2006 Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Preview page. At the time of publish the preseason games are underway with the regular season to open soon. If you regularly do bet on the NBA use Maddux Sports for NBA Picks and Live NBA Odds to increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Season Preview

Cleveland finished second in the Central last season and progressed to the Eastern Conference semi-finals where they lost to the Pistons in seven games. With the maturing of LeBron James, they could be in the same position this year.

Point guard Eric Snow (4.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 40.9 FG%, 68.8 FT%) is the one Bulls’ starter who is not a shooter. But he’s everything else—a fine defensive player, playmaker and on-court leader. Shooting guard Larry Hughes (15.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 40.9 FG%, 75.6 FT%) has a good 3-point shot and can also slash inside effectively.

At small forward, there’s nothing small about LeBron James’ (31.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.6 APG, 48.0 FG%, 73.8 FT%) play. He’s a dynamic player who, at the age of 21, is about to start his fourth NBA season! Drew Gooden (10.7 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 51.2 FG%, 68.2 FT%) offers substantial support—rebounding, defending and blocking shots.

Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (15.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 50.6 FG%, 83.4 FT%) had a good season but a terrible playoff run. There’s a lot of excitement about third-year center Anderson Varejao (4.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 0.4 APG, 52.7 FG%, 51.3 FT%), who excelled in the post-season.

Coach Mike Brown had a fine rookie season as a NBA head coach with his team making a 52- 30 grade and the playoffs for the first time in eight years. He coaches his team to execute a tough inside game accompanied by tenacious defense. He plays the PR game well, leaving his criticism of players in the locker room. After a good first season, an experienced Brown should be even better.

LeBron James is the scoring centerpiece for a team that can pour in the points. The Cavaliers have a good mix of veteran and less-experienced players. They should be in the middle of the playoffs again this season. Look for the power and youth of James and company to vie for dominance of aging teams such as the Heat, Nets and Pistons. Their first NBA title could be on the horizon.

For more info on the 2006 Cavaliers basketball team visit the Cavaliers official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Pacers, Bucks, Bulls, and Pistons.