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Weekly NBA Losers: Cleveland Cavalier fans deserve better, Golden State has no plan, and another Allen Iverson practice fiasco in DetroitNovember 30 08  Every week, HoopsVibe The Blog will review the NBA’s biggest winners and losers of the last seven days … The Losers … Loser #3: Cleveland Cavaliers They are 12-3. They look capable of winning the Eastern Conference and maybe having Commissioner Stern hand them the Lawrence O’Brien trophy come late June. It’s possible. Yes, the Cleveland Cavaliers could capture the 2008-09 NBA Title. The championship series would be overshadowed by rumours LeBron James, in an effort to maximize sponsorship dollars, will sign with New York as a free agent in the summer of 2010. Recently, the Knicks added fuel to the fire by slashing payroll with two trades. James, himself, turned the fire into an all-out blaze by not properly addressing the situation. For years, the Cavaliers were known as Jordan-over-Ehlo. Nothing more. Fans would marvel at the highlight of ‘His Airness’ dropping a double-clutch jumper over Ehlo and Cleveland. Until drafting James, the organization was haunted by that epic highlight. And until James makes a decision on his future, the organization is again in a tough spot. Frankly, classy Mike Brown, Danny Ferry, and Cleveland’s loyal fans deserve better. Loser #2: Golden State Warriors Plain and simple, the Warriors are a mess. After dropping six consecutive games, they currently sit in the Western Conference cellar at 5-12. But Golden State has bigger issues than their disappointing records. Chris Mullin, their long-time executive, is being squeezed out of the front office in a bizarre power struggle with ownership. Nobody knows Monta Ellis’ future. And, even for a team that likes small ball, too much of their payroll is eaten up by perimeter players. Beyond Don Nelson coaching, nobody knows if a plan exists. Loser #1 Allen Iverson I’m not embedding the infamous ‘We Talking about Practice’ clip. And I’m not embedding the most recent ‘Even Practice’ clip. Iverson’s decision to skip Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day practice won’t impact a veteran Piston squad. It could, however, impact Iverson’s future. ‘The Answer’ is in the final year of his contract. Fair or not, any controversy in team-first Motown will reflect poorly on the former MVP and league bad boy. Other contending teams could be hesitant to offer Iverson a contract this summer. Complicating matters is Detroit and Denver’s recent play. The Pistons have lost three of their past four, while Denver have been much improved since trading Iverson because of what some call improved chemistry. I’m not blaming Iverson. I love his heart. But right now, he needs to bring his best and stay focused. Does Cleveland deserve better? Got thoughts on Golden State’s struggles? What is up with Iverson missing practice? Let us know your opinions in the comment box and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for this week’s winners. Photo courtesy of darleeneisms. |
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