A few thoughts as the Cavaliers play their final home game of the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season. Tip-off is 7 p.m. against Washington on FOX Sports Ohio:
1. Taking everything into account, I give the Cavs a grade of “C.” They definitely had some bright moments on the floor, and were even in the thick of the playoff race at the All-Star break. That’s the good. But fans shouldn’t have to try to stomach (or accept) the constant thrashings or long losing streaks that have taken place over the last two seasons, injuries or not. Especially at The Q.
2. Off the floor, I give Chris Grant and the front office an “A.” Remember right before the draft, when everyone wondered whether the Cavs would select Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams (who went No. 2 to Minnesota) with the first pick? Clearly, the Cavs made the right choice, as Irving will soon be named NBA Rookie of the Year. The Cavs are a competitive and very watchable team with him on the floor. They will be a playoff team with Irving running things, and soon.
3. The selection of power forward Tristan Thompson at No. 4 also was the right move. Thompson didn’t put up great numbers and he still has a lot of work to do on offense. But in spite of that, he was the best big man in this year’s rookie class. And don’t even mention Jonas Valenciunas, selected fifth by Toronto. He hasn’t played a minute in the NBA. So I don’t want to hear it.
4. Basically, Grant and his staff landed the best point guard and best big man in the draft. That took some serious scouting, as this was expected to be a weak and unpredictable rookie class. That’s not necessarily how it played out, but it’s why general managers and scouts are wise not to listen to the media or fans. The Cavs did their homework, ignored the skeptics, and came out winners in the lottery.
5. They’ll take the same approach this year, using individual workouts and player interviews to determine who they select this season. Last summer, Thompson reportedly had his way with Utah’s Enes Kanter during their Cleveland workouts together. So while educated fans seem to be hoping the team somehow drafts Florida shooting guard Bradley Beal, a lot can change between now and the end of June.
6. I also like how Grant and his staff seem to have a real eye for D-League talent. Like it or not, injuries and other circumstances force you to dip into the minors every season. It’s important to find guys who can help you right away. The Cavs proved they know how to do that by signing Lester Hudson, who shined briefly before joining Memphis, and especially, Donald Sloan. The latter very well could be a long-term solution when it comes to backing up Irving.
7. As for the veterans, Wednesday very well could be the final home game for forward Antawn Jamison and guard Anthony Parker. In fact, it would be a shocker if Parker returns — and a pretty big surprise if Jamison is back. I expect Parker to retire, and Jamison to finish out his career with a team that’s already in contention. Either that, or his home state Charlotte Bobcats. Jamison has already hinted he’s open to giving Michael Jordan’s team a shot, and insiders say the odds will only increase if the Bobcats win the lottery.
8. Meanwhile, I fully expect big man and fan favorite Anderson Varejao to return. Nobody has offered equal value for him in seven years. Doubt that’s going to change now. Besides, the Cavs need him.
9. The Cavs (21-43) enter the Wizards game in sole possession of the league’s fifth worst-record. A loss would put them in a three-way tie (with New Orleans and Sacramento) for the third-worst. A win would move them into a tie with New Jersey and Toronto.
10. So, do the Cavs really want a victory? Absolutely. At this point, it hardly matters where they finish — having won the lottery with the Clippers’ (eighth) selection last summer. Plus, no one shows up to the gym with hopes of seeing the home team lose.
11. Finally, I know I just wrote an enter column without mentioning coach Byron Scott, but I would hope you know by know I’m a firm believer he is the right man to take this team where it needs to go. Especially when the idea is coaching an elite young point guard like Irving. Scott gets an "A-plus" in my book.
Follow Sam Amico on Twitter @SamAmicoFSO
