Sure they acquired the most dominant center most of us have ever seen. But that center, Shaquille O’Neal, is in his late thirties. While he has championship experience, he is not the answer to the Cavaliers problems.
It was evident in the 2009 eastern conference finals that Cleveland lacked a versatile and quick power forward. Someone who could guard Orlando’s Rashard Lewis, and be able to contain Kevin Garnett in the post.
While the other teams in the east who went deep into the playoffs made bigger improvements, the Cavaliers inexplicably were quiet, not pursuing any free agents. I understand they want to give Lebron James as much money as possible next year when he reaches free agency, but you have to give him reasons to stay.
The current roster is not one built to win. Sure, this team could win 55-62 games, but this rotation is not built for the playoffs. It lacks the defensive intensity needed to win in the playoffs.
There are no Cavaliers players with the defensive intensity like the ones of their competitors in the east, such as; Boston’s Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace, and Orlando’s Dwight Howard.
Shaq will still score an adequate number of points, but his defensive skills have diminshed and he won’t run the floor on the fast break, hurting one of the Cavs biggest strengths, running.
Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry could have lost LeBron James with the lack of improvements made this summer.
In Phoenix, Shaq was in a similar situation, going to a very good team who thought he was the final piece. Well, the same outcome that played out in Phoenix will happen in Cleveland, and if James leaves, what does Shaq do?