Had the pleasure of exchanging questions with Carolyn and her good friend Mizzo from the Cavaliers blog And One over at Cleveland.com (which looks strangely similar to Oregonlive). Our side of the questions are over there, so be sure to check them out. Thanks to Carolyn and SJ for putting this one together.
And now, the answers:
1. From an outsider’s perspective, what are your thoughts on the Blazers this year?
I’m interested in seeing how the Blazers bevy of young talent develops. So much talent; so deep. There might be a hidden benefit in Greg Oden watching from the sidelines last year. It starts with Greg Oden, but LeMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy are poised to have big years as well in the stocked Western Conference. Nikolas Batum and Rudy Fernandez give them even more talent and fire. Let’s hope Martell Webster comes back soon from the injury he sustained; exciting play is always welcome.
2. How do you see your matchup with them playing out?
The matchup between Big Z and Oden is going to be challenging for both players. Big Z has a soft touch and is pure from all angles in the lane. We just don’t know how effective Oden is going to be early on, but with his size and talent and lack of centers in the league, he should have a successful rookie season after he gets over some growing pains. I don’t think you have an answer for LBJ, but who does?
Brandon Roy is smooth. I like his dedication and on-court personna. He plays like a 10 year vet.
Mo Williams was a big pickup for us. He adds something to this team that will benefit LeBron in the fourth quarter. LeBron now has a go-to player who can find his own shot when the game is on the line and run the offense when it matters most.
LeMarcus is becoming the player we all thought he would be coming out of Texas.
You have some talent there, but LeBron would be just too much for all the young boys to handle. You think they want his autograph?
2.5 What part of the matchup interests you the most?
I want to see what’s going to happen when LeBron rises up in the lane and Greg Oden is standing there looking like Robert Parish’s grandson.
3. If you could grade the Cavs’ off-season, what would you give it?
I would say a B. They took care of a need when they acquired Mo Williams. I can’t stress enough how big a pickup he is. He’s underrated. If the chemistry is right, he could be an all-star. J.J. Hickson and Darnell Jackson give us some inside muscle. It all depends on J.J.’s work ethic. He should learn a lot from Big Ben, we’ll see.
4. What excites you most about the Cavs in this upcoming season?
Besides the obvious – LeBron’s talent shining bright – I can’t wait to see how effective Mo Williams is in this offense and what he brings to the team dynamic. This is a put up or shut up year.
5. Realistically, where would you put the Cavs ceiling, high and low?
The Cavs can finish anywhere from 1 to 5 in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James is arguably the best player on the planet – the other being Kobe – they’ll go as far as he takes them.
6. Looking at the team from all angles, what is the one thing that worries you about the Cavs?
How they will finish games. This is a make or break year. Mike Brown will stress defense, but can they put the ball in the basket late and also stop teams in the clutch?
7. If you were able to be GM and could only make one move, what would it be?
Rob Greg Oden from the Northwest and lock up the NBA for a decade until the next LeBron or Kobe comes around.
8. What is the key to the Cavs success this year?
How Mike Brown handles the entire roster and consistency late in games. Will he call the right plays?
9. Any sleepers we should look out for?
J.J. Hickson. He’s talented, but will he show up professionally night in and night out?
10. How do you feel about Mike Brown as head coach? Do you believe he knows the definition of ‘offense’?
With the addition of Mo Williams, things will be a little easier on Mike. He’s taken the team to the NBA Finals but still gets a lot of scrutiny. I think he’s a good coach. Anyone who comes from Greg Popavich’s camp is going to have a defensive philosophy first, so it all comes down to who can be that number two option LeBron needs.
11. Will Mo Williams finally be that ‘difference maker’ that LeBron and the Cavs have needed?
I think so. The East is loaded now, but as long as the Cavs stay healthy, things will be interesting this season.
12. Do you think Big Z can put up the same kind of production he did last year?
Big Z is a model of consistency. He’ll do what it takes as long as he does his pre- and post-game therapy on those feet every night. His game is unorthodox, but he gets the job done. Cleveland loves Z.
13. With all the hype surrounding this Blazer team, do you consider them “better” than the Cavs right now?
Get to the playoffs and streak through your conference and then ask me again. 😉