could clog up the middle and give some hard fouls when they were needed. This year they are soft in the paint and have a tough time matching up with bigger centers.

Delonte West

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BOSTON - MAY 09: Delonte West #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers takes a shot in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA playoffs at TD Garden on May 9, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. T

Delonte was a guy that could come off the bench and put up some points while the starters were resting. He was usually consistent on the court and could be counted on for a few buckets a game. He could also play both guard spots and was a good defender.

The Fans

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CLEVELAND - MAY 28: Fans wave a Cavaliers flag during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic during the 2009 Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 28, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User

During the Lebron James era "The Q" was one of the best home court advantages. The fans brought it each and every night. It was a tough place to play for any opponent. Now, even though the fans still come out to show their support, that electricity that used to be just isn't there anymore. I don't blame the fans either. Its almost impossible to get loud and cheer when your team is gettin hammered night in and night out.

Conclusion

If the Cavaliers didn't lose any of these guys I still think they would be a bad team but I do think they would at least be somewhat respectable. Instead of playing Manny Harris, Ryan Hollins, and Samardo Samuels they could of had Delonte, Z, and Shaq. I know its not like these guys are stars but they are veterans that know what it takes to win in the NBA and could give a little bit of leadership to the younger guys.