Post by loaf on Jan 7, 2006 14:58:20 GMT -5
Franchise-Greg Oden (with Eric Gordon nipping at his heels)
This season Oden is poised for a true breakout. Although he has been an All-Star in the past, his focus was primarily on defense and rebounding, as his post game was still very raw. T
his year, however, Oden has added some post moves and his footwork looks much better on offense. He's the number 2 scoring option behind Ben Gordon and averaged an amazing 23.6ppg, 15.1rpg & 2bpg in the pre-season.
Oden is now a true game changer on both ends of the floor.
Team Strengths-Scoring, Inside-Outside game.
When Eric Gordon, Daequan Cook & Micah Downs are lighting it up from the outside and Oden and Josh McRoberts establish themselves inside, this team is nearly impossible to beat. They averaged over 110ppg last year and you can expect more of the same this year. Cleveland was perhaps the top three point shooting team in the league last year.
Team Weaknessess-Post depth, Lack of veteran leadership/youth
This team is still very young, and may still be a year or two away from making some real noise in the playoffs. With Andre Miller on his last legs and Jonathon Bender relegated to spot duty, this team is in need of some extra veteran leadership.
Post depth is still a worry, although it has been upgraded from last year after sending Eric Boateng packing and adding Andrew Bogut and Brandon Bass.
Outlook-The Cavs should once again challenge for the Central Division Title and number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Expect them to fall just short of that goal and a 2nd round exit in the playoffs at the hands of a more experienced squad. No matter, though, they'll get their opportunities for a title over the next 5 years.
This season Oden is poised for a true breakout. Although he has been an All-Star in the past, his focus was primarily on defense and rebounding, as his post game was still very raw. T
his year, however, Oden has added some post moves and his footwork looks much better on offense. He's the number 2 scoring option behind Ben Gordon and averaged an amazing 23.6ppg, 15.1rpg & 2bpg in the pre-season.
Oden is now a true game changer on both ends of the floor.
Team Strengths-Scoring, Inside-Outside game.
When Eric Gordon, Daequan Cook & Micah Downs are lighting it up from the outside and Oden and Josh McRoberts establish themselves inside, this team is nearly impossible to beat. They averaged over 110ppg last year and you can expect more of the same this year. Cleveland was perhaps the top three point shooting team in the league last year.
Team Weaknessess-Post depth, Lack of veteran leadership/youth
This team is still very young, and may still be a year or two away from making some real noise in the playoffs. With Andre Miller on his last legs and Jonathon Bender relegated to spot duty, this team is in need of some extra veteran leadership.
Post depth is still a worry, although it has been upgraded from last year after sending Eric Boateng packing and adding Andrew Bogut and Brandon Bass.
Outlook-The Cavs should once again challenge for the Central Division Title and number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Expect them to fall just short of that goal and a 2nd round exit in the playoffs at the hands of a more experienced squad. No matter, though, they'll get their opportunities for a title over the next 5 years.