Quick Liftoffs: 7-13

Goals for Cavs' regular season:

-win the Division
-stay healthy
-TRY and get homecourt


Then the fun begins. How will we match-up with the top dogs?


C: Shaq - Rasheed - Howard - Bynum
PF: Varejao - Garnett - Lewis - Gasol
SF: Lebron - Pierce - Pietrus - Artest
SG: West - Allen - Carter - Kobe
PG: Mo - Rondo - Nelson - Fisher

Benches: Z/Parker/Gibson - Perkins/Tony Allen/House - Gortat/Johnson/Redick - Odom/Brown/Walton

Honestly, those are some stacked teams. And yet, I'm not going to put Detroit or Dallas or San Antonio into that mix. On paper, Shaq can guard Howard and Bynum well and against Boston we can put AV or Z on Rasheed on the perimeter. Shaq will dominate Boston in the paint and should handle LA. Varejao guards Garnett as well as anyone in the league AND now we have Anthony Parker/Lebron in our small lineup for Orlando. Lebron is still the best player in the game and Ron Artest as a "King stopper" is an absolute joke in my book. Pietrus starting in the absence of Lee and Turkoglu KILLS Orlando's bench. Delonte can hold his own defensively against all those SGs and if not, we have the bigger, stronger Parker. Mo is the 2nd best pure PG on that list and the best shooter/scorer. He can't defend Rondo or Nelson off the dribble but thankfully, Rondo can't shoot so you just give him some space.
IT'S GONNA BE CLOSE!


Sports fans/media: WE'RE NOT TRADING VICTOR MARTINEZ OR CLIFF LEE!! The Indians management is going to make a run at things next year with guns ablaze because honestly, Shapiro's job is on the line.

The following guys will be likely moved or attempted to be moved due to contractual situations/depth at the position:

-Jamey Carroll (I almost guarantee it)
-Kelly Shoppach (Santana's time is coming)
-Ben Francisco (no room for him, any takers?)
-Ryan Garko (I'd rather see Jordan Brown and LaPorta playing at 1st)

If we are going to contend next year, we need to keep A. the young talent and B. the veterans who are cheap and useful. That means Victor, Lee, Pavano, Betancourt, all are here to stay.

Summer Time

It's time for the summer league where fringe roster players will try to make the Cavs and rookies and other youngsters will look to show what they have for more regular season minutes. Along with the names you are familiar with, look out for center David Harrison, a tough center formerly of Indiana. He's a legit contender to make the roster as a 6th big and a third 7-footer behind Z and Shaq. Leo Lyons was impressive as Missouri and may be a longshot to make the roster as a combo forward. Remember, it's not about wins or losses but you do want to see solid performances from people like Darnell Jackson, Tarence Kinsey and Jawad Williams who we may look for at times to contribute this season.

The Cleveland Cavaliers release summer league roster and schedule
by Starting Blocks/Plain Dealer
Friday July 10, 2009, 2:05 PM
APCleveland Cavaliers rookie Danny Green.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will begin summer league play on Saturday in Las Vegas. The summer league runs today through July 19 at the Cox Pavillion and Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of UNLV.

The Cavaliers, with a roster of rookies and free agents, will play the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

Here's a look at the Cavaliers' schedule and roster:

CAVALIERS GAME SCHEDULE

Saturday, LA Lakers vs. Cavaliers
6:00 p.m. EST COX Pavilion

Sunday, July 12 Milwaukee vs. Cavaliers
10:00 p.m. EST COX Pavilion

Tuesday, July 14 Washington vs. Cavaliers
7:30 p.m. EST Thomas & Mack

Thursday, July 16 Dallas vs. Cavaliers
8:00 p.m. EST COX Pavilion

Friday, July 17 Detroit vs. Cavaliers
4:00 p.m. EST COX Pavilion


ROSTER:

Christian Eyenga, G/F, 6-5, Congo
Jamont Gordon, G, 6-4, Mississippi State
Danny Green, G/F, 6-6, North Carolina
David Harrison, C, 7-0, Colorado
Robert Hite, G, 6-2, Miami
Darnell Jackson, F, 6-9, Kansas
Tarence Kinsey, G, 6-6, South Carolina
Leo Lyons, F, 6-9, Missouri
Maureece Rice, G, 6-1, George Washington
Jawad Williams, F, 6-9, North Carolina