November 29, 200717 yr ^unfortunately, Andy may simply want to feed at the already over-generous trough that is the Cavs. Have you seen the contracts we're paying Hughes, Snow, Donyell and even Z? Bloated isn't even the word them. Andy's clearly not worth what he's asking, but he's the sacraficial lamb here b/c Cleveland and the rest of the league are seeking to pull up the gang plank on players seeking the Nene contract. Makes sense, but for the Cavs, we simply have to weather these contracts till they come off the books; and kiss Andy goodbye, perhaps... Only then can we, maybe, go sign a legit bigtime free agent.
November 29, 200717 yr ^ i hope that happens before the cavs lose lebron. speaking of the big fella, how bad is his pistons blowout game injury?
November 30, 200717 yr This season has me really down on Danny Ferry. I have no idea what he's doing. Right now, we're stuck with Larry Hughes until the end of NEXT season. They need to get rid of him! Who knows what the answer is. Dan Gilbert isn't going to stand for mediocrity, though, I'm confident. Even at the worst of times, I guess we can comfort ourselves in this: At least we're not the Knicks.
November 30, 200717 yr ^unfortunately, Andy may simply want to feed at the already over-generous trough that is the Cavs. Have you seen the contracts we're paying Hughes, Snow, Donyell and even Z? Bloated isn't even the word them. Andy's clearly not worth what he's asking, but he's the sacraficial lamb here b/c Cleveland and the rest of the league are seeking to pull up the gang plank on players seeking the Nene contract. Makes sense, but for the Cavs, we simply have to weather these contracts till they come off the books; and kiss Andy goodbye, perhaps... Only then can we, maybe, go sign a legit bigtime free agent. ^ Sad, but true. When you put it like that, you almost don't blame Andy for asking for the amount he wants. None the less, he ain't gonna get it here.
December 4, 200717 yr Everyone says Varejao is dumb to sign this offer sheet with Charlotte, but the poison pill would allow him to opt-out after two years. So I guess he feels after 2 more years he'll be able to get a 5 year mega-million dollar deal somewhere.. although I doubt this will happen. This is the case of: the agent who promised too much.
December 4, 200717 yr Bobcats, Varejao agree on three-year offer sheet Tuesday, December 4, 2007 CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In need of a big man, the Charlotte Bobcats reached agreement Tuesday on a three-year offer sheet with Cleveland restricted free agent Anderson Varejao, giving the Cavaliers a week to match the deal or lose him. A source close to the Cavs told ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan that Cleveland plans to match the offer sheet, meaning Varajao should be back in a Cavs uniform toward the end of this week. ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher reported the offer sheet is worth $17.4 million, which would fit the Bobcats' mid-level salary cap exception. According to ESPN.com's Chad Ford, the offer sheet includes an opt-out clause after year two, meaning Varejao could become a free agent again in the summer of 2009. The 6-foot-10 Varejao has been in a prolonged contract dispute with the Cavaliers, who had offered him a deal worth approximately $20 million over three years. Full story at http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3141032
December 5, 200717 yr As long as they don't do some stupid trade for a PG with an expiring contract.. NEVER EVER EVER trade big for small.
December 5, 200717 yr More Than A Bruise December 4, 2007 Mike Brown knows LeBron James wants to be on the court. The extent of the injury, however, is more than a mere bruise, Brown said. It's a slow process, the injury he has," Brown said. "It's a funny injury when you're talking about your knuckles and your fingers. When you get that ball in your hand, you have a lot of guys swiping at it. Officials think he's the strongest human in the world, but it's a tough thing to have to deal with." More at www.espn.com
December 5, 200717 yr Finger Worries Cavs December 5, 2007 The Cavaliers keep saying they are thinking "day-to-day" about LeBron James, but in reality, it is more month-to-month. It isn't the sprain to James' left index finger that the Cavs are worried about, it's the potential of a resprain -- which is why he sat out his third consecutive game Tuesday. According to team sources, he's very likely to sit out tonight's game at the Washington Wizards, and he might even sit out the rest of the week. The Cavs are wary about James' finger becoming an issue for the rest of the season, because his fingers and hands take such a beating during the course of a normal game. Opposing teams will certainly be aware of it and might even target James' hand, especially as they slap at the ball as he drives to the basket often. -- More at www.espn.com
December 5, 200717 yr Bucher: Cavs Miscalculated December 5, 2007 ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher reports the Cleveland Cavaliers figured restricted free agent Anderson Varejao had three options: sign a five-year deal with them on their terms, play for a pittance in Europe or sit unpaid in his Brazil home for the rest of the season. They figured way wrong. By signing a three-year qualifying offer worth $17.4 million Tuesday from the Charlotte Bobcats, Varejao and his agent, Dan Fegan, now have presented the Cavs with an even shorter menu of far less appetizing options: match an offer they never dreamed of making themselves or let their best defensive man walk for nothing in return. "It did come as a surprise," said Cavs GM Danny Ferry of the offer sheet, "but we will obviously match." -- ESPN The Magazine More at www.espn.com
December 5, 200717 yr Ferry Emerges As Big Winner December 5, 2007 Embattled Cavs general manager Danny Ferry emerges as a big winner from this summer. He held the line on salaries for restricted free agents Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic, and won the staredown in both cases. The team is still over the luxury tax threshold, but by keeping both players for reasonable salaries, Cleveland is much better positioned heading forward. And you'll notice a lot of other general managers and owners breathing a sigh of relief as well. If Varejao had won out and gotten the six-year, $52 million deal he'd originally been seeking, it would have created mayhem in front offices next summer. More at www.espn.com
December 5, 200717 yr I don't know why they worked so hard to come to terms on this deal. Varejao returns to Cavs Posted by Plain Dealer staff December 05, 2007 11:42AM John Kuntz/The Plain Dealer Anderson Varejao is back with the Cavaliers. The Cavs matched the Charlotte Bobcats' contract offer sheet signed by Varejao, General Manager Danny Ferry said Wednesday morning, meaning Varejao is now under contract with the Cavaliers. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Varejao averaged 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds last season, when he played in 81 games, averaging 23.9 minutes per contest. To make room for Varejao on the 15-man roster, the Cavs waived guard/forward Demetris Nichols, who played in three games. More at www.cleveland.com
December 5, 200717 yr they certainly need varejao's energy. the nets game was a disaster. the first half was close, but even then the shooting was atrocious. sideshow wont help that much, but at least he can throw his body around like a wildman and make stuff happen for the cavs. they need some kind of spark.
December 5, 200717 yr Varejao back with Cavs for next three seasons Wednesday, December 5, 2007 ESPN.com news services CLEVELAND -- The Cavaliers will match the three-year offer sheet made by Charlotte to restricted free agent Anderson Varejao, ending a protracted contract dispute that has kept the 6-foot-10 Brazilian sidelined this season. The Bobcats, in need of a big man, reached the $17 million deal Tuesday. The deal gave the Cavaliers a week to match it or lose him. The decision by Cleveland on Wednesday came the morning after the Cavaliers lost their fourth straight game. They are 0-3 without LeBron James, who sprained his left index finger a week ago. Varejao, known for his energy and defense, averaged a career-best 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds last season in helping the Cavaliers reach the NBA Finals for the first time. Varejao could opt out of the deal after the second season and become an unrestricted free agent. Varejao said last week he would prefer to play for another team. Full story at http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3142432&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines
December 5, 200717 yr It's too bad they had to waive Demetris Nichols, he has a lot of talent and could have been a solid player. He wasn't going to help them this year, but could have in the future. Regardless, I really hope that Lebron pulls Varejao aside and gives them the old "I don't give a f*ck what your contract situation was, you go out there and bust your ass" pep talk. We do NOT need someone who is gonna dog it on the court and cause problems in the locker room.
December 6, 200717 yr another blowout. ugly. get back here asap sideshow. get well lebron. check this out. this is beyond belief. the peedee is often negative, but i've never seen them be this cruel before. you can clik here to compare your annual salary to lebron's and andy's (w/ his new contract). warning -- make sure you take a bucket of paxil before you play with this :-o : http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/bigbucks/
December 6, 200717 yr Varejao May Debut Tuesday December 6, 2007 All the tough talk, semantics and posturing aside, Anderson Varejao is now a member of the team again. A period of healing and integration is at hand, as hurt feelings need to be mended on both sides. "It was a long summer, and I'm just glad everything is over, and I am happy now," Varejao said by telephone from Los Angeles. "What was said and done was part of negotiations. I'm grateful to the Bobcats for giving me the contract I wanted, and the rules said the Cavs can match, so I am back." Varejao has to report to Cleveland by Friday to have a physical but then must undergo the tedious process of applying for and obtaining a U.S. work visa. That took Sasha Pavlovic about three days after he ended his holdout last month, so Varejao might not be back on the practice court until next week. More at www.espn.com
December 6, 200717 yr Miller To Heat Or Cavs? December 6, 2007 Sixers veteran point guard Andre Miller was the subject of trade rumors before ed Stefanski was hired. The Celtics don't seem to be in a position to make a run at the coveted Miller, but the Cavaliers and Heat are rumored to have interest. Miller had a game-high 26 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds last night. "You hear rumors all the time," Miller said. "So, the main thing is just to continue to play basketball. Wherever the chips fall, I hope it's a positive thing. I'll just continue to play hard." With Ed Stefanski in and Billy King out, figures to fast track a move with Andre Miller. Yes, it could be as simple as moving Jason Williams' expiring contract and some filler. It has reached the point with Williams where even he has to recognize he is not long for this team, so the Heat might as well move quickly. I'm not sold on Miller, with his lack of long-range accuracy, being the answer. But by now it is clear a shakeup is necessary. More at www,espn.com
December 6, 200717 yr Coach Marshall? December 6, 2007 Ex-Jazz forward Donyell Marshall, writing in his personal blog at www.dmarsh24.com/blog, on his season with the Cleveland Cavaliers being interrupted by an ailing right wrist: "Being hurt has really sharpened my leadership skills with a teammate coming out of the game, being able to talk with them. It's like learning to be an assistant coach. I'm not saying I'm going to retire at the end of this contract and go right into coaching, but there's still things I can work on in case that happens. ... I want to make sure that I have all my tools in place, that I am able to step right in and coach. ... I've never really decided at what level I've wanted to coach yet, but that's something I've always been interested in." -- More at www,espn.com
December 6, 200717 yr Cavs are supposedly in talks with the Nets for Jason Kidd....supposedly he wants out.
December 6, 200717 yr The Cavs are rumored to be interested in every available point guard.. but the quesiton is, who do we have to give them in return? I don't see Jason Kidd in a Cavs uni this year.. Andre Miller, MAYBE.. but that's even a stretch. They can't trade Varejao so who do you give a team? They don't want Damon Jones or Donyell Marshall.. that's for darn sure.
December 6, 200717 yr Tribune news services December 6, 2007 The Nets said Jason Kidd wasn't at Wednesday's 100-93 loss to the Knicks because of a migraine, but according to sources close to the team, the star point guard was staging a protest. The sources said Kidd is upset that the Nets wouldn't grant his recent wish for a $15 million contract extension. It's unclear whether Kidd asked for a trade, but a person with knowledge of the player's thinking said he wouldn't be opposed to playing for the Mavericks, Lakers or Cavaliers. ****** http://www.nypost.com/seven/12062007/sports/nets/knicks_give_nets_migraine_310402.htm Larry Hughes, Eric Snow, & Shannon Brown. They can dumb Snow soon, Brown is showing some promise over the past few games, and maybe they are willing to rebuild (take an awful Hughes contract). They've done it before.
December 6, 200717 yr Read that again.. it says HE wouldn't be opposed to it. That's fine, but again, the Nets aren't gonna want Eric Snow or Larry Hughes.
December 6, 200717 yr That's true but he's also been one to demand and get trades in the past. I'm just being hopeful :)
December 6, 200717 yr Kidd wants to play with James in Cleveland By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports December 5, 2007 There was no migraine headache holding Jason Kidd out of the New Jersey Nets' loss to the New York Knicks Wednesday night, but a superstar sending a message to a floundering franchise that he's irate with management and teammates, several league sources told Yahoo! Sports. As the Nets flew back to New Jersey late Tuesday from a victory over Cleveland, sources said Kidd already had decided he would be sitting out against the Knicks in the Meadowlands. Kidd didn't tell Nets officials until Wednesday afternoon, but several people inside and outside the organization were made aware of the meaning behind his sick day. More at http://sports.yahoo.com/
December 6, 200717 yr Afford isn't the issue, the Cavs already pay luxery tax.. it's being able to get him..
December 7, 200717 yr Everything in this world would be OK if the Cavs could get Kidd. Jordan and Pippen--James and Kidd.
December 7, 200717 yr I really should start writing for the papers.. Kidd Trade Unlikely, Miller More Realistic December 7, 2007 The Cavs, like all NBA teams, do not comment on rumors. But there is no doubt they would either directly contact Nets president Rod Thorn or put out feelers to test the market for Jason Kidd. In reality, though, such a deal would be very difficult to execute for myriad reasons. A more realistic option at this point may be former Cav Andre Miller, who is now playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers have been reluctant to trade Miller and his $9 million salary recently, but things might be different now that general manager Billy King has been fired and replaced by Ed Stefanski this week. The 76ers are in position to have significant salary-cap space next summer and are going nowhere fast this season. More at www.espn.com
December 7, 200717 yr Ready For Live Action? December 7, 2007 Cavaliers guard Larry Hughes says he could be ready for live action next week. The 6-foot-5, 185-pounder hopes to practice today at Cleveland Clinic Courts. If everything goes as planned and there are no setbacks, he could appear in a game sometime next week. He's been suffering from a deep bone bruise in his left knee. He was shut down on Nov. 16, when it was announced he would miss at least a month. "I've been pain free walking. (It's not pain free) once I get going. It's a matter of getting my legs under me a little more, (getting) stronger running and jumping and (dealing with the) fatigue factor. I'm ready to get out there and test it more." More at www.espn.com
December 8, 200717 yr LeBron puts opponents on notice Saturday, December 08, 2007 Branson Wright - Plain Dealer Reporter The injury-riddled Cavaliers are in the midst of a five-game losing streak, but LeBron James, out with a left index finger sprain, is confident about the team's immediate future. James is so sure that he offered some advice to the opposition. "Teams better get their wins now against us," James said. "They're talking trash against us now because we have guys out. But when we get our guys back, it's going to be a different story." James has elevated optimism because he and teammate Larry Hughes are getting closer to returning. Hughes (deep left bone bruise) practiced for the first time in weeks on Friday. James has missed five straight games. He'll also miss tonight's game at the Charlotte Bobcats. James has not played since the second half against the Pistons on Nov. 28. Full story at http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1197106440143840.xml&coll=2
December 10, 200717 yr Toying With Tractor December 10, 2007 Had the Cavaliers not been able to finally re-sign Anderson Varejao, they were toying with the idea of signing former Michigan man Robert "Tractor" Traylor. "I worked out Saturday and took a physical," said Traylor, who hasn't played in the NBA since 2005. "Once they signed Andy, I knew they were going with their guy. And they should, he's their guy and he's the one that helped them to the (Eastern Conference) championship." Traylor will play for a team in the Puerto Rican professional league. -- The Detroit News More at www.espn.com
December 10, 200717 yr Sad to see the Cavs with a bust of a draft pick bouncing around like this.. Imminent Signing ... December 10, 2007 Forward Luke Jackson, selected 10th overall in the 2004 draft by Cleveland, will get a workout this week and his signing appears imminent. In that case, the Heat would have to waive someone and rookie center Joel Anthony and veteran forward Penny Hardaway are among the leading candidates. "When we worked him out (before the 2004 draft), we thought he was one of the very best guys we ever worked out," Pat Riley said. Jackson is expected to sign before Thursday's home game against Washington, with the current roster to remain intact for tonight's game at Phoenix. More at www.espn.com
December 10, 200717 yr Too Early To Call December 10, 2007 Knowing the back story, it was easy to pinpoint which national writers and commentators were sympathetic/friendly with the Cavaliers management or with Anderson Varejao's agent, Dan Fegan, who has a history of carefully restricting his media dealings to reporters who will side with him. In trying to look at it objectively -- at least after covering the story in-depth for a year and then spending hours talking to both sides over the last week -- it simply is too early to call. Declaring a victor now is not only premature, it also lacks perspective. More at www.espn.com
December 11, 200717 yr Lacking practice, Cavs' attack is offensive Monday, December 10, 2007 Mary Schmitt Boyer - Plain Dealer Reporter Know what the Cavaliers really need? Well, besides LeBron James' sprained left index finger to heal. What the Cavs really need is some practice time. Coach Mike Brown was shocked when he realized that before Friday's session, his team's last contact practice came on Nov. 23. No offense, coach, but it shows. Through an unusual confluence of events, they have a couple of veterans playing with young players such as Daniel Gibson, newcomers such as Devin Brown and guys who haven't played much, like Shannon Brown and Dwayne Jones. Throw in Sasha Pavlovic, who missed training camp, and Larry Hughes, who has been out a month with a leg injury, and it's a recipe for the season-high 27 turnovers that doomed the Cavs at Charlotte. Full story at http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1197279503307820.xml&coll=2
December 11, 200717 yr James says sore finger feels better, could play vs. Pacers Monday, December 10, 2007 Associated Press CLEVELAND -- LeBron James' injured finger passed the required practice test. It's game time. James, who has missed Cleveland's past five games -- all losses -- with a sprained left index finger, is expected to be back in the lineup on Tuesday night when the Cavaliers host the Indiana Pacers. Following practice on Monday, James said the finger has improved and that he didn't have any problems with it after two days of contact. The Cavaliers' megastar sounded confident that he would dress for the Pacers. "We're going to leave it as a game-time decision," he said. "I've been through two contact practices OK. We'll see what happens." James has been wearing a protective glove over the knuckle on his finger, which was injured on Nov. 28 when Detroit forward Nazr Mohammed whacked his hand while he was driving for a shot in a loss to the Pistons. Full story at http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3149464&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines
December 11, 200717 yr Cleveland Clinic patients get very special visit Danielle Fink Created: 12/10/2007 10:27:16 PM Updated:12/11/2007 1:26:52 AM CLEVELAND -- The Cavs took a break from the hardwood to visit some special fans at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital. Sasha, Boobie, Shannon and many of their teammates donned their Santa hats as they visited young fans spending the holidays in the hospital. The players made rounds to the children passing out presents while hopefully lifting their spirits! Link with Video: http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=79606
December 11, 200717 yr Varejao Rusty December 11, 2007 In his first workout with the team Sunday, Anderson Varejao showed some sluggishness and some rust, which was expected. He will take some time to learn the new offense and to get into game shape. He passed his physical and Cavs coach Mike Brown said Varejao's weight and body fat were close to what they were at the end of last season, which shows that he has been working out in Brazil. "He's in OK shape. Does that translate him being able to play in an NBA game at full speed for an extended period of time? I don't know," Brown said. "We'll have to see what his wind is like for game time." More at www.espn.com
December 11, 200717 yr No Offseason Until 2009 December 11, 2007 Lebron James, who will wear protective bands on the index and middle fingers of his left hand, said the injury remains sore, but is much better than it was 10 days ago. The fifth-year pro then drew chuckles when he added, "It probably won't be 100 percent until the offseason. I don"t have an offseason until 2009." More at www.espn.com
December 11, 200717 yr Bench Role? December 11, 2007 Cavs coach Mike Brown seems to be at least interested in having Larry Hughes come off the bench. "I enjoyed having him come off the bench against Charlotte," Brown said. "I think he enjoyed that role, too. That's something we can always explore. He started for us for two years. He has started his whole career. But Larry's a guy who definitely wants to win. ... I feel if I spoke to him about it and he wanted to do it and I wanted to do it and it was best for the team, he'd keep coming off the bench if it was something that we feel good about." More at www.espn.com
December 11, 200717 yr Getting Better December 11, 2007 The spate of injuries has opened up playing time for second-year guard Shannon Brown. Last year's first-round draft choice out of Michigan State has averaged 16.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists in the last three games. "It seems like Shannon is a pretty quick learner," Mike Brown said. "There were some things defensively he really struggled with when he started to play for us. Each time we showed him something on tape, where he was making mistakes, he's gotten better at it." More at www.espn.com
December 12, 200717 yr Cavs looked good tonight, 97 points through three quarters.. without Gibson also. If Marshall and Simmons get healthy and can contribute solid minutes, this team has gone from a thin front court to a deep one.
December 12, 200717 yr Watch For The Flop December 12, 2007 The NBA has instructed officials to be more wary of flopping (trying to draw a charge) this season, an adjustment the Cavs have not felt yet. But it soon will be tested with the return of Anderson Varejao, the NBA's leader in taking charges. "I'm going to play the same way, and we'll see what is going to happen," Varejao said. "I just try to be in position and wait for the guy to hit me. I don't think I'm a flopper." More at www.espn.com
December 12, 200717 yr Start Or Sub December 12, 2007 Mike Brown had indicated on Monday that he might "explore" the idea of continuing to use Larry Hughes off the bench, but he backed off that Tuesday. Brown had also said on Monday that Hughes liked coming off the bench, but the St. Louis native didn't seem thrilled with the idea of doing it on a permanent basis when questioned before the Pacers game. "I've been sacrificing since I came here," Hughes said. "That's part of the process, I guess. We'll see how it goes. I'll do it as long as I need to. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, it doesn't. If he feels like it's something he needs to do, I'll give it a shot." More at www.espn.com
December 13, 200717 yr Just Another Sacrifice December 13, 2007 Larry Hughes doesn't seem thrilled about being moved out of the starting lineup, which is important to many NBA players. But he's overlooking that with the chance to play his more natural position, which he has been wanting to do for some time. His complaints recently prompted close friend Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards to poke at the Cavs in various interviews for using Hughes improperly. "It's just another sacrifice really. I really just have to see how it goes," Hughes said about not starting. "I'm more so happy that I relayed the message that I didn't want to play solely the point guard, and I'm happy for the opportunity. If that's what I have to give up, I'll deal with it." ''It's a fine line, coming off the bench a couple minutes here or a couple minutes there,'' he said. ''If I come off bench, I'll know I'll play valuable minutes throughout the course of the game. I'm not concerned about that. In key situations, I'll be on the court. That's not the issue. More at www.espn.com
December 14, 200717 yr Glove Doesn't Look Good December 14, 2007 The black Velcro, nylon and padded glove covers the top of LeBron James' left hand while another piece of fabric protects his index and middle fingers. It looks like the cross between what a cyclist and bowler would wear and is not at all attractive. James isn't going for a Michael Jackson retro look, so he doesn't much care for its look. But he appreciates its purpose. ''I didn't like the mask, and I don't like this either,'' James said. ''I don't look good with it on, and I need to look good when I play. It's comfortable to the point where I can go out and play, and it hasn't been a problem.'' ''It's weird,'' James said. ''But I'll wear it until I'm comfortable getting hit on it and being able to go out and play the next day.'' More at www.espn.com
January 14, 200817 yr LeBron puts the pedal to the metal. Patrol says LeBron was going 101 mph Posted by Associated Press January 14, 2008 06:09AM Categories: Cavaliers, LeBron James http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2008/01/patrol_says_lebron_was_going_1.html
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