With the NBA trading deadline only days away, the Cavaliers are very close to completing a deal that would send Zydrunas Illgauskas and J.J. Hickson to Phoenix for the Suns Amar'e Stoudemire.
Talk here in Cleveland is that the pieces for a championship are already in place and no moves are necessary, furthermore, an aquisition of a high profile player such as Stoudemire may actually be counter productive.
I understand the concerns. Team chemistry is important, no doubt. However, my opinion is that adding more talent is generally a good thing and the folks here should reconsider.
In the 2007-2008 season the Boston Celtics brought in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to go along with Paul Pierce and second year point guard Rajon Rondo. There was not a whole lot of time for chemistry building there and they barreled their way to an NBA title.
The showtime era in Los Angeles, featured Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and Byron Scott. That quartet led the Lakers to multiple titles in the 80's. Too much talent, I think not.
The other factor that people are not considering here is the effect of this move going forward. Illgauskas and Shaquille O'Neal are at the end of the line. The Cavs have no big men ready to fill those shoes at this point. If the opportunity to solidify that need presents itself now, you have to take it. Secondly, if there was ever a player to make this situation work it is LeBron James. His team oriented attitude and unselfish play give this potential trade the best chance to ultimately succeed. Finally, and probably most important, LeBron James wants Stoudemire. Acquiring a player of this caliber may be the nudge that LeBron needs to sign that long term deal with the Cavs.
At long last we here in Cleveland have an owner with deep pockets, if he is willing to dish out the cash to secure James and Stoudemire to long term deals I am more than willing to take the short term risk that this deal would present.
Oh, by the way, 'Z' fans need not fret. Any deal with the Suns would almost assure Illguaskas' return to the Cavs after the standard 30 day waiting period after Phoenix releases him, which they will most certainly do.
Monday, February 15, 2010
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Hickson is looking pretty good right now....The Cavs beat LA and Orlando twice, with what they have, already this year....I don't know....sometimes "less is more"....I think they leave things alone...
ReplyDeleteIt is a gamble, but people were probably thinking along the same lines last year with the Cavs having the best record in the NBA and they did not escape the second round.............
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Chris! If you have the opportunity to add one of the premier players in the league you do it. You are only giving up Hickson and big Z for him! That is giving up a guy who is at the end of his career(who like you said will be back shortly after) and Hickson who has been playing well but is nowhere near the talent level of Amare. Also, you have to think about the fact that if Cleveland doesnt get him, who does? I know the Heat are trying to get him, I dont know if they will be as good as the Cavs with him but as we saw in the All-Star game if you put players around Dwade look out! If you put those two together they have to be considered a contender then. Amare is a top 5 big man and top 10-12 player in the league. I think he and Lebron would be devastating with one another!
ReplyDeleteAmen! Can't be afraid of adding good players. It's the coaches job to make sure it works, that's why the good ones make so much money! I'll say it again, Bird, McHale, Parrish, Johnson......Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Scott.......James, Stoudemire, Williams, Varejao.......I'll take my chances.
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