Browns release defensive lineman Shaun Smith
August 8, 2009Lonnie Chisenhall Promoted to Double-A Akron
August 8, 2009According to the ever-informative Twitter page of Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst, contract negotiations with unrestricted free agent PF Leon Powe have not made any recent progress. There certainly appears to be nothing imminent despite the fact it was previously reported that Cleveland is Powe’s preferred destination. The 25-year-old forward already has been a big talking point for many fans this summer, and would be a huge boost to the Cavaliers bench. All summer the team and GM Danny Ferry have been looking for complimentary back-ups to insure the best 12-man roster possible. Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker were the first two signings, while more are on their way it seems.
One name that Windhorst also mentioned in his tweet was two-time former Cav PF Joe Smith. The super-stretch forward Smith was a no.1-pick back in the day out of Maryland and is nothing but a solid veteran who will take on any role given to him. The difference between Smith and Powe however, is that Powe is currently rehabbing from yet another knee surgery and will not be playing until probably the beginning of 2010.
On the flip side of that injury is Powe’s youth and potential as already described in this fake recap of a 2010 Eastern Conference Finals game between the Celtics and Cavs. While Smith would be a consistent force all year, Powe would in essence simply be a boost for the second half of the season and the playoffs. Either one would probably bump JJ Hickson and/or Darnell Jackson out of regular playing time, but at least they are legitimate options with playoff experience. Here is a look at how the roster currently stands for the Cavs:
Starting C Shaquille O’Neal
Starting PF Anderson Varejao
Starting SF LeBron James
Starting SG Delonte West
Starting PG Mo Williams
Bench C Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Bench PF JJ Hickson
Bench PF Darnell Jackson
Bench SF Jawad Williams
Bench SF Jamario Moon
Bench SF Danny Green
Bench SG Anthony Parker
Bench PG Daniel Gibson
There are 13 players currently signed and with the team waiving Tarence Kinsey two weeks ago, it appears that two bare minimum roster spots are still available. Other possible candidates after Powe/Smith for the last spot include recently released 39-year-old SF Bruce Bowen and a back-up point guard such as Anthony Carter or Brevin Knight.
4 Comments
Leon better make up his mind soon, or Joe Smith will be rejoining the Cavs. Joe Smith can provide meaningful big-man insurance and mentoring to JJ, is a well like teamate, and a fan favorite. I would have absolutely no issue having Joe continue to be part of this team. (unlike Lorenzen Wright, JS is a veteran who can contribute).
Joe Smith can not contribute when it matters. So no thanks to him.
Joe smith is the best choice leon powe is not a solid player right now.
why cant the Cavs take out darnell jackson and jj.Hickson and put powe and smith?I would pick bruce bowen over carter and Knight.where is Wally sczhebiak anyways.
[…] long ago when contract talks between the Cavaliers and forward Leon Powe were being categorized as slowing down, we get news late last night that Powe is in fact traveling to Cleveland today to meet with team […]