Finally, A Cleveland Team To Get Excited About!
October 27, 2009Cavaliers Preview Game #1: Celtics at Cavs
October 27, 2009While we will have a preview of the Cavs/Celtics game coming up a bit later today, those fans looking forward to seeing Delonte West return to the court may have to wait just a bit longer.
While George Thomas of the ABJ reported that guard Delonte West was in fact at Quicken Loans Arena, Brian Windhorst quickly followed up with a note that West is in fact doubtful to suit up for tonight’s game.
If this were the NFL, West would be given a 25 percent shot at playing. Earlier this week, LeBron James (among others) stated that they would love to see West get back on the court given all that has happened to him over the past few months. There is some talk that the team may just reevaluate West’s state of mind closer to tip-off and decide from there, and that this “doubtful” listing may be more of a formality.
Given that West is reportedly more at peace when he is playing the game of basketball, perhaps it would be worth getting Delonte a few token minutes of tonight’s game if only to start things moving in a positive direction. Anthony Parker will start in West’s place, but the Cleveland fan in me is holding out hope that No. 13 at least gets to dress for tonight’s season opener.
8 Comments
I posted something similar to this on the PD’s site, but I want to know what Brown/Ferry’s process is in deciding whether or not Delonte is ready to play. If he’s practicing with the team and participating in the morning shootaround – why is he listed as “doubtful”? Is it Brown’s call based off his read of Delonte’s personality the morning of gameday? If so, couldn’t it change by tonight?
If Delonte himself says he isn’t ready to go that’s one thing, but it’s starting to feel like the best thing for all involved, especially Delonte, is to get him out on the court & into the routine of the season. If he’s practicing with the team he should play, or at least try & give it a go. I’ve got to thing the fan support tonight would be overwhelming if he were to step out on the floor.
Haha, I love that picture.
Personally, I’d like to see the Cavs give Delonte a couple weeks to work some things out in his life, so that he’s completely focused when he’s back. I know he’s a vital part of the team, but there are more important things than a game and it’s more important to have him later in the season than it is to have him right now.
I’d still say there is a decent if not better possibility D suits up and gets some token minutes, if only for his own confidence and to hear the home crowd offer support. I’d put good odds on that happening-I’ll be there either way.
Hot sauce in my bag 🙁
Windhorst just said in his chat that it’s mostly Ferry & the doctors working w/Delonte that are making the call on him playing…
I’m wondering if taking Delonte’s return reeeeee-heally slowly is the best option for DELONTE. Is it better for him if Mike dances around with the “we’ll see” and “don’t want to push him to far too fast” statements… or if he’s thrust back into what we all know seems to stabilize him the best: the game of basketball.
Of course, I have to factor in the fact that he probably will be suspended, and if the back-and-forth of having him/not having him will hurt the team as a whole. In that case, best to have D come off the bench & stick with Anthony as the starter… until Delonte proves he’s stable, focused, and back to being the Delonte we all know.
is this tshirt real? where can i find this?
@Chris – Definitely real, you can get it here – http://ilovethehype.com/home/?page_id=94&category=1&product_id=7