Cliff Lee: Um… Yeah. You’re Welcome.
August 26, 2009Former Buckeye Trapasso Trying to Make Name for Himself
August 26, 2009
ESPN asked 53 basketball analysts (and apparently every one else at their lunch table) to predict who would be the best newcomer this season. Blake Griffin (1 vote) was the only rookie mentioned, so the question really was which team made the best off-season acquisition. The Spurs ‘won’ the poll so to speak with Richard Jefferson (14 votes). Can’t say that I would be able to disagree with that. He is a perfect fit for that team and their needs. If he stays healthy he will help them contend in the West next season.
In second was our own Shaquille O’Neal. (By the way, it still sounds weird to call Shaq our own. Probably always will.) Shaq received 8 votes, edging Ron Artest (6). Here is what the article had to say about the Cavs new lost post weapon-
Witness this: Seven of our voters — and Cleveland’s front office — are banking on a motivated Shaq to take the Cavs to new heights. Although some wonder whether Shaq can take a backseat to LeBron or handle Dwight Howard come playoff time, there’s no question there’s still some Diesel left in the tank. Adding his post presence to a team that won 66 games last season without one makes Shaq’s mission — “Win a ring for the King” — look highly possible.
Take this poll with a grain of salt. The Cavaliers’ off-season is all over the charts when it comes to ‘experts’ and analysts. But obviously we hope they are right. But if the Cavs are going to win a title this season, it won’t just be because of Shaq and LeBron. The Cavs will have to get better production from the backcourt against top level opponents. The bench is another area that has to, and should improve dramatically. With Zydrunas coming off the bench, plus Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker the second unit will have some scoring capabilities. Add Leon Powe for the second half of the season and you have your toughness off the bench.
The picture is from the Cavaliers’ official site, which has an awesome comic book hero theme for the team. You should check it out.
10 Comments
I think that the Cavs should get more scoring off the bench – which would have carried them to a championship this year if they had it. You can survive on 6-10 points a night off of your bench. This year, they should have a higher quality of depth. Go Cavs!!
At center, #33, from LSU……..The Big Witness Protection…………Shaqeeeeel Oneeeeeeeeeeeeeel. And at forward, from Akron St. Vincent St. Mary…………
Can’t wait to hear Olivier Sedra hit those chords.
This files smack in the face of what the Wall Street Journal said! What does ESPN know anyways…
espn doesnt know a darn thing! they also have a follow-up article that Shaq is the 4th worst acquisition. personally, i think its a solid move. its not like they gave up anyone of significance to get him. to me its a low risk, high reward proposition.
@Isis – Olivier doesn’t do the introductions. Ahmad does.
I’m not sure whether I’m happy or disappointed no one took the opportunity to use the term “Shaquisition.” Also, I was going to point out what mike already had, that Shaq is also the 4th worst acquisition.
i think danny ferry used that joke at the initial press conference.
Shaq was only the 4th worst acquisition because we had to give up Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to get him. I mean anytime you have a chance at being the team that gets to buy-out 2 players of that caliber, it’s just a tough thing to pass on.
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[…] are they still only fourth best? Examiner 2009-10 Predictions: Best Newcomer Waiting for Next Year Shaq Acquisition Considered Second Best This Summer Dueling Couches Top 25 Under 25: #13 Rajon Rondo Our Sports Central NBA Development League […]