Cleveland Cavaliers earn perk for best record: Starters can rest
The relative efficiency with which the Cavaliers clinched the top record in the NBA has given them plenty of options going into the last five games of the regular season. Over the past four years, once the Cavs have locked into a playoff spot, coach Mike Brown has sat starters to provide rest. But never have things been settled with so much time left.
That fact, plus another huge variable, Shaquille O’Neal, has the team pondering just how to use the time their strong play has afforded them.
“I’m not sure there is a right way to do it,” Brown said. “It’s a luxury to be able to rest players so we’re going to want to do that.”
LeBron James has made it clear he favors taking some time off. He’s a little banged up and has been dealing with a sore left elbow, among other minor maladies, the past few games…
The Plain Dealer
Colangelo blinks in USA hoops showdown
Team USA executive director Jerry Colangelo said on Monday skipping the World Championship this summer in Turkey won’t necessarily keep LeBron James and others off the 2012 U.S. Olympic team in London.
“We appreciate the fact they’re willing to give their time,” Colangelo told the Toronto Star. “We have to be flexible. Some players may have to miss for whatever the reason may be — contracts, injuries, family issues … free agency this year is big.”
Previously, Colangelo’s comment irked many Team USA members when he said he wouldn’t provide “free passes” in terms of playing in London for players who skipped the worlds without a valid excuse.
That had sparked an angry response from James in Boston on Sunday when he said he “didn’t respect” Colangelo’s statement.
“The point I made regarding London is, we will give credit for all the equity people have put into it,” Colangelo said. ” Chris Bosh has equity, so does Dwyane Wade, so does LeBron. Things happen. We just have to be flexible.”…
The News-Herald
The pros and cons of the league’s best record
Pros:
-Shaq, if he recovers, gets a chance to play in some games that don’t really mean anything and try to integrate himself with the rest of the rotation. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m not thrilled about going into the playoffs with a starting frontcourt that’s barely played together.
-Boobie and Jamario might actually get some minutes.
-Rest for LeBron and the rest of the starters. I don’t think they’ll sit more than one or two full games, but they will get a chance to rest up and be 100% fresh for the playoffs….
Cons:
-The Cavs won’t play a game that will matter for almost a month. Rust does concern me.
-What will happen to LeBron’s historic statistical dominance if he’s resting or not taking the games seriously?
-If the Cavs fail to win the title after holding the best regular-season record for two years in a row, it will trigger the hatepocalypse…
Cavs: The Blog
The Cavaliers is the best team that worth the win. Such a big team with all wonderful players it holds won’t be more than a big winner. Go Cavaliers, you’re the best!!!