Welcome to the second addition of my training camp preview with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In my first part I previewed the guards in which Mo Williams & company will look to take control of this team. Now it’s on to the forwards, in which things will look a little different this season from than others in the past.Without the former “King” in town, there's a big gap in the small forward position. Who is going to step up and take advantage of an open starting role? Who will try and fill LeBron’s shoes at the 3 spot? Let’s take a look at the candidates and the other forwards.
Forwards:
Jamario Moon—The highflying former globetrotter is one of three players that are in the running for the starting spot to replace LeBron James. Last season the high-octane jumper averaged close to 17 minutes a game, while scoring just under 5 PPG. Moon will have an advantage over the others because of his well known defense. He also showed Cavalier fans that he could shoot the ball from 3-point range. Moon is a high flyer and has enough athleticism to get him the starting spot.
Joey Graham—In 63 games with the Denver Nuggets last season, Graham played in just 12 minutes of action a night. The man with a 6 foot 7" 225 lb. body frame averaged 4.2 PPG and 2.9 rebounds a game. Graham showed last season that he could be a scorer in the league, scoring 21 points against Utah and 20 points against Golden State. However, inconsistency was Graham’s middle name and the Cavaliers will be looking for more from him this season. Graham is also known as a good defender, and that might help him make a case for a starting role.
Jawad Williams—Yes, the hometown native (not LeBron James) will finally have a chance to step out of the shadow. Williams signed a one-year deal this offseason to remain with the Cavaliers. Last season Jawad played in 54 games (six starts), and averaged 4.1 PPG while shooting a career best 39%, playing just over 13 minutes a game. Williams showed that he could shoot the ball extremely well last season and could stretch the floor. His offensive skills will be his best argument for the starting role.
Antawn Jamison— Do not sleep on the 34 year old veteran. Jamison will look to make big strides in Coach Scott’s up-tempo system. When Jamison played for Eddie Jordan in Washington, he averaged 20 a game. Jordan used the same style of offense Coach Scott will be using for the Cavaliers. Jamison could thrive in the system and by the end of the year could end up being in the starting role at the 3. There will be times in which Byron Scott will play Jamison a lot. But as of right now the word is he will be the sixth man, but likely could end up playing a huge role for the Cavaliers.
Christian Eyenga—Standing at 6 foot 6", I guess you could have put him with the guards but he is could also be used as a small forward. With his athleticism and length it would make more since to play him at the 3. Anyways, this young man out of Kinshasa, Dominican Republic of Congo has lots of upside. The young man is very athletic and can jump out of the gym. This season Eyenga will be learning the game and also also the language (English), and eventually could be a nice player in the upcom
ing seasons.
JJ Hickson—JJ Hickson will be a huge piece for the Cavaliers this season. The projected starting power forward will be one of the center pieces this year. A good finisher at the rim and a very athletic forward, Hickson has all the upside that any team wants in a player. No wonder why the Cavaliers wouldn’t trade him the past two seasons. Last season he showed glimpses of greatness yet at other times showed a lack of focus. This season the Cavaliers will look for that same greatness with 100% focus.
Samardo Samuels—I have high hopes for this kid. Consider at one time during his freshman year at Louisville as the best offensive forward the kid soon went undrafted. Samuels is another young gunner and has all the upside. Samuels has a lot of offensive tools in his arsenal and hopefully he will get a chance to show them. In a few years I bet Samuels will be a solid if not great player. This season may be more of the learning side, but he could earn himself some opportunities.
Leon Powe—Everybody is seeming to forget about Leon. Back in Boston, Leon was considered a great power forward before he got injured. While still young and stating that he is 100 percent back to normal, Powe is looking for a comeback season. A smart player who knows how to get to the line will be key for this man to get minutes. His hustle and determination, to go along with his experience playing with a former champion will also bring leadership.
With training camp right around the corner it looks like a three-man race between, Moon, Graham and Williams to take the starting role. However, don’t forget about Jamison as he might make some people question the previous statement.
All for One. One for All.
Keep your heads up Cleveland
Still winless in 2011, the Cleveland Cavaliers dropped their 19th straight, 117 to 103, against the Denver Nuggets.
The Cavaliers did however, set a new franchise record, losing 28 out of their last 29 games and have now lost 18 in a row thanks to the Celtics. We've also lost 22 games in a row on the road.
The red-hot Antawn Jamison, who has been averaging just over 23 a game in January, had 12 points and shot 5-14 from the field. Christian Eyenga continued his strong play as well, showing the Cavaliers what he could become. He continued to knock down shots and showed great athleticism, finishing with 15 points.
