Cleveland Cavaliers Fans: Eight Things to Watch for in the Last Eight Games
With a 15-59 record and baseball season opening nationwide, it could be very tempting to stop paying attention to a bad Cavaliers team for the casual fan.
But for the true fans out there, don't let this happen to you! Eight games remain on the April schedule with plenty of interesting story lines to pay attention to for next November.
Baron Davis now in the starting lineup, Ryan Hollins is looking like a basketball player, and the magic of beating the Heat still hanging in the arena are just some of the reasons to keep watching.
Let's take a look at the others.
Progression of Ramon Sessions
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Sessions finds himself back in a bench role with Baron Davis recently inserted into the starting lineup.
Despite being the teams best, and most consistent, player this season a benching role hasn't resulted in a coach-bashing media tirade. His character is too great for that.
Still under contract for the next two seasons, Sessions future with the team could be in jeopardy if the Cavaliers select Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker in the June draft. It is unlikely Cleveland would carry three starting-caliber point guards on their roster, and with Davis's contract being the hardest to move, Sessions could be dealt.
That would be an utter shame too, as Ramon's 36 minute statline reads like that of an All-Star's this year at 17.4ppg, 4.3rbg, and 7.2apg.
Keep on an eye on his minutes, and his production, in the final games. They could very well be the deciding factor on how the Cavs decide to draft.
Ryan Hollins: One Game Fluke or the Start of Something?
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The win against the Heat was a coming out party for Ryan Hollins, who registered 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 blocks while registering a +33 on court performance.
Granted this came against the Heat centers, but still.
Hollins probably wouldn't sniff the court for most teams, but has been forced to start recently for the Cavs because he's, well, tall.
Baron Davis has also seemed to bring out the best in Hollins, if only to coax the Bruin in him out of hibernation.
Hollins clearly isn't the answer at center, but I no longer believe he'll be released this summer as previously suspected. Gotta start somewhere, right?
J.J. Hickson Continuing Successful Spring?
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Hickson has finally been moved back to his natural spot at power forward, and has responded with some monster games.
A 17-point and 17-rebound effort against the Nets, 24 and 15 against the Pistons, and a 21 and 12 night in a win over the Heat prove that he belongs as a starter in this league.
Per 36 minutes, Hickson puts up 17.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a contest. Imagine what a full season at power forward and not center would produce?
Say what you want about his early season struggles, but I've seen a completely different J.J. recently.
Before he would only bring it once every few games. Thanks to coach Scott and a move back to his natural position, he's been bringing it every night and hopefully, for a long time to come with the Cavaliers.
Alonzo Gee Sticking as a Starter?
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Gee was averaging over 20ppg in the NBA D-League this season before the Cavs signed him after releasing Jawad Williams (and you thought Cavs management never did anything right).
Gee started every game for the Cavs in March at small forward, and while the stats don't necessarily reflect it, played pretty well for them.
For the month he averaged 8.1ppg and 4.4rbg in 25 minutes a contest. His athleticism is something to keep an eye on though, and he won't turn 24 until May.
Gee is one of the few Cavaliers that can attack the hoop, something he should do far more often based on his .848 free throw percentage in March.
How well he plays going forward could also affect the draft plans, as a strong April could lead the Cavs to draft center or guard before addressing the small forward position.
Will We See Semih?
5 of 8Semih Erden, in case you've forgotten, is the 7-foot Turkish center the Cavaliers acquired along with Luke Harangody from the Celtics for a second round pick.
Erden has only played in one game for the Cavs thus far due to a groin injury. There's a good chance he could be out held out for the remaining eight games, but also a slim chance he could return next week.
While there shouldn't be any rush to return him this season, Erden remains a very intriguing piece to the Cavaliers future puzzle because of his height and athleticism. He started two games for the Celtics this season and played well, one in which he registered 10 points seven rebounds and a team high plus/minus rating of +34.
With the Cavs so short (literally) of big men inside, it would be great to see Erden get some game action in April to see how he fits into future plans.
The Growth of the Rookies
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The Cavaliers rookie class of Christian Eyenga, Samardo Samuels, Luke Harangody and Manny Harris have each shown flashes of brilliance at times, but have also looked as confused as Charlie Sheen in a church at others.
Sporatic playing times, lineup changes and roster shakeups haven't helped, but it's clear there is some talent to be coached out of this group.
Harangody and Harris can step in and provide instant offense. Eyenga could develop into a very good perimeter defender and slasher and Samuels a gifted rebounder and post defender.
As of right now though, Eyenga's jumpshooting still makes you wince and look away and Samuels is about as graceful as a rhinoceros, but both could develop into very nice role players, if not more.
Pay attention to all four during the last few weeks and watch them play their hearts out for court time next year.
How Will Baron Davis Mesh with a Young Team?
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I have to admit, I've been pleasantly surprised with the play of Davis for the Cavs thus far. Yes, he's missed his share of games with injuries but when he's been on the court he's been a true game-changer.
Davis adds a different element to a young team searching for a leader. Antawn Jamison filled that role in some capacity, but it's different with a dynamic point guard like Davis.
Baron has been a pass-first point guard in his time with the Cavs, something not seen from him since, well, maybe ever. With a reputation of being lazy and chucking up threes as soon as he gets down the court, Davis's play as been exactly the opposite. You can tell even on plays he drives to the hoop that he's always looking for the cutting teammate or the spot up three shooter. He has tremendous court vision that could rival that of the NBA's best.
The question is, how long will Davis keep his team-first attitude and play if the Cavs go on an extending losing streak? What happens if Cleveland gets off to another awful season next year with Davis playing his heart out? Or if they draft a young point guard to be the face of the franchise?
So far so good for the Baron Davis project, but the final grade is definitely TBD.
Will Byron Scott's Patience Run Thin?
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Byron Scott should be an NBA Coach of the Year candidate. I'm serious. He obviously won't be, and there are a few more deserving candidates, but in terms of what he's done with a team that had it's heart and soul ripped from it last summer, got ravaged by injuries this season and forced to play four rookies and a D-Leaguer big minutes all while dealing with constant media and fan criticism, Scott has done an unbelievable job.
Notorious for developing young point guards, Scott has guided Ramon Sessions to near All-Star play, made J.J. Hickson a (gulp) consistent offensive threat and handled Baron Davis's supposed attitude beautifully.
After every game if you look at Scott's face and overall demeanor you can't tell a difference between a 30 point loss or a 10 point win. He stays calm with his young players but has also gotten on them when he needed to.
My concern is, if the team gives up the last eight games despite his pleading will Scott get frustrated enough that he pursues another coaching position?
I know a job opening in LA that might look pretty darn attractive to a former Laker like Scott.
I don't know the details of his contract, but the Cavs need Scott back next year to have any chance of a turnaround. Byron is a true professional and someone I hope coaches the Cavaliers for a long time to come.
Let's hope he feels the same.
