Background of 2009-2010 Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers were the best team in the NBA in the 2009 season, and looked invincible in the first two rounds of the playoffs sweeping both the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks. Playing against the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals revealed some major liabilities in the Cleveland’s roster. They didn’t have a good defensive center and they didn’t have any versatile guards/forwards to match up to different kinds of players. Luckily for them Cleveland Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry was busy at work this offseason trying to acquire the missing pieces to the championship team. They got Shaquille O’Neal to clog up the middle and stop the likes of Dwight Howard/Andrew Brynum/Tim Duncan. They also got Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker who are both athletic wing players who can potentially match up with the likes of Kobe Bryant/Vince Carter/Richard Jefferson. They seem to be set to make up for last years shocking early exit out of the playoffs.

Cavaliers additions in 2010

Shaquille O’Neal

Anthony Parker

Jamario Moon

Leon Powe

Cavaliers departures in 2010

Ben Wallace

Sasha Pavlovic

Probably Starting Lineup for the 2009 2010 Cavaliers

PG – Mo Williams
SG – Anthony Parker
SF – LeBron James
PF – Anderson Varejao
C – Shaquille O’Neal

Cleveland Cavaliers Guards

The Cavaliers’ vulnerability at the guard spots became apparent this past season with the lack of size in guarding bigger shooting guards. That’s what happens when your shooting guard (Delonte West) is 6’3 and his backup Daniel ‘Boobie’ Gibson is 6’2. Luckily for Cavs fans the addition of Anthony Parker should solve this problem instantly. The Cavaliers tried to target Ariza in the offseason but will have to settle with the former Raptor to hit 3′s, help LeBron shoulder the scoring and defend offensively gifted shooting guards. Mo Williams should build on his All-Star season and look to save some gas for the playoffs, something he wasn’t really able to do last season in his first major playoff run.

Cleveland Cavaliers Forwards

Arguable the world’s best basketball player highlights this section, and you know very well what you’re going to get when LeBron James is on the floor. In short, everything. The only question for him is can he rely on his outside jumpshot when smart defenses clog up the paint in anticipation of his drives. There were several key instances of this in the Eastern Conference finals where Pietrus was able to get charges called against LeBron James. Jamario Moon will be a very good backup to King James, and should be among the main contributors off the bench. At the power forward position you have both Leon Powe and Anderson Varejao that will give you what you expect from your 4 spot – rebounds, defense, and hustle plays.

Cleveland Cavaliers Centers

Cleveland Ohio will be Shaq’s last stop in his long NBA career and you can certainly bet that he wants to end his career on a high note. The Diesel even had a TV show called Shaq Vs. this offseason where he challenged the world’s greatest athletes at their own games. He should be in shape and certainly motivated playing on a true title contender and judging from his previous seasons’ impressive performance, could be the missing key to the Cavaliers and bring in an extra level of toughness. Ilgauskas will probably play big minutes on certain nights when Shaq is not ‘in the mood’, and he will be more that qualified to do that as he has proven over his long career.

Best Case Scenario for the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs have addressed all the weaknesses that was highlighted this past year and have added the all important playoff experience to their repertoire. With Superman and the King joining forces, a championship ring looks like a mission they will accomplish.

Worst Case Scenario for the Cleveland Cavaliers

If Shaq and LeBron have ego problems along the way or if the Cleveland guards don’t perform at the level that’s expected of them, there could problems against the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals. The Cavaliers have to play at their best to beat the defending champs, and with LeBron being the only present day superstar on the team, this will be much easier said than done.

Cavaliers 2010 Outlook

The Cavaliers have learned a lot from this past season and they will be ready this time around for whatever opponent comes at them. The issue is whether everyone can play at top form throughout the playoffs, a lack of consistency will do them in and prevent an NBA championship. They should make a Finals appearance and come short to a team that is simply more talented than them.

Cleveland Cavaliers 2010 Predictions

Record: 56-26

Surprise Player: Anthony Parker showing his skillset on the national stage and getting All Star considerations.

Key Player: Shaquille O’Neal and his ability to dominate for 20-30 minutes in key games.

That wraps up the Cleveland Cavaliers 2009-2010 season preview and our detailed look at the Cavaliers in the 2010 NBA season.

Related posts:

1. NBA January 31 2010 Game Recaps
2. Free NBA Betting Picks (02/02) February 2 2010
3. Orlando Magic 2009-2010 Preview