2005 Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Cleveland Cavaliers.

2005 Cleveland Cavaliers Team Preview

LeBron James. In his second NBA season this young player averaged 27.2 points per game while grabbing 7.4 rebounds each night. James also recorded four triple-doubles last year, with only Jason Kidd (eight) and Kobe Bryant (five) out-performing him in that area, and he was third in steals. But this year is different. Why? This year the Cavaliers have more than just LeBron James.

Other stars in the team’s starting ranks are center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who last season had a reliable 16.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and shooting guard Larry Hughes (22 PPG), who the Cavs signed as a free agent. New Cav and NBA veteran Donyell Marshall offers consistent and cagey play every contest and will probably get the nod at forward, replacing Drew Gooden. Last year Gooden had 37 double-doubles, putting him eighth in that category. Although Gooden has talent and plays hard, he’s not consistent enough to be productive every game. Chances are this season he’ll be a potent force as the Cav’s sixth man.

The club also has a new coach, first-time NBA coach Mike Brown. Brown, a former assistant for the Spurs and Pacers, preaches the pick-and-roll on offense and tenacious defense at the other end of the court. This high-energy manager possesses a detail-oriented mind; he’ll be pushing his players, as well as himself, to do everything possible to win every game. First and foremost Brown must get James more involved in defense while insuring that the entire team, and not just James, is invested in offense.

The main question every Cav fan has is “will this season be different; can the Cavs go to the playoffs?” The potential is certainly there. But potential does not always translate into success. For the club to be successful this improved team will have to learn to exploit its numerous strengths and to trust its rookie coach. If that occurs, the Cleveland Cavaliers may make the entire Eastern Conference mighty nervous.

For more information on the 2005 Cleveland Cavaliers Team, click here to visit their official team website.