Cavs II

Two players, Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic still have not signed contracts with the Cavs for the upcoming season. They (or their agents) think so strongly that they deserve a big chunk of change that they're threatening to play euroball. Here's why we need them and why they don't deserve the money they're asking for.

Sasha Pavlovic

Sasha's been with the team for several seasons, now, but last year was a big break-out season for him. He really developed his ability to drive to the hole, and surprisingly also had a decent jump-shot. While the announcers harped constantly about his statement "My offense is my defense," it really was his offense that he brought to struggling team. So once he got his defense in order, Sasha became a crucial piece of the Cav's post-season run.

That said, he's still got a long way to go. Mainly, he sometimes seems to be out of control which results in turn-overs. These turn-overs happen at crucial moments. Maybe someday in the future Sasha will be worth 5 million a year, but right now he's not even close. Have fun in Europe, Sasha--unless you think better.

Anderson Varejao

The season before last I became very excited about this fellow and where he was going. He's been labeled an "energy guy" with good reason. When he comes off the bench, the intensity level goes up a notch. I remember an awesome scene where he was frustrating Spur's star, Tim Duncan. They stood nose to nose, not speaking, but just staring each other down. This is why we love Andy, because he can frustrate people.

He can also draw charges like no one else, regardless of how much Bill Walton whines about it.
While I'm sure Andy always has taking charges in mind, I don't think he's just 'flopping.' At least not last season. In any case, though, such a defensive presence is excellent.

The offense is a little different. One of the things I was excited about a few seasons ago was how good this kid might be if he really developed his offense. Indeed, he is developing it, and last season was far better than the last, but he has a long, long road to travel. As of last season, he had way too many "what the fuck were you thinking?" moments. Every time Andy puts the ball on the floor I cringe, and whenever he puts it on the floor he's totally committed to putting it up sooner or later. Even worse, he insists on taking open mid-range jump shots. That's just not smart. I mean, I support him trying to develop his offense, but that's not something you practice in game--especially taking a pass from Lebron in the NBA and going for the game winning shot instead of giving it back to him. What the fuck, Andy?

I love Andy, and he's valuable, but he's got an impressively long road to traverse before he's worth that 10 million dollars a year he's asking for. Have fun in Europe, man.