About Jamario Moon’s Minutes
It is pretty much a consensus opinion that the Cavaliers are a better team when Delonte West is available to play. Whether it be defense, chemistry/timing, or the occasional need for points, West has the ability to positively effect the Cavaliers on both ends of the floor.
But while West’s return was thought to result in limited minutes for Daniel “Spiderman” Gibson, the guillotine fell on those of forward Jamario Moon who only managed to get on the floor for two minutes in a double-digit win over the Charlotte Bobcats.
Previously, Moon recorded 14, 19 and 14 minutes respectively, with his best game coming against the Toronto Raptors where he registered nine points, six rebounds and an assist. Moon has shown some flashes of athleticism on both ends of the floor, but – like Shaquille O’Neal and Anthony Parker – has been in a bit of flux when it comes to spacing and executing consistently on the offensive end.
But when it would have been time for Moon to enter the game against the Bobcats, coach Mike Brown for either a smaller lineup or gave frontcourt minutes to JJ Hickson (13 minutes).
For what it is worth, the rotation against the Bobcats:
- O’Neal replaced by Ilgauskas
- Parker replaced by West
- Varejao replaced by Hickson
- Williams replaced by Gibson
In the second quarter, the lineup that took the floor was Gibson, West, Parker, Ilgauskas and Hickson.
LeBron James then replaced West, Shaq came in for Z, Mo came in for Boobie and the starting five was on the floor.
Later in the game, we saw the entire starting five from last season featuring James, Varejao, Z, Mo and Delonte. Again, no room for Moon.
Of course, the team is still looking to figure out what rotations work best. And we all know that Mike Brown has been quick to give Hickson the hook at the onset of any mental mistakes. Alas, things could change. However, it is hard to argue with a rotation that worked, even if it did result in a lack of playing time for a specific player. This is the downside to having more depth this season than in those past, someone is bound to be left out.
Keep an eye on things tomorrow against Washington. Their roster mimics Charlotte/Minnesota in terms of size with Brendan Haywood and Andray Blatche than it does Boston or Toronto. Given the lack of the stretch forward (given Antawn Jamsion’s injury), the Cavs can utilize their size and play the game as they prefer.
Things could get interesting later in the week against the Magic, but for now, Jamario Moon appears to be the odd man out.
–
(Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Moon, to me, just seems disinterested out there. I can’t put my finger on it but something about him makes me think he couldn’t care less about not playing. I hop I’m wrong. I think he is going to be important when we play teams like Orlando and Boston with Sheed. I think JJ or Moon is a push at this point. At least with Moon you have someone who knows where they are supposed to be. I’m not sure if he cares enough to do it or not…
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
We don’t play the Magic until next week… perhaps you meant the Bull this week?
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I “hope” in addition to “hop” I’m wrong, above. Thank you.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Moon is strictly a utility role player-he shouldn’t get regular rotation minutes. He’s very limited-tends to prefer to shoot 3’s than use his athleticism. Unfortunately, the Cavs weren’t able to get a few of the players higher on their list and had to “settle” for Moon. Take a look at Channing Frye, for example-starting for Phoenix and popping 3’s and scoring over 20ppg. Frye would have come at a much lower price-tag as well, but I believe he lived near the Phx. area and preferred that locale.
Nothing against Moon…..he’s just very very limited. My best hope is that he can spot up some D against certain matchups. I will say he’s gotta be mighty happy at a guaranteed 6 Million/2 years given his pedigree.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:56 pm
“Frye would have come at a much lower price-tag as well, but I believe he lived near the Phx. area and preferred that locale.”
Correct. And the playing time. He wouldn’t have gotten the minutes. Plus, he only signed a one-year deal because he wants more money next year, so he’s playing balls out. Sure, that would have been nice to have, but he didn’t want to be eighth banana.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
On Isis’ point about Moon’s athleticism, Moon seems athletic like someone with new superpowers. He appears to overshoot his mark when jumping, like “Whoa!”
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Matt, I felt the same way about Hickson at times last year. I compared him to a labrodore puppy with insane athleticism, but huge paws that he couldn’t get out of his own way.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
If the staff is letting him know where he belongs, then fine. I would assume he would get more minutes vs some teams than others based on match-ups.
Maybe against Charlotte he knew he’d only be getting garbage minutes, but against bigger teams he’ll play more quality time.
/just thinking off the top of my head
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Nice! Yeah, this is going to be pretty interesting to watch throughout the season . . . especially if we’re able to stay relatively healthy.
Coach Brown has to get the defense back up to speed, and Mike Malone has to develop an evolving offense incorporating Shaq, AP, and even Jamario . . . but I think this rotation issue is where Mike Brown’s coaching will be ultimately evaluated this year.
The team has more talent than it ever has, and it’s Brown’s responsibility to manage the players against the opponents and into the situations that give them (and the team) the best chance to be successful. And do that without anyone becoming disgruntled or rusty over losing minutes in certain games.
Ideally, the Cavs can get into a groove early in the season like they did last year, and allow LeBron to get close to 30 minutes . . . and Mo, Delonte and AP to be under 30. That’ll free up some minutes to work with the new guys and see some more of J.J. Hickson.
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I don’t see the point in playing Boobie Gibson unless it’s late in the game and you are trying to spread the floor.
For as “limited” as Jamario Moon may be, he is a much better defender than Gibson and probably a better shooter outside of spot up 3s.
Boobie hasn’t even played that bad, I just don’t know why he’s getting so many minutes handling the ball.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Tsunami-better shooter? I know Boobie has been struggling, but when they Cavs are at full completment and can use Boobie to spread the floor and spot up and shoot 3’s, he’s very effective. Jamario flat out can’t shoot, unless it’s a dunk-just watch. I repeat, he’s “limited”-there is a reason he was a 28 year old before he ever made an NBA team. Again, not here to knock Jamario-but I will tell you he was far from the Cavs preferred option. Give Boobie time to get back into his best spot in the rotation, he’s out of position playing point guard minutes for the time being.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Tsunami,
I have a low basketball IQ. Help me out with “unless its late in the game and you are trying to spread the floor.” What makes spreading the floor more advantageous during the waning minutes than during the earlier minutes?
Thanks.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
That question is to anyone with knowledge, by the way.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Hopefully Moon will get more minutes when the Cavs are blowing people out and Lebron sits 4th quarters. That should be a nice luxury to have.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I’d guess it’s worthwhile to spread the floor late in games if we’re trailing. Putting three or four shooters out their opens up the lanes for LeBron to drive, hopefully get a chance for a three-point play and, most importantly, stop the clock by getting fouled.
Then if they start to collapse on him, he passes out to the open shooters and they’d ideally do their jobs and hit their 3s.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:24 pm
im excited to see how well delonte plays against arenas.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:38 am
I wouldn’t worry too much about Moon. It’s not like college where he might transfer out due to lack of PT. As stated above, he’s making millions to sit the bench for a good team, stay in shape, and step up if there is an injury this year. Not a bad gig if you can get it.