Possible Centers

[NarlCavs]

Dalembert won't come as cheap as some seem to think he will. He'll probably end up getting close to what we've been discussing that Z will get.
Teams always overpay for size and Dalembert is still young and has potential. The Hawks are suppsed to be interested and have tons of cap space. Philly also has said they're going to keep him and match all offers.

It's strange that such a non defensive player like Z has been asked to defend all of the top opposition big men from C's, to PF's, to more quicker undersized or athletic PF's by every Cavs coach in the last few years. Either his defense is underrated or the real problem might lie more with the other poor defenders on this team.

Anyway, I don't want to contribute to another 10 page argument. We all know how we feel.

 

[Karma]

Narl you make a great point of hitting the nail on the head!

 

[Cleveland56]

Disector, Im with you on the Z thing. Personally I would rather throw $10 mil a year at Dalempart than Z. Think about it, when the Cavaliers are really contending in two years (lets be realistic), Z won't be able to move. That's not even up for debate I don't think.

What has Z really proved to everyone here that he desrves another near max contract? Has he been in the playoffs since his rookie year? Does he make the other players around him better? No and no...

Dalempart plays better defense, grabs just as many boards, will score 4-6 more points with LBJ, and is only 24 getting better. Im not trying to argue, just giving my two cents.

I don't need scoring out of my center, i need defense. And if we can get a 2 guard that can shoot - we don't need scoring (the Z 15 footer) from our big man.

 

[The Disector]

If you're bigs can compete defensively in the NBA then your team can contend for an NBA championship.

The key to success has been and always will be great interior defense.

If you can't stop the other team from scoring you can't win a championship--Just ask the Suns about not playing defense.

I don't want to be the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, or Sacramento Kings where we get to the playoffs and get eliminated because we cant stop anyone.

I want to be the Spurs, Pistons, or whatever team Shaq is on, who every year have a legitimate shot at making it all the way because even when they are in scoring droughts they still have a chance to win because there specialty is getting defensive stops.

If the Cavs resign Z and get say Ray Allen, or Michael Redd this offseason the Cavs will never win a championship!-NEVER!

We'd be a lower grade Kings team. Score, Score, Score and lets not worry about defense. With the physical play allowed in the playoffs that just won't work if you want a championship.

YOU MUST HAVE DEFENSIVE STOPS TO WIN IT ALL IN THE NBA-YOU MUST HAVE STOPS

 

[NarlCavs]

The Cavs biggest defensive problem last year was the terrible defense on the perimeter. We all know McInnis was a joke. LeBron right now is a poor defensive player who many times never gave much effort, tried to stay with his man or made an effort to make the proper rotation. Defense is much more than gambling for steals a few times a game so you can make the Sportcenter highlights.
Drew Gooden was lost on defense most of the season and was clueless on defensive rotations.

Z is not the greatest defensive player in the world but it's insane to pin all the Cavs defensive problems on him.

I think Z gets bashed because he's 7-3 and can look awkward at times. People seem to expect every big C with some talent to average 30 points and 20 rebounds a game. Brad Daugherty used to get ripped by fans for being too soft but than people missed him and realized how much he meant to the team's success after he had to retire early.

How many other C's in the NBA put up numbers better than Z and are a main focus of opposing team's gameplans and require a double team?
The guy isn't perfect and I wouldn't overpay for him either but I would like him back at the right price and know how important he is.

I also think Dalembert's D is getting a little overrated too. He was benched at times this season for poor defensive rotations and not making the proper defensive plays. He is more athletic and quicker than Z. His offense basically consists of layups and dunks.

 

[Karma]

You say you would pay Dalembert ten million over Ilgauksas. Go ahead, and watch it get matched. We have to way overpay a "potential" guy. I like Dalembert, but he too many question marks to throw big dollars his way only to see it matched. We too are not paying Ilgauskas the max. If we do get him to sign for 10 mill, he will at least 5 million under his max.