For as bad as the Cavs have played this season they are still only 1 game out of the Central Division and 1.5 games out of the Eastern Conference lead. LeBron James has looked tired this season due to playing over the summer for the U.S. He’s still averaging 27.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game so it’s hard to complain. The Cavs need more from Larry Hughes. Hughes is only shooting 40.4% from the floor and averaging 14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists. If he doesn’t improve his play it will be hard for the Cavs to move up in the Conference. The Cavs also need to get the ball more to Zydrunas Ilgauskas because they are wasting the big guy’s talent. He’s averaging 11.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, but he’s capable of more if the Cavs give him the chance. Drew Gooden also could use a few more looks with the ball. He’s averaging 11.9 points & 8.8 rebounds per game and his numbers would be much better if the Cavs ran some plays for him. Eric Snow is probably the worst starting point guard in the NBA. He’s only averaging 5.0 points and 4.5 assists per game. The Cavs need to replace him by either playing the kid (Daniel Gibson) or trading for a legit point guard (like Andre Miller).
The Cavs bench was supposed to be a strength of this team but it hasn’t worked out that way. Anderson Varejao has been great filling in for Ilgauskas and Gooden. He’s averaging 6.7 points & 6.2 rebounds per game and has earned a little more playing time. He plays great defense and it a master at drawing the charge. Damon Jones has played better than last season as he’s averaging 8.1 points per game, but his only skill is his shooting. Donyell Marshall’s play hasn’t been as good as it was last season. He’s averaging 7.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game this season, but some of the reason for that is Varejao taking some of his minutes away. Sasha Pavlovic is instant energy off the bench, but he doesn’t get to play to often. Rookie Daniel Gibson is a fun player to watch because he goes full speed all the time.
