Tonight at 7:30PM EST, The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Boston Celtics as both teams get the 2009 – 2010 season underway.
Here’s the latest Team Report from Yahoo! Sports:
When the Cavaliers were rudely ousted from the playoffs last year by the Orlando Magic, general manager Danny Ferry knew what he had to do. Ferry knew he must find a center to deal with Orlando’s powerful center Dwight Howard. He also realized they needed to find some defensive-minded athletic wing players.
He was able to trade for Shaquille O’Neal and sign free agents Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon. Those parts were added to a 66-win team, best in the league. Now the Cavs feel they are poised to make a serious run at their first NBA championship.
They already have perhaps the best player in the league in LeBron James. Of course, he’s coming off a season when he averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists en route to his first Most Valuable Player Award.
They also have two other former All-Stars on the roster in point guard Mo Williams and center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. They have a talented and deep roster that is battle-tested. Just making it to the Eastern Conference finals this year won’t do. Expectations have grown so large, if they don’t win a ring, it could be a disappointing season.
On paper, they don’t have many weaknesses, even though the Delonte West situation might fester all season. He’s been dealing with personal problems throughout training camp.
COACHING STAFF: Head Coach — Mike Brown, 5th year overall, all with Cavs (211-117). Assistants — Mike Malone, Melvin Hunt, Chris Jent, Hank Egan.
LAST SEASON, REMEMBERED: 66-16 (1st in Central), Lost in the Eastern Conference finals to Orlando.
THIS SEASON, PREDICTED: 63-19 (1st in Central), beat L.A. Lakers in NBA Finals.
POSSIBLE CHANGES, PREDICTED: The offense might go through C Shaquille O’Neal, a big change from what it has been in the past. New offensive coordinator Mike Malone is exploring ways to best utilize the big man. F LeBron James has never played off a player of this caliber before, so it’s something to keep one’s eye on.
Expectations are high… Let’s look at that prediction from Yahoo! — 63-19 (1st in Central), beat L.A. Lakers in NBA Finals
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