Point Guard Controversy: What the Cavaliers Can Learn from the Browns

The great debate in Cleveland is no longer who will be playing quarterback for the Browns, but who will be the starting point guard for the Cavaliers.

Cavs coach Byron Scott faces a challenge that has cost numerous Browns' head coaches their jobs; finding the right balance between competition and development for the most important position on the field of play.  

Start the veteran, take it slow with a rookie, or give a chance to the journeyman, the Browns have tried it all.  

Now the Cavaliers will attempt to find the best route for rebuilding the franchise. while not losing the fans in the process.

Here are lessons the Cavs could learn from the Browns' past decade of trial and error. 

Make Room for an All-Star

The best season by a Browns quarterback since their return in 1999 might have never happened if it wasn't for the snap decision to bench and trade Charlie Frye to the Raiders in 2007.    

Derek Anderson stepped in and powered the Browns' high-flying offense, throwing for over 3700 yards, and 29 touchdowns. He represented the Browns in the Pro Bowl after the surprising 10 win season. 

What the Cavs Should Learn: If Kyrie Irving is ready to be an all-star, then clear the way. Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions don't necessarily need to be traded if the right opportunity isn't available, but the majority of the minutes should go to Irving.

When to Sit a Struggling Veteran

Last year's season opener saw Jake Delhomme lead the Browns at quarterback, supported by hopes of his experience and mentor-ship of Colt McCoy would improve the team for the future. 

Jake Delhomme's injuries and inconsistency did nothing for the Browns win column, as Delhomme appeared to have lost confidence in his game.

Colt McCoy was able to step in and gain valuable leadership experience that has proven beneficial during the NFL work stoppage with his coordinating of "Camp Colt." 

What the Cavs Should Learn: If Baron Davis loses his dedication to the team, then the Cavs should cut their losses and either sit or trade him.   

Trial by fire might be the best approach for Kyrie Irving to develop his on-court skills, but also his leadership with the team.  

Injuries Happen and Fans Don't Buy Tickets for the NBDL

The 2008 Cleveland Browns were riddled by injuries, requiring Derek Anderson, Ken Dorsey, Brady Quinn, Bruce Gradkowski and even Josh Cribbs to play quarterback. The season ended with a disappointing four wins, and the need to clean house at the quarterback position. Romeo Crennel was fired following the previous year's 10 win performance. 

Chris Palmer's tenure with the Browns was also cut short due to quarterback injuries during the 2000 season. Doug Pederson and Spergon Wynn combined for a total of one win after Tim Couch went down to an injury in game seven.

What the Cavs Should Learn: Things can get pretty ugly when you go three, four, or five rungs down the depth chart. If fans don't recognize key players, they will start to turn on the team, or even worse, stop caring. Trading away Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions would leave the Cavs one play away from misery.

Athleticism Doesn't Compensate for Playing out of Position

Towards the end of the injury-plagued 2008 season, fans clamored for Josh Cribbs to start at quarterback. Cribbs was having a good season as a kick-returner and fans wanted to see Cribbs return to the same position he played at nearby Kent State. 

When Josh was given brief opportunities to play quarterback, nothing magical happened as the Browns playbook shrunk due to Cribbs' limited time under center. 

What the Cavs Should Learn: Kyrie Irving, Baron Davis and Ramon Sessions are best suited for playing point guard. Playing two of these players in the backcourt at the same time should not be used as a reason to avoid getting a shooting guard through a trade or free agency.

Losing for Too Long Will Ruin a Player

Tim Couch came to Cleveland as the savior for the Browns. Couch couldn't be played quick enough, after seeing Ty Detmer throw for 53 yards against the Steelers.  

Couch only played five years of professional football due to the mental and physical beating he experienced, which transformed him into a major draft bust. Couch might have performed better on a superior team, but without surrounding talent, he never realized his full potential. 

What the Cavs Should Learn: Building a team through the draft is a solid approach, but the first class of draft picks might be lost to free agency or burn out from playing for a bad team. 

Any shortcuts that can be taken through free agency and trades should be considered. The Cavs should already be applauded for taking on Baron Davis' contract to get the Clippers' first round pick, a move that has accelerated their return to prominence.