Cavs are going to need backup C

[NarlCavs]

I thought the Cavs could survive without a true C to backup Z but I don't think they will be able to anymore.
It looks like Z's nagging injuries, especially the knee, could eventually force him to sit out some games.
Alan Henderson can't play big minutes at C. Zendon Hamilton is available but it's obvious Mike Brown doesn't trust him and wouldn't give him key minutes in a game. I think Brown might put me in a game before he puts in Marty A.

There's not much available as far as C's go now. The few remaining veteran FA's include Elden Campbell, Christian Laettner and Andrew DeClercq. All are very experienced and at least have had some success in the NBA.

I don't see Campbell coming back until late in the year. DeClercq had knee surgery but should be about ready to return. He is an active big man. Laettner is more of a PF and finesse player. I could live with any of the 3.
I also wouldn't mind taking a chance on a younger C and former #1 pick who's available in Curtis Borchardt. Unfortunately I can't see our coach giving minutes to a young player.
A key in adding a C is getting a player who Brown would commit to playing if he has to. That makes the case for the player being a veteran.

I'd also rather just sign a FA than make a trade where the Cavs would have to give up a young player for a C who would only fill that spot for the rest of the season.

 

[Maximus]

Andy will be back in a few weeks....that should help. It now looks like he will be playing before the AllStar break instead of after.

 

[KI4MVP]

Yea, Varejao should do just fine as our backup C. How many teams in the east other than the Heat do we even have to worry about their centers?

 

[NarlCavs]

The problem is if Z has to completely sit out a few games in a row which is becoming a strong possibility. I didn't mean just getting a player to play a few minutes behind Z but one who could step in and play big minutes at C.

Varejao will help when he gets back but can only play C in limited minutes. He couldn't start at C and play 25-30 minutes there if Z was out. I think we've all forgotten that Varejao can be very foul prone and is still a pretty raw player.

The Cavs don't have a player who can start at C for a period if Z's injuries force him to sit out a stretch of games.

 

[Cleveland56]

I can name 20 or so teams that don't have a legitimate starting center, much less a back up...Nothing really out there...

Varejo and Henderson would have to do the job, with a side of D Marshall. I think we would be better off than most teams if this were to happen.


The Cavs don't have a player who can start at C for a period if Z's injuries force him to sit out a stretch of games.

 

[ootbttnlagitnbasf]

the only reason to be concerned about a back up center is if we expect to advance past the first round of the playoffs. we can compete against half of the teams in the league ok during the regular season, when games are decided by home court, injuries and schedules as much as by the actual matchups. but in the playoffs, the matchups become more important and the center matchup becomes more important because more teams play a controlled half court game.

no reason to worry about a back up center until the playoffs.

 

[aaronr]

no reason to worry about a back up center until the playoffs.

What a blase cast of Cavs fans! So what if few other teams have decent backups? If we did, that would mean more victories during the season, particularly if Z misses some games, and that in turn would mean a better seed. And where does all this euphoria about Varejao playing center come from? Like all the other Cav power forwards, he's undersized to play the post. The Cavs have needed a decent back-up to Z since the season began, and hopefully they'll come up with one.

 

[The George]

ive been screaming this for months....we absolutely NEED not want NEED a back up center if this team wants to do anything special....sure henderson has played ok but im sorry he wont cut it

 

[Karma]

Narl is on the mark on this one. This is why despite being out of shape, alot of us wanted Jahidi White over Hamilton. Now he isn't the perfect backup, but a physical body capable to play some 25 minute games here and there. Well that has passed on by so we need to look ahead at our options. Corie Blount could also be a veteran to look at on top of Laettner, DeClerq and Campbell.

 

[CleveRocks]

If we keep playing defense well, Ferry will not change the squad, but if we stop playing defense well, look for a trade in late January.

 

[PIP]

Maybe we can trade for Diop.. :chuckles:

 

[ootbttnlagitnbasf]

unless we think that we can catch the pistons, which even the most optimists among us would not fancy as realistic (i hpe), we will be the fourth seed in the east. we will destroy whatever lower level team is the fifth seed, unless it is a team with two superior big men and then our duck is cooked. but it makes no difference, because once we get past the first round, we head to detroit. we have little chance against the pistons. they play better defense than we do. they have better point guards than we do. they can score easier in the half court than we can (thanks to flip's liberation offense that allows billups to attack the basket). they have better clutch shooters than we do. they have better rebounders than we do. they have better shot blockers than we do. we are only better when it comes to fans and unis and star players. else it's all detroit. and a second string center is not going to change that outcome.

 

[ootbttnlagitnbasf]

on the other hand, maybe we should repeat some of the things that worked so well last year. bring in some new second string saviors. trade off some of our assets. maybe fire the coach. it worked last year, except for the wins and losses part.