CLEVELAND -- Random observations from Cavaliers training camp:
1. The Cavs received a little break after Wednesday night's Wine & Gold Scrimmage, and did not practice Thursday. Coach David Blatt has another two-a-day session lined up for the team Friday.
2. Following the scrimmage, a lot of folks seemed to be wondering who will start at center: Tristan Thompson, or Anderson Varejao? Thompson began the scrimmage on the Wine team with LeBron James, Kevin Love, Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving. That fueled the speculation.
3. Meanwhile, Varejao began with the second unit (in theory, anyway) of Shawn Marion, Mike Miller, Matthew Dellavedova and Lou Amundson. I thought Varejao had his way with Thompson early. Yes, I know it doesn't mean much. But I'm not going to hold it against Varejao just because "it was only a scrimmage."
4. Personally, I don't think it matters who starts. Thompson, to me, is a little undersized for the pivot. He's listed as 6-foot-9, and even that seems to be a stretch. Then again, with passers such as James, Love, Irving and Waiters, Thompson could outplay larger and older centers simply by beating them down the floor. That's something his athleticism often allows him to do.
5. Defensively, Thompson is a better shot-blocker than Varejao, but Varejao is clearly a better position defender (and a bigger pest, which counts for a lot). Varejao is also a better passer and rebounder. As for staying healthy, that edge clearly goes to Thompson, an ironman in his first three seasons.
6. So who should start? Well, here's my best answer: Who knows, who cares, and when can we watch this team play again?
7. Seriously, it doesn't matter, if you ask me. (And since this is MY column, you are.) Each player brings his own unique style, and each would make a really nice big man off the bench. I think it's win-win, and I'm not just blowing smoke. With LeBron, Love, Kyrie and Waiters on the floor, all the center needs to do is rebound, get in the way defensively, and make wide-open shots. Both Varejao and Thompson are plenty capable in all of those areas.
8. For the record, David Blatt said he hasn't decided who will start at center. The coach added he will likely mix it up during the preseason, giving both Varejao and Thompson a look.
9. Speaking of centers, I still think Brendan Haywood will be the rim-protector everyone says the Cavs need. I'm not so sure that it's actually a must (the Cavs will win plenty without one), but Haywood looks like a guy who can set a mean screen, alter or block some shots at the basket and put his fouls to good use. On top of that, his contract is a valuable trade asset. He looks to be in great shape, and Blatt called Haywood a big surprise on the first day of camp. So play the man and see what you got.
10. LeBron on Varejao: "He's the same as always. Ask him to run through six walls and he'll run through seven."
11. I tweeted that exact quote and Matthew Dellavedova "favorited" it. Basically, I've been covering this league for a very long time, and I don't know that I've seen a group as tight as the Cavs have been early in camp. If so, I don't remember.
12. Finally, while Amundson isn't expected to make a major impact, I can see why the Cavs are intrigued. Like Varejao and Dellavedova, Amundson is scrappy guy who can irritate opponents with his energy. Surrounding talents such as James, Love and Irving with those types of hustle players is vital.
13. I just wish I could spell the last names of Varejao, Dellavedova and Amundson correctly on the first try. But I have hope. It's a long season.
