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Beacon Journal | 10/09/2005 | Eye-opening opener for Hughes

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Eye-opening opener for Hughes

First game in Cavaliers uniform for free-agent guard is against former team

By Brian Windhorst
Beacon Journal sports writer

CLEVELAND - When Larry Hughes signed with the Cavaliers he knew at some point that he was going to have to face a potentially unpleasant return to Washington.

He just didn't know it would be in his first game.

When Hughes first glanced at the Cavs preseason schedule he was taken back, learning the opener was not only against his former Wizards teammates but also at the MCI Center. That's where the Cavs play tonight, the first of four preseason games this week.

"I couldn't believe this was going to be my first game," Hughes said. "I can't believe this has happened too many times, where a guy has to go back this quick."

It won't be a sellout, being a weeknight preseason affair, but Hughes expects to get some grief from the crowd. Former teammate Gilbert Arenas said he'll encourage the fans just for the fun of it.

"When the schedule first came out, I thought it was kind of funny,'' Arenas said. "It's more of a fan game because me, LeBron, Larry and Antawn (Jamison), I don't know that we're going to play that much. So it's more of a chance for the fans to boo Larry because he's back, and it gives Larry a chance to show us how he's doing before the season gets started."

Hughes signed a five-year $60 million deal with the Cavs in August after he thought that the Wizards lowballed him with a six-year $54 million offer. Even when Washington retorted with a six-year offer worth $72 million, he decided to come to Cleveland.

The Wizards reacted by trading for Caron Bulter and signing Antonio Daniels to replace him, but his departure has been a rather frequent topic of conversation.

"There's no hard feelings. I'm thankful for what they did for me," said Hughes, who averaged 22 points and led the NBA in steals last season.

"I was a guy that didn't talk about contract issues all year. I just wanted to show with my play. It wasn't in their plans. I'm fine with it. I don't think they envisioned me doing the same thing I did last year this year. I don't think anybody will say that, but I put two and two together. If they expected me to do that, they would've paid me like an All-Star, so they didn't seem like they expected it."

Some of the Wizards have gotten tired of hearing about it, especially considering the bulk of the team that advanced to the second round of the playoffs is back.

"I think it's a slap in the face for people to suggest that we're not going to be a good team because Larry's gone," Jamison said. "We didn't make the playoffs last season because of one player."

Pile it together and tonight's game might have a little more edge than normal preseason games, even if the top players only play a few minutes.

"I think they know I had to handle my business," Hughes said. "I'm sure some fans will be disappointed that I left and may show it in an negative way."

Snow to start

Coach Mike Brown said not to read into it, but he will start Eric Snow at point guard tonight against the Wizards. Snow and Damon Jones are competing for the starting job. and it seems Snow might have a slight edge a week into training camp. Drew Gooden, who is drawing rave reviews for his effort in practices, thus far, will start at power forward.

Brown said he might alter his starting lineup for Tuesday's game in Pittsburgh against the Boston Celtics. With another back-to-back Friday at home against the Philadelphia 76ers and Saturday in Milwaukee against the Bucks, the starters might not see extended minutes.

"The preseason is a month long because it allows teams to get reps," Brown said. "We need reps. We're not good offensively, we're not good defensively, we don't know it yet."

Dribbles

The Cavs will take all 19 players on the road trip, but Ira Newble (foot) and Jahidi White (quad) likely won't play.... Kelenna Azubuike continues to be impressive in practice, especially at the offensive end.... The Cavs opened a scrimmage to the media Sunday for the first time, and it revealed Brown's intense coaching style. He's as active as any player, running up and down the floor, often stopping play and getting in and personally demonstrating corrections.
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Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

the cavs'll whoomp butt aganst the wizzards.

coach brown'll make coach of the year.

hues and z and king'll all be allstars.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

Good to see Coach Brown not bowing to public pressure and will give Eric Snow his chance to start. If he does the job I personally and more then happy to see Snow in the starting five. With Browns heavy focus on defense, Snow has a humungous advantage just like last season. This time around we have a coach without a hidden agenda.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

Will this game be televised? I'm eager to see some basketball, especially Cavs at that.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

24-21 wizards after a 3 ball by antonio daniels.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

as much as Coach Brown has been stressing defense, it appears players aren't getting back or taking care of the ball. 17 fast break points in the first quarter. :thumbdown
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

The Wizards are damn hot. Shooting the ball at over 60% from the field. James, Marshall and Snow lead the points, rebounds and assists catergories.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

This is run and gun stuff, with even Luke slamming home on the break. Cavalier's getting no stops. 45 - 33 early in the 2nd.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

Snow with the 15 footer. Good work son. If he can hit that shot ok, I want him starting.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

Cavaliers not making any consistent stops. Henderson is playing well on the boards and is cleaning up for baskets. Down 49-38.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

Henderson's doing what he was hired to do. He has 3 rebounds, all on the offensive end, and 7 points. All points are on putbacks. Drew are you watching?!
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

Eric with 4 points and 3 assists so far in the 1st half. Not bad coming off the bench.

50-38 Wiz up.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

Just a note, but we are yet to go to any of our camp trialists. Maybe in the 2nd half.
 
Re: Cavaliers @ Wizards - Preseason

Mr_Infante said:
Eric with 4 points and 3 assists so far in the 1st half. Not bad coming off the bench.

50-38 Wiz up.
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Snow started Infante. 5 points, 3 assists and 2 steals, and has been the better of the two points guards thus far.
 
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