Cavaliers forward Luol Deng has been voted the winner of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, presented annually since 1975 by the Professional Basketball Writers Association to a player, coach or team member for outstanding community service.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Cavaliers forward Luol Deng has been voted the 2013-14 winner of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, named after the second commissioner of the NBA and presented annually since 1975 by the Professional Basketball Writers Association to the player, coach or trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Deng, a two-time All-Star, becomes the third Cavalier so honored, joining Austin Carr in 1980 and Eric Snow in 2005. Tristan Thompson was a candidate for the award last year.

"It's an honor,'' Deng said after practice on Tuesday. "It's all about helping other people and just doing what makes you happy in life.

"I wish I could wake up tomorrow and nobody needs help. But we all know that's not going to happen. I'm just happy to be in the position that I'm in to be able to do the things that I'm able to do.''

The two-time All-Star forward recently recorded a public service announcement for the EnoughProject.org, urging peace during a time of renewed conflict in his native South Sudan. In the video, he tells young people, "Look around you, and reach out. Make peace among those who are fighting. Forgive one another and encourage others to forgive. Build trust with people who fear each other. You are young, and if you are wise, you will build bridges with people your age that will last a lifetime. It is not too late to start … but it is not too soon either.''

This is his latest contribution to a number of international causes, including The Luol Deng Foundation, which is a global non-profit organization that uses basketball as a platform to give hope to those in Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. The work in Africa focuses on building outdoor basketball courts and delivering initiatives to bring together local communities. Two courts, funded by Deng, will open in the summer of 2014 and include 12 hoops and locker rooms as well as basketball gear (shoes, jerseys, equipment).

Plans are also in the works to increase the support of schools and renovate and build schools in South Sudan.

The program in the United Kingdom, where Deng grew up after his family fled from Sudan and spent time as refugees in Egypt, focuses on providing opportunities for participation in basketball camps, clinics and events for all sections of the community. The primary goals are to increase participation in grassroots development, provide advice and support for children to pursue the sport at an elite level, and increase opportunities for participation among young women.

In the U.S., Deng’s work has been focused primarily on the communities in which he has played: Chicago and Cleveland.  He has funded Thanksgiving and holiday events that provide meals and toys to the underserved and has also served as a mentor to the “Lost Boys of Sudan.” He is also an avid supporter of the NBA’s Basketball without Borders program and has participated in PSAs to raise awareness for World Malaria Day.

"The breadth and depth of Luol Deng's community service elevated him from a deep pool of committed candidates,'' PBWA President Mary Schmitt Boyer of the Cleveland Plain Dealer said. "But, really, all the candidates and their communities are winners.''

Cavs coach Mike Brown saluted Deng's public service, too.

"It’s a remarkable thing,'' the coach said. "I don’t know how he does it. You’ll applaud him. Obviously, you’ll applaud his parents for raising him the way he did. It’s remarkable and well-deserved. It’s an amazing story. I would be surprised if his life story doesn’t turn into a Hollywood movie deal some day. It’s that special."

The PBWA comprises approximately 175 writers for newspapers, Internet services and magazines, who cover the NBA on a regular basis. Other candidates nominated by PBWA members this year were Miami's Ray Allen, San Antonio's Matt Bonner, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, Toronto's Amir Johnson, Atlanta's Kyle Korver, Portland's Damian Lillard, Minnesota's Kevin Love, the L.A. Lakers’ Steve Nash, Chicago's Joakim Noah and the L.A. Clippers’ Chris Paul.

Jack honored: Cavs guard Jarrett Jack is the recipient of the ninth annual Austin Carr Good Guy Award, presented by the local chapter of the PBWA.

The award is designed to recognize a Cavaliers player who is cooperative and understanding of the media. Carr, who played nine seasons with the Cavaliers, was the No. 1 pick of the 1971 NBA Draft by Cleveland and was selected by 32 members of the media in Northeast Ohio to the Cavaliers All-Time Starting Five during the Cavaliers 30th anniversary season in 1999-2000. He is now the television analyst for FOX Sports Ohio and assists with the team's community and business development efforts.


Jack, signed as a free agent last summer, became a key part of the Cavs rotation as well as an important veteran voice in the locker room. Going into Wednesday's season finale, he has played 79 games, starting 31, and is averaging 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 28.2 minutes.

The award, which is presented annually, was voted upon by the local writers in Cleveland's chapter of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. 
C.J. Miles and Tristan Thompson were also nominated this season. Previous winners include Luke Walton, Anthony Parker, Antawn Jamison, Jamario Moon, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Damon Jones, Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes.

Nets at Cavs

Time: 8 p.m. Wednesday at The Q

TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio, WTAM AM/1100

Notable: Final game of the regular season for both teams, who also opened the season against each other ... Cavs have lost two straight ... Nets will be playing second night of a back after hosting New York on Tuesday ... Cavs are 1-2 against Nets this season, having won opener, 98-94 ... Luol Deng (back) has been ruled out for the game.

Ark just finished up his second season as the head coach of Solon.

SOLON, Ohio -- Solon boys basketball coach Mike Ark resigned from his position last week. Ark was in his second year with Solon and failed to post a winning record in either season.

Ark could not be reached for comment at this time. Solon athletic director Mark McGuire had nothing to say other than confirming Ark's resignation and that the school has not yet started its search for a new head coach.

An Eastlake North graduate, Ark came to Solon after coaching at two high schools in North Carolina. In his two years at Solon, he amassed a record of 17-29. The Comets won just seven games this past season.

The next coach will be the third coach in four years for Solon. Prior to Ark, Bob Patton spent one year as the coach of Solon before resigning citing family obligations.

Ark was a Lake Erie College graduate and taught physical education at Solon. He also served nine years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

The Comets lost to Warren G. Harding in the sectional semifinal this past season. The team has not won a district title since the 2007 season and has never advanced to a state semifinal in school history.

The school has produced basketball talent, though. Comet alum Dallas Lauderdale played for Ohio State University from 2007-2011. Lauderdale was part of that district title team in 2007.

Solon is one of several boys basketball coaching jobs open in Northeast Ohio right now. Included are Cleveland Central Catholic, Lutheran East, Kirtland and Akron Garfield.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Jacques resigned as Strongsville head coach on Feb. 3.

Former Strongsville football coach Russ Jacques will be an assistant with St. Edward next season. (Plain Dealer file photo)

LAKEWOOD, Ohio – After coaching football the past 20 years at one of Northeast Ohio's largest public schools, Russ Jacques is going to see how the other half lives.

The former Strongsville coach will join Rick Finotti's staff at St. Edward, one of Ohio's most successful private school programs over the last four years.

Jacques, 68, resigned from Strongsville Feb. 3.

"It's exciting. They're going to have a heck of a team next season," said Jacques. "Rick Finotti impressed me with the kind of guy he is. I think it's a place to go and have some fun."

St. Edward, which won the Division I state title in 2010, reached the state semifinals last season. Many of the Eagles' top players from last season's team will return.

Jacques said he will be an offensive coach for the Eagles, although his title has yet to be determined. Prior to coaching Strongsville, he was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Wisconsin (1990-91), offensive coordinator at Northwestern (1987-89), Pittsburgh (1985-86) and West Virginia (1980-84), backfield coach at Ohio University (1979) and secondary coach Bowling Green (1975-78), his alma mater.

Finotti did not return a phone message seeking comment.

Larry Laird, who coached Avon Lake last season, will replace Jacques at Strongsville.

Jacques, meanwhile, is happy to shed the head coach role and be an assistant.

"I didn't really look into any head coaching jobs. I had a couple people call me about them, but I wasn't interested in being a head coach again," said Jacques, who will continue to teach health and physical education at Strongsville. "This is like a fresh start."

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Take a look at some of the local teams that currently hold top 25 positions in the LaxPower.com computer rankings and read some of the storylines associated with those programs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As several area girls lacrosse teams near the midpoint in their respective seasons, state computer ratings by LaxPower.com give some perspective on which teams are ones to look out for going forward. 

The website takes into consideration each team's record, strength of schedule and other factors. 

Here is a look at the local teams that currently hold top 25 positions in those rankings and some of the storylines associated with those programs and how they relate to each other. 

TOP RATED TEAMS SET TO SQUARE OFF

As Chagrin Falls approaches the halfway point in its 15-game schedule, the Tigers are 7-0 and have yet to be held to single-digit scoring figures in any game so far. 

During the past week, the team earned wins against cross-town rival Kenston (7-2), 15-7, Bishop Hartley (2-6), 17-6, Mariemont (1-4), 12-4, and, most recently, Cleveland Heights (0-7), 18-3, on Monday. 

The Tigers will face potentially their toughest challenge of the season thus far when they take on Division I Medina on Thursday at Chagrin Falls. 

Medina is currently 3-2 on the season and looking to bounce back after consecutive losses to Sycamore (6-0) and Upper Arlington (8-0) on Saturday. Both opponents are ranked first and fourth, respectively, in the state, according to computer rankings on LaxPower.com at the time of publication.

Chagrin Falls is rated seventh and the Bees are 10th, making the two team the highest ranked girls programs in the cleveland.com coverage area. 

Ohio HS Girls Lax Team of the Week Nominee: Chagrin Falls..Vote http://t.co/fOtW92Suho@CFHSLacrosse @chagrinfallstigers @ChagrinAD@cfhszoo

— Eric Frantz (@jjhuddlenews) April 15, 2014

OTHER TOP 25 GIRLS TEAMS

Hawken (19)

The Hawks got out to a positive start this season as they won four of their first five games, including three consecutive victories against fellow Division II opponents Lake Catholic (1-9), 13-4, Kent Roosevelt (3-2), 11-5, and Western Reserve Academy (1-1), 13-8.

Hawken suffered its one loss to Peters Township (7-2), a Division I Pennsylvania team, 4-11, on Saturday. The team rebounded nicely, however, beating Division I Westerville South (2-5), 9-3, later that same day. 

Next up for Hawken will be Gilmour (1-3) today at 4:30 p.m. The Hawks are currently rated 19th in the Laxpower.com computer rankings. 

The toughest part of the Hawks' schedule is still to come with games penciled in against the likes of other Top 25 teams such as Chagrin Falls (7) on April 25, Kenston (23) on May 5 and Shaker Heights (25) on May 9.

There are seven seniors on the Hawks this year including Rachel Kennedy, Cami Bell, Sophie Kerman, Sarah Speroff, Annie Gries, Kasey Southard and Lauren Perry. 

Walsh Jesuit (21)

After going 9-6 last year in a season that ended with a second-round playoff loss to Ottawa Hills (2-0), 15-14, in overtime, the Warriors have been competitive thus far in 2014. 

Walsh is 21st in the computer ratings and already has five wins on the young season and have outscored opponents 74-24. 

The Warriors have accrued victories against Archbishop Hoban (6-2), 15-7, Bay (5-2), 18-6, Brecksville (1-3), 14-2, Laurel (1-2), 13-6, and Lake Catholic (1-9), 14-3. 

The team isn't scheduled to play again until April 23 when Walsh will take on North Canton Hoover (4-2). 

Kenston (23)

The Bombers lost to Chagrin Falls, 15-7, on Thursday but remain one of the top teams in the area. Kenston's next matchup will be against Solon (0-2) on April 23. 

Read more about how Kenston has faired this season under the guidance of first-year head coach Kelsey Closen. 

Shaker Heights (25)

The Raiders are 4-2 to start the year and ranked 25th in the computer ratings. 

Shaker Heights lost nine seniors from last year's team which lost to Massillon Jackson, 21-9, in the Division I regional semifinals. 

After routing Sylvania Southview (0-5), 19-1, to open the season, Shaker Heights played its closest matchup so far against Kenston on March 22, which the Raiders lost, 10-9. The team rebounded against Brecksville and ended up winning three straight before losing to Columbus Academy, 8-4, on Saturday. 

The Raiders' next game is today against Kent Roosevelt. 

INSIDE ROLL PODCASTS

Listen to last week's Inside Roll Podcast with Hathaway Brown coach Meghan Brennan. Also, feel free and encouraged to leave a question for Padua boys lacrosse coach Benjamin Clemons who will be the guest during this week's podcast. 

LAST WEEK'S RUNDOWN

If you missed last week's rundown about some of the biggest names in girls lacrosse, you can find it here. 

Contact high school sports reporter Robert Rozboril by email (rrozboril@cleveland.com), Twitter (@rrozboril) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/rrozboril). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

With an upgraded, more experienced roster, the franchise's lack of real improvement is very disturbing.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking to myself as the Cavaliers come to the end of a very discouraging season:

Question: Weren't you the guy who wrote they would finish 40-42 and make the playoffs?

Answer: Part of me says they should have finished close to that.

Q: Do you really believe that?

A: At the end of last season, Byron Scott was fired after a 24-58 record. Last year, Scott had Alonzo Gee starting at small forward all 82 games. Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters missed a combined 44 games to injury (compared to 23 this year). Anderson Varejao played only 25 games (65 this year).

Q: Where are you going with this?

A: A year ago, they didn't have Luol Deng (40 games this year), Spencer Hawes (26 games) and Jarrett Jack (79) as veteran help. They had Wayne Ellington, Mo Speights and Shaun Livingston.

Q: Your point?

A: That depleted team of 2012-13 was 24-58. This season, they are 32-49 with a much better and healthier roster.

Q: Meaning what?

A: They should be much better than this, especially seeing how Toronto improved 12 games, Washington 13 and Charlotte 20. Teams do make significant jumps. The Cavs seemed in position to do that, but it didn't happen.

Q: Do you blame Mike Brown for that?

A: Not all of it, but I have raised doubts about Brown in earlier columns. He's never seemed to connect very well with the team for long. I will say that Waiters (averaging 19.3 points since the All-Star break) has improved under Brown.

Q: Such as the last two games?

A: They lost 119-116 in Milwaukee, and the Bucks are utterly lame. Then they were hammered 111-99 by Boston, trailing by 31 points at the end of the third quarter … at home.

Q: But those came after the Cavs were eliminated from the playoffs, right?

A: Boston is 25-55. The Celtics had only eight healthy players. There was nothing on the line for the Bucks or Celtics, but they seemed far more interested than the Cavs.

Q: Indicating what?

A: Immaturity is a huge problem. Waiters and Irving continue to have problems playing together. As I mentioned in a column earlier this week, the Cavs have to seriously ask if it makes sense for both to return next year. It's not personal between the two 22-year-old guards, it's basketball. To be precise, there is only one ball and both want it.

Q: Do they like each other?

A: Actually, they do on a personal level. But far more important is if they can play together. That remains a huge question. In the last three games, Irving is shooting 10-of-33 from field, averaging 11.8 points. His level of disinterest is disturbing.

Q: What did Irving mean with the "Jump the Fence, no regrets" tweet?

A: Who knows? But given that signing an extension is an issue facing him -- why send out something like that when it can easily be read as Irving wanting out of town? And even if he does want out, why advertise it? Let your agent handle it.

Kemba Walker has led Charlotte to the playoffs, something that Kyrie Irving failed to do with the Cavs. AP

Q: Why are you so down on Irving?

A: Kemba Walker.

Q: Say what?

A: Look at how Walker has led Charlotte into the playoffs. The Bobcats' front office made an excellent move in signing veteran big man Al Jefferson (22.0 points, 10.8 rebounds). They hired Steve Clifford, who brought the type of gritty defense that Mike Brown was supposed to bring to Cleveland.

Q: So what's the point about Walker?

A: The point guard is a real leader. Charlotte has missed on a lot of draft picks. Picked ahead of Waiters, Michael-Kidd Gilchrist is a small forward who defends but can't shoot -- 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds. Their first-round pick this season is Cody Zeller (6.0 points, 4.3 rebounds), who plays a lot like brother Tyler Zeller. Another recent first rounder is Bismark Biyombo, who is hopeless on offense but blocks shots. None of these are stars. Walker is the team leader, and he makes other players better.

Q: Irving doesn't?

A: He's not had the impact of Walker. In the previous two seasons, Charlotte was 28-120. It's 43-39 this season. Walker shoots only 40 percent, but you can sense how he's improved Charlotte. It's not just Al Jefferson that led to the big jump.

Q: So you're blaming Irving for the disappointing season?

A: Not just him. Yes, the roster included players who didn't fit well together, but Brown never seemed comfortable with his roster. Compare this roster to Charlotte or Atlanta (two playoff teams) in terms of pure talent.

Interim General Manager David Griffin should be given a chance to run the team next year.Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer

Q: Do you want to blow it up?

A: That's a favorite course of action for Cleveland sports. Changes are needed. But I prefer to give David Griffin a shot at being full-time general manager.

Q: Really? He was Chris Grant's assistant. Why keep Griffin?

A: He views the game a bit differently than Grant. Griffin spent most of his career with Phoenix. His one move was to add offense -- Spencer Hawes. I've talked some basketball with him, and he would bring more of an uptempo game with roster changes. Notice how the Cavs have run better on some nights in the last few months than earlier.

Q: You're not trying to say Griffin is the reason the team is 16-16 since the team changed general managers, are you?

A: I do think Griffin has had an influence in terms of more emphasis on offense. No matter the GM next season, he will face tough decisions. Do you keep Brown for a second year? What to do about Irving and Waiters? Can you find some outside shooting? Yes, there's another lottery pick to be selected. I'd like to see Griffin given a chance to remake the roster, because this season screams for some changes to be made.

Akron, Cleveland State and Kent State are expected to add new recruits when the late basketball signing period starts on Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The late signing period for college basketball begins Wednesday, and the three local Division I schools -- Cleveland State, Akron and Kent State -- are all in line to add to their numbers for next season.

Cleveland State is expected to add 6-4 guard Kenny Carpenter from Detroit's Cass Tech. Carpenter averaged 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists per game.

The Zips look to announce two signings, both for the backcourt, in 6-5 guard Jimond Ivey from Glenville and 5-10 point guard Antino Jackson from Houston. Ivey averaged 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Tarblooders while Jackson averaged 18 points for Cypress Springs in Texas.

Noted for his confidence, Jackson told Futures 150 website in Texas, "I know (Akron) averaged 11.4 assists per game (last season). My goal as point guard is to average that myself."

Jackson is reportedly extremely quick and has drawn comparisons to former Akron guard Dru Joyce, who was considered undersized when he arrived, but grew literally and figuratively over his four seasons.

Kent State will add one player in 6-2 junior college transfer Deon Edwin. He is undersized as a wing, but comes with familiar pedigree as his older brother, Jason Edwin, played at Kent State (2003-2005) and as a senior averaged 12 points and 5 rebounds a game.

Edwin, who began his career at Southern Miss, averaged 21.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists, shooting 53.5 percent from the field and 36.8 percent on 3-pointers at Laramie County CC in Wyoming. But perhaps his biggest attribute comes in drawing fouls, as he averaged 7.9 attempts per game from the line, shooting 69.6 percent.

Both Kent State and Cleveland State still have one scholarship each available.

The quarterback picture heading into the NFL draft should be getting clearer, but that's not what's happening and that should be a concern for any team in need of one, not just the Browns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Three weeks before the NFL draft, there are still unanswered questions about the top quarterback prospects.

What is Johnny Manziel’s best score in “Words With Friends” anyway? If we only knew where Blake Bortles bows out in the easy-to-impossibly hard “Sudoku” puzzle books. How late into the week of New York Times crosswords before Teddy Bridgewater turns to Google?

Tuesday? OK, I guess. Sunday? Sunday is impressive. Sunday means he’s passing up an interview with NASA to pursue the NFL.

And, oh, yeah, the other unanswered question: Can any of them outplay Brian Hoyer?

Three weeks to go, and the opinions on the quarterback elite are widening, not narrowing. That should help convince the Browns that picking one at No. 4 – even though the financial investment isn’t nearly as large as it once was – is still too much to risk. Why? Merely because it could cost you a great talent at another position.

Manziel, who is expected to work out for the Browns this weekend, is a sexy pick. You get the impression that many fans weary of the dull gray of Browns football since 1999 see Manziel through a kaleidoscope. He’s got “it.” Whatever “it” is, or however “it” translates from college to the pros once "it" is squashed underneath Haloti Ngata.

He makes big plays in big games. His hands? They’re big, too. Now comes “news” that he scored a 32 on the Wonderlic, the highest score among the top QBs.

Based on Wonderlic scores alone, of course, Ryan Fitzpatrick’s 48 out of 50 would put him in the Hall of Fame. The average for a QB: 24. On the field, in a brain-to-brain matchup you’d take Terry Bradshaw (16), Jim Kelly (16) and Dan Marino (15) over Fitzpatrick’s 48.

Goes without saying you’d bet Ben Roethlisberger’s 25, too, and give the 23 points.

Mel Kiper and Ron Jaworski ranked their top five QBs for ESPN Tuesday: Kiper went with Bridgewater, Bortles, Manziel, Derek Carr and Joey Garoppolo. Jaworski, a former Super Bowl quarterback, went Bortles, Zach Mettenberger, Manziel, Bridgewater and Carr.

One guy’s No. 1 is another’s No. 4. A wild card appears in each Top 5. That's scary. That suggests to me more depth than singular excellence at the position and good reason to revisit the quarterback board with the second No. 1 pick at the earliest.

Another voice was heard this week (and no, it wasn't one of Frank Caliendo's).

This one belonging to alleged quarterback guru Mike Holmgren, who apparently has not been asked to re-take his proficiency “guru” test in the wake of his time in Cleveland.

“You’ve got to take one,” Holmgren told Peter King of The MMBQ about the quarterback crop. “You’ve got to, unfortunately.”

How’s that for a rallying cry?

Holmgren’s point is well understood when he says that “somebody in that group can play.” Probably more than one. But his two greatest quarterback success stories – Brett Favre in Green Bay and Matt Haselbeck in Seattle – came via trade. When he applied his “take a QB in every draft if necessary” strategy here, he ended up with Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden.

You know how that worked out.

“You list them, you evaluate them, you discuss them as a scouting and coaching group and you pick one,” Holmgren told King. "Now – and this is very, very important – once he’s with you, you never, ever let anyone believe he’s not the right guy, not the quarterback of the future.”

No amount of pep talks, in the building, or in the public, was going to turn Weeden into a quarterback who saw the field and got rid of the ball.

I’m sure Jacksonville followed Holmgren’s strategy when it listed the quarterbacks in 2011, evaluated them, discussed them and chose Blaine Gabbert at No. 10. Same with the Vikings and Christian Ponder when they took him No. 12. Especially so when Tennessee grabbed Jake Locker at No. 8.

This quarterback draft looks like that quarterback draft (after Cam Newton).

The Browns could use a quarterback obviously. What they can’t afford to do is over reach.

"I'm ecstatic to be back and ready to join the team and try to help every way I can," Bourn said.

DETROIT, Mich. -- Michael Bourn was growing tired of the treks to Akron and Columbus. His minor league teammates certainly didn't mind his presence, though.

The Indians activated the center fielder from the disabled list on Tuesday, meaning the days of Bourn treating his Double-A cohorts to steak and pizza are over. To create roster space for Bourn, the Indians optioned outfielder Nyjer Morgan to Triple-A.

"You miss it when you're gone," Bourn said. "You don't know it, but you miss being in the big leagues and being able to come in here with the fellas and go about your everyday business and have an opportunity to play at the top level every day. I'm ecstatic to be back and ready to join the team and try to help every way I can."

Given the postponement of the series opener between the Tigers and Indians, the result of a crippling cold that greeted the Midwest on Tuesday, Bourn's first action will likely come Wednesday. Right-hander Anibal Sanchez will toe the rubber for Detroit at Comerica Park. Bourn said he feels healthy enough to play in back-to-back games, but manager Terry Francona insisted that he will monitor the 31-year-old's progress on a daily basis.

"They're going to communicate with me," Bourn said. "I'll let them know. I'll be honest with them. … I don't want to be out there and not be able to help anybody. That's not going to do anybody any good."

A strained left hamstring has sidelined Bourn since March 16. It's the same hamstring that required offseason surgery, but Bourn stressed that the two injuries are unrelated.

During his minor league rehab assignment, Bourn played in two contests with the Clippers and three with the RubberDucks. He collected three hits in 20 at-bats, stole a base, roamed the outfield and reported no issues with the nagging muscle.

"Confidence is everything with it," Bourn said. "That's the most important thing. I stole a base just to test myself out. I was able to run down the line good. It felt fine. When I was in the outfield breaking on balls, I wasn't thinking about it. I'm sure with a little bit of adrenaline going, I might be able to move a little bit faster."

While with Akron, Bourn and Jason Giambi -- also with the RubberDucks while mending a broken rib -- treated their temporary teammates to a few meals, as is accustomed when big league players make a minor-league cameo.

Bourn said the group gorged on Luigi's Pizza and Outback Steakhouse, all on the veterans' dime.

"We took care of them," Bourn said, laughing. "That's how it goes. Giambi has a little bit more money than me, though."

Morgan will head to Columbus, despite batting .348 (8-for-23) with a .484 on-base percentage and three stolen bases in nine games for the Indians. He filled in for Bourn in center field and in the leadoff spot against right-handed starters and, for the most part, stowed his alter ego, Tony Plush, "on an island." He arrived in Goodyear, Ariz., for spring training as a non-roster invitee, and his relentless effort caused Francona to quip on several occasions that he was playing as though he was "on a mission."

"He did absolutely everything he needed to while he was up here," said right fielder David Murphy. "He had a great showing. It's just an example of how unfortunate it is that there are only 25 roster spots on 30 teams for only so many guys. He did a great enough job to where if we do need another outfielder at some point, he's definitely going to be called upon. We appreciate what he brought to this team. I'm sure he'll be needed at some point."

The Indians opted to preserve their eight-man bullpen -- which will expand into a nine-man 'pen for a few days with Carlos Carrasco having his next start pushed back until Sunday -- in favor of keeping Morgan as a fourth bench player.

"It wasn't really a tough decision," Francona said. "It was difficult in the fact that he had done so well. I don't think anybody thought he deserved to go to Triple-A, but when you look at the way our team is constituted, we needed to stay with the extra pitcher in the bullpen. With Bourn being a left-handed center fielder, it's hard to keep both of them."

Now, after a month-long recovery, it's Bourn's time.

"The hardest part is just watching and not being able to play at the top level that you want to play at," Bourn said. "It makes you miss it. Like they say, the heart grows fonder when it's away. It did. It's an honor to be here. After having to go down to Double-A or Triple-A, you know that being up here is an honor. I know that now."

The indians third weather-related postponement in the first two weeks of the season has caused the starting rotation to be realigned again, but manager Terry Francona has managed to keep his nine-man bullpen intact.

DETROIT, Mich. – Right now David Murphy is wondering if he got the best end of the two-year, $12 million deal he signed with the Indians in November.

Murphy, who spent the last 6 1/2 years trying to stay fresh in the summer heat of Arlington, Texas with the Rangers, is now simply trying to get on the field in the rain, cold and snow of the AL Central.

“I’ve been making jokes saying why did I sign to play in this division,” said Murphy. “It’s something I knew I was getting into. They deal with weather up here at this time of year. It’s unfortunate, but it’s just another thing you have to fight through.”

The Indians’ series opener against Detroit on Tuesday was postponed by cold weather and sporadic snow flurries. The Indians, who have played 13 games, have already had three postponements. They’ve played two as parts of doubleheaders, but no makeup date has been set for Tuesday’s game.

“Baseball is a game of routines and this makes it difficult to get into a routine,” said No. 1 starter Justin Masterson. “Starting pitchers get pushed up a day here, back a day there. Sometimes relievers don’t get consistent time off the mound. For hitters, there’s no routine.”

Zach McAllister, Danny Salazar and Masterson were scheduled to start the three-game set at Comerica Park. Following Tuesday’s freezeout, McAllister will face Anibal Sanchez on Wednesday and Salazar works against Justin Verlander on Thursday. Masterson is scheduled for Toronto on Friday at Progressive Field with Corey Kluber following Saturday.

The man who will spend the most time between starts because of Tuesday’s postponement will be Carlos Carrasco. Following a disappointing start against the White Sox on Friday at U.S. Cellular Field, the Indians skipped Carrasco’s next start and put him in the bullpen for the Tigers series. Carrasco’s next start is scheduled for Sunday.

“Everything is about making an adjustment,” said Carrasco. “I just want to pitch and do something good to help this team. I’ll see if I can pitch out of the bullpen here and then get ready for my next start.”

McAllister is coming off his best start of the year. In the first game of the Tribe’s doubleheader split against San Diego on April 9, he threw 7 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out seven with no walks and five hits in a 2-0 victory. McAllister, relying mostly on a well-located fastball, threw 71 percent (70-for-99) of his pitches for strikes.

He did not think an extra day off would hurt him in preparation.

“Everyone has dealt with being pushed back a day,” said McAllister. “Your routine doesn’t change. You understand those things happen and you just deal with them.”

McAllister is looking to continue the consistency he showed against the Padres.

“I just want to be consistent and do what I did last time,” he said. “I was down in the zone and had a pretty good mix. I felt I was getting guys to swing early because I was throwing strikes and locating.

“If I do that again, I’ll be extremely happy.”

Nine is fine: Francona is working with a nine-man bullpen, including Carrasco, for at least the next two games. In activating center fielder Michael Bourn on Tuesday, the Indians had several options when it came to clearing a roster spot, including sending down relievers Chen-Chang Lee and Blake Wood.

Outfielder Nyjer Morgan, however, was optioned to Class AAA Columbus.

“We’re playing 15 straight games and our starters are close to leading the league in the fewest innings pitched,” said Francona as to why he kept nine relievers.

Indians starters ranked 28th in the big leagues with 69 1/3 innings. The Tigers were last with 63. In fact, the worst four teams in terms of innings pitched by their rotation were from the AL Central – Kansas City, the Indians, Minnesota and Detroit.

Early call: The Tigers postponed Tuesday’s game early. Conditions were frigid, but the field was dry and at 7 p.m., parts of Comerica Field were splashed with sunshine.

Temperatures were supposed to drop to 23 degrees with sporadic flurries later in the night. There were still traces of snow on the field and on the shrubs behind the center field fence.

The Tigers came into the series having lost two out of three to San Diego and four of six overall. New closer Joe Nathan is going through a dead arm period so the postponement certainly didn’t interfere with a hot streak, which is usually the case when games get called like this.

“There’s a reason they called this game,” said Francona, referring to the cold. “There’s snow on the ground. It’s probably rare to see snow on the ground toward the middle of April.”

Jackie’s day: The Indians and Tigers will wear No.42 jerseys in honor of Jackie Robinson on Wednesday due to Tuesday’s postponement.

All other players in the big leagues wore No.42 jerseys Tuesday, the 67th anniversary of Robinson breaking MLB’s color barrier.

Minor matters: Class AAA Columbus first baseman Jesus Aguilar was named Indians minor league player of the week. Aguilar hit .417 (15-for-36) in the Clippers first 10 games of the season. ... Shortstop prospect Dorssys Paulino made four of Lake County's seven errors Monday night in a game twice delayed by rain against Peoria.

Finally: Jason Giambi, eligible to be activated, is scheduled to play another rehab game for Class AA Akron on Wednesday. He’s recovering from a broken rib ...

The Indians return to Detroit on July 18 for a three-game series and Sept. 12 for another three-game series. It’s believed Tuesday’s game will be made up during the July series.

The Monsters lost to Hamilton, 2-1, Tuesday night despite 34 saves from Calvin Pickard.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Monsters, eliminated from playoff contention last week, won't be able to finish .500, either.

The Hamilton Bulldogs, behind a strong performance from goalie Robert Mayer, defeated the Monsters, 2-1, Tuesday night at The Q. Mayer made 30 saves.

Lake Erie (30-33-1-10) has played four consecutive one-goal games. Two games remain: at Grand Rapids on Friday and home to Grand Rapids on Saturday.

Hamilton improved to 33-34-1-7.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring midway through the second period when center Joonas Nattinen delivered a highlight-reel goal. After expert stick-handling, Nattinen went top-shelf to beat goalie Calvin Pickard at 10:18 for his eighth.

Lake Erie answered at 13:30, winger Andrew Agozzino scoring on the power play for his 16th. Agozzino, having created traffic in front of the cage, tipped in Mark Olver's shot from the point.

The Bulldogs killed a penalty at the outset of the third period. Soon thereafter, they took the 2-1 lead. Winger Sven Andrighetto, who has been a problem for Lake Erie this season, created a play with a wrister from the high slot at 2:34. Andrighetto initially was credited with the goal; later in the period, the scorer was changed to winger Nick Sorkin.

The Monsters applied pressure in the final minutes but failed to unhook Pickard from the tough-luck loss. Pickard finished with 34 saves.

In the last of 10 meetings between the teams, physicality was the order of the evening. As two examples, Lake Erie enforcer Daniel Maggio and Hamilton's Jack Nevins fought each other in the first and second periods.

The Browns will conduct their private workout with Johnny Manziel this weekend, a league source confirmed for cleveland.com.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Did the Browns save their best for last?

After conducting private workouts with top quarterbacks such as Blake Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr over the past few weeks, they'll put Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel through the paces this weekend, a source confirmed for cleveland.

ESPN's Adam Caplan first reported that the workout is this weekend. Browns coach Mike Pettine revealed at the NFL Annual Meeting last month that the Browns would privately work out Manziel and all of the top quarterbacks in the draft.

"(He's a) gifted playmaker,'' Pettine said at the meetings. "The play starts when he makes the first guy miss. That's exciting to watch, but to transition to the NFL, he'll have to be able to play in structure, his fifth-step, his foot hits the ground that he can execute a throw. I don't think there's any reason to think that wouldn't happen and I think he's capable of doing it, but when you have that ability to improvise like that, that's what makes him special and maybe separates him from other guys.''

The Browns have identified quarterback as a high priority and have devoted plenty of time and resources to finding the one that fits them best. Will it be the scrambling, playmaking Manziel? Will he be available when they're on the clock with the No. 4 overall pick? If he slides, will they trade up from No. 26 to grab him?

In addition, they'll host Carr, Bortles and others for pre-draft visits next week.

"I (like) what I've seen of (Manziel) on (ESPN's) SportsCenter,'' Shanahan told 92.3 The Fan's Bull and Fox in February. "I haven't sat and studied him, but who wouldn't like him? He's fun to watch, he makes plays, and he's as much of a playmaker as I've seen on SportsCenter as anybody.''

Shanahan hasn't been deterred by Manziel's 5-11 height. He cited the success of shorter quarterbacks Drew Brees (6-0) of the Saints and Russell Wilson (5-11) of the Seahawks, who have both won Super Bowls.

"Everybody wants the prototypical receiver, the prototypical quarterback, the prototypical tackle, but no matter what you say, there's no absolute,'' Shanahan said. "People have succeeded at every height and speed, everybody's done it. Russell just adds another guy to prove those people who speak in absolutes wrong just like Drew Brees has. You've got to look at what a guy is. You never say this guy can't do it because of this.''

But Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, the former Browns and Steelers offensive coordinator, expressed concerned about Manziel's size.

“Evaluation is a comparison business,” Arians said. “If you’re 6-5, 230, run a certain time, there’s like 35 guys I can compare you to that have been successful in this league. If you’re 5-11, there’s two, unless you go back to Fran Tarkenton: Doug Flutie and Russell Wilson. That’s not real good odds to me. You still might make it, but history says no.

Arians acknowledged that Johnny Football has that "it factor'' that Pettine is seeking on his Tour de Quarterback, but seemed skeptical that it will be enough.

“Just because you’re 5-11 doesn’t mean you can’t be successful,'' Arians said. "Johnny has magic. Playing against Flutie in college, that wasn’t fun. He had that magic, too. But it took him a long time to be successful in the National Football League.”

Arians also stressed that Manziel hasn't been chased or hit yet by NFL defenders.

“I don’t think Manziel’s ever going to give up on a play,” he said. “All these kids, they look like they’re going to take it to the wire. Now are they tough enough to get hit by these guys? None of them are fast enough to get away. They might think they are, but they ain’t getting away from these guys chasing them. It’s a different animal chasing them.”

The Browns' private workout with Manziel is especially important because they were one of two teams that didn't attend his Pro Day last month or conduct a formal interview with him at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

But observers at the 45-minute were dazzled by the display, conducted by Massillon, Ohio native George Whitfield Jr.

"He made me say 'wow!''' former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Kurt Warner said on NFL Network during the spectacle at Texas A&M.

Manziel completed 61-of-64 attempts, including plenty of 50- and 60-yard throws on the run.

"You added in those throws on the run, and I don't think there's very many guys even at the National Football League level that can make those kind of throws,'' Warner told Manziel on the NFL Network set.

Warner also said during the showcase, "with what we've seen, he's been extremely impressive. Overall, I think he's been really, really solid.''

ESPN's Bill Polian observed that Manziel has "quick, nimble feet,'' but expressed concern that he threw with a lower arm angle, meaning he'll play to his 5-11 height.

Warner, who mostly praised Manziel, also expressed concerned about the arm angle.

NFL Network Mike Mayock observed that, "he can make every throw mechanically. His arm strength is on par with that of Bortles. He had that beautiful spontaneity on the run and he's confirmed many things. He's not opening up questions for me like Bridgewater did.''

Manziel, who threw in front of eight NFL head coaches including five with top 10 picks, threw with a helmet and shoulder pads on -- rare for a Pro Day workout.

"My main thing was, I'm not scared of anything,'' Manziel told NFL Network. "I don't play that way on the field, why come out here in a scripted workout and be scared of anything? It's the game we all love, let's throw the pigskin around and have some fun. Let's make it as challenging as we possibly could, let's get throws on the run, let's get stuff in the pocket to reset, let's go out and have fun more than anything.''

He said the deep balls on the move were his idea, "especially the two rollouts on the deep slot corners. They didn't know if I could get out there and make that throw like that, it's probably 50-something yards on the run and I felt extremely comfortable doing it. For me the main thing was, we were striving for perfection. One ball hit the ground, so a little disappointed in that, but at the same time, I wanted to make it as challenging as possible and show these guys I'm not scared of anything. I can make any of these throws out here on the field and hopefully compete with anybody.''

As for the necessarily pro skill of throwing from the pocket, he said, "Absolutely. I'm an extremely coachable kid, and I'm ready to learn. That's the biggest thing for me. ''

In regard to off-the-field concerns, he said, "I just want to let these guys know that my focus is football. This is my life. This is what I love to do. I've never been more dedicated and committed in my entire life. I'm so excited. I understand the challenge and the jump. There's no denying that. I want to be one of those (stars) one day. I know that the people that I have around me, and the people that I've talked to in those positions, whether it's Peyton Manning, whether it's Tom Brady, I see what it takes for them to be great. You have to put the time in. You have to be dedicated to it 100% that way.''

Columbus Dispatch high school sports reporter Steve Blackledge joined Stephanie Kuzydym for a podcast about shot clocks.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The addition of the shot clock to the high school game is a topic that Columbus Dispatch high school sports reporter Steve Blackledge has been talking about for years.

Probably every single one of the last 28 years in which he's covered preps athletics in the Columbus area.

This week he joined Northeast Ohio Media Group's high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym to talk about his knowledge of shot clocks as well as his award-winning investigative piece on the topic.

Every day this week, NEOMG has covered a different area of the National Federation of State High School Association's upcoming basketball rules committee meeting. 

Here is the landscape of the week thus far:

Monday: Eight-minute quarters vs. 18-minute halves

Tuesday: Time to add a shot clock to the high school game?

Wednesday: If you could change anything about the high school game, what would you alter?

How are basketball changes proposed and who can propose them?

Thursday: podcast

Friday: Coming soon.

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (skuzydym@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@stephkuzy). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

The Heat will face the Bobcats in the first round, while the Spurs open against the Mavericks.

MIAMI  — Finally, the NBA playoffs are set.

It took the entire season to fill out those brackets.

Overtime thrillers in Memphis and Charlotte, a go-ahead dunk in Oklahoma City to win a game and cap another scoring title for Kevin Durant, plus some good old-fashioned disinterest by Brooklyn ... all that, and more, on the final night of the season was needed before the eight conference-quarterfinal matchups in this season's NBA playoffs could be decided.

In the Western Conference, San Antonio — the league's best team this season, and a club that had the NBA title slip from its fingers a year ago — opens with Dallas. Oklahoma City gets Memphis, the Los Angeles Clippers face Golden State and Houston squares off with Portland. In the East, it's Indiana against Atlanta, Miami against Charlotte, Toronto facing Brooklyn and Chicago meeting Washington.

And for the third straight year, it's the same question entering the playoffs: Can anyone beat the Heat?

By late June, we'll have an answer.

"Now it's time," Houston's Chandler Parsons said, "for the real fun."

If what's occurred in the season's first 170 nights wasn't the real fun, then these playoffs could be epic.

More points were scored in the NBA than ever before this year, more 3-pointers were both shot and made in league history, the Spurs won 62 games — including 19 straight — and Durant scored at least 25 points in 41 consecutive games, a stretch of offensive brilliance that spanned exactly half of the season. Durant wound up winning his fourth scoring crown, making him the overwhelming favorite to deny LeBron James a third straight MVP award.

James has taken the high road, lauding Durant's season and saying he would be a worthy MVP.

Really, though, it's obvious that the trophy James is most concerned with is the one that'll be handed out at season's end. The Heat won the last two championships of David Stern's era as commissioner, and would enjoy nothing more than being the first team to accept the Larry O'Brien Trophy from new Commissioner Adam Silver.

"What's coming over the next couple months, we know that's how we'll be judged," Heat forward Shane Battier said.

The 16 teams heading to the playoffs were known before Wednesday, but it wasn't until the final night before nine of the seeds were secured and six of the eight first-round matchups were finalized.

Memphis held off Dallas 106-105 in overtime, giving the Grizzlies the No. 7 seed and a shot at the Thunder. Monta Ellis' missed 20-foot jumper at the buzzer for the Mavericks meant they would be heading to San Antonio to open up the playoffs this weekend — and Dallas has lost nine straight times to the Spurs.

"Eventually," Dallas star Dirk Nowitzki said, "we will win one."

Losing nine straight to one opponent, that's not good.

Losing 15 straight, even worse. That's what Charlotte has to overcome against the Heat — who are 15-0 against the Bobcats since James and Chris Bosh arrived to team with Dwyane Wade in Miami.

Charlotte went 7-59 two seasons ago. It went 43-39 this season, clearly having undergone a brilliant turnaround.

Alas, 43 wins wouldn't have come close to being enough out West.

Phoenix's title hopes were doomed by perhaps geography more than anything else. The Suns won 48 games and are done. Toronto won 48 games and earned both a No. 3 seed in the East and a division title.

"Very disappointing," Suns guard Archie Goodwin said.

The East was a mess entering the season's final night with five seeds still up for grabs. Chicago lost to Charlotte in overtime, meaning Toronto finished third and the Bulls got No. 4. But the last three seeds needed a bit longer to be settled, and even though the Bobcats won, they couldn't pass a Washington team that wound up overtaking the Nets for fifth place before the night was over.

Nets coach Jason Kidd rested all five of his starters, plus some backups, even though his club could have finished No. 5.

"I like right where we are," Kidd said.

Kidd probably had a good idea going into Wednesday night that Washington would beat Boston, so it's clear that he didn't mind dropping down a spot in the East bracket. Brooklyn would likely face Miami — a team it swept — in the second round now. Had Brooklyn been the fifth seed and won an opening series, it would have likely faced Indiana, which topped the Nets in all four of their meetings.

Fitting, then, that talk of tanking — a ploy teams who are looking to rebuild through the draft are often accused of — permeated the season's final night as well.

"You've got to be careful what you wish for," Toronto coach Dwane Casey said. "I've been in both situations. You think you want to play a certain team now and then once you start preparing for them you say 'Whoa, that team's pretty good.' and then all at once you've got a dogfight. So I think the best way to approach it is let the basketball gods decide."

There's no more tanking now.

For the 16 teams left standing, it's title or nothing. And the journey starts Saturday.

-- Tim Reynolds, AP 

East

No. 1 Indiana Pacers (56-26) vs. No. 8 Atlanta Hawks (38-44)

No. 2 Miami Heat (54-28) vs. No. 7 Charlotte Bobcats (43-39)

No. 3 Toronto Raptors (48-34) vs. No. 6 Brooklyn Nets (44-38)

No. 4 Chicago Bulls (48-34) vs. No. 5 Washington Wizards (44-38)

West

No. 1 San Antonio Spurs (62-20) vs. No. 8 Dallas Mavericks (49-33)

No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder (59-23) vs. No. 7 Memphis Grizzlies (50-32)

No. 3 L.A. Clippers (57-25) vs. No. 6 Golden State Warriors (51-31)

No. 4 Houston Rockets (54-28) vs. No. 5 Portland Trail Blazers (54-28)

Indians RHP Danny Salazar has had two bad starts to begin his season. He faces the Tigers and RHP Justin Verlander on Thursday afternoon in Detroit.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians play the Tigers in the finale of a two-game series Thursday afternoon in Detroit.

Cleveland Indians: On deck

Game: 15.

Opponent: Tigers.

Location: Comerica Park, Detroit.

Scheduled first pitch: 1:08 p.m.

TV/Radio: SportsTime Ohio; WTAM/AM 1100.

Pitching matchup: Indians RHP Danny Salazar (0-1, 6.75 ERA) vs. Tigers RHP Justin Verlander (1-1, 2.57).

Season series: Indians lead, 1-0. (Tigers won, 15-4, last season.)

Indians update: They are 7-7 overall, 4-4 on road. … Defeated Tigers, 3-2, Wednesday night in opener of weather-shortened series. RHP Zach McAllister allowed one run in six innings and CA Yan Gomes went 2-for-4 with a two-run triple. CF Michael Bourn was 0-for-4 with a walk, run and error. ... Indians had activated Bourn (left hamstring) from disabled list in advance of series and optioned OF Nyjer Morgan, who played well as Bourn's substitute, to Class AAA Columbus.

Tigers update: They are 6-5 overall, 4-2 at home. ... Verlander is coming off a quality start in San Diego (7 IP, 2 R). In the previous three seasons against Cleveland, Verlander is 7-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 11 starts. ... 1B Miguel Cabrera, two-time defending A.L. MVP, is off to one of the worst starts of his career. He is hitting .227 (10-for-44) with one homer, six RBI and 11 strikeouts in 11 games. Cabrera has feasted on Cleveland pitching throughout his career. Last season against the Tribe, he batted .317 (20-for-63) with three doubles, six homers, 20 RBI and 14 walks. He went 1-for-4 with one homer and three strikeouts in his one game against Salazar.

Familiar face: Former Indian Victor Martinez went 2-for-3 with one walk as Detroit's DH on Wednesday. Last season against Cleveland, Martinez batted .378 (28-for-74) with eight doubles, one homer, 14 RBI and 11 walks.

Injuries: Indians – DH Jason Giambi (right rib) is on disabled list. Tigers – LF Andy Dirks (back) and SS Jose Iglesias (shins) are on DL. RHP Bruce Rondon (elbow) is out for season.

Next for Indians: Three-game series against Blue Jays begins Friday night at Progressive Field.

Cavaliers coach Mike Brown would like some of his team's early losses back but sees mostly positives after ending the season with a 114-85 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night at The Q and finishing 33-49. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A smiling Cavaliers coach Mike Brown walked through a gauntlet of fans in the hallway, slapping hands and patting backs after his team closed out its season with a decisive 114-85 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Fan Appreciation Night Wednesday at The Q.

The sense of relief was palpable.

After two dreadful performances in losses to Milwaukee and Charlotte since being eliminated from the playoff race a week ago, the coach was heartened that all the hard work his team put in this season, all the progress it had made, was not for naught after all.

"We want to win every time we step on the floor,'' Brown said after the Cavs finished 33-49, avoiding 50 losses for the first time in four seasons. "But for me, even if we would have just played the right way, I would have been satisfied with that. To win adds the icing on top of the cake. But our guys didn't just win, they tried to play the right way, which is good.''

Tyler Zeller had 22 points and 11 rebounds, Dion Waiters added 19 points and Irving finished with 15 points as the Cavs shot 53 percent, with 32 assists on 46 field goals, while holding the Nets to 38 percent shooting and forcing 16 turnovers.

Andray Blatche had 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Marcus Thornton added 20 for the short-handed Nets, who dropped to 44-38 and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Among those missing in action for Brooklyn Nets were stars Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Joe Johnson and Deron Williams, former All-Stars all.

 "People will say, 'Well, they didn't have all their guys,''' Brown said. "For us, it doesn't matter. Were not the same position where Brooklyn is. Brooklyn's on their way to the playoffs. They have a lot of veterans on the team. They had a couple of guys tonight individually who have more playoff years than everybody that played for us. "We needed to play the right way and hopefully playing the right way would have resulted in a win, which it did. So I'm very proud of all of our guys. I'm proud of the way they played on both ends of the floor. To end on a high note, especially on a night like this when it's Fan Appreciation Night. These last couple of games, you look up in the stands and you understand the record, and our building is full. You really appreciate the fans, the people here in Cleveland, they're like no other. I experienced it when I was here before, and it's the same thing now, even though we're not necessarily in the same position.''

This is the first full season Brown has coached that didn't end in a playoff appearance. After hiring Brown back and then winning the lottery last spring, owner Dan Gilbert vowed the Cavs would not be returning to the lottery, and yet they'll be back on May 20. Still, Brown was hired to improve the defense, and the Cavs went from dead last to the middle of the pack. His team survived injuries and roster overhauls and the firing of his good friend, general manager Chris Grant, going 17-16 in its last 33 games.

Brown said he would not be pleading his case with Gilbert to retain his job now that the season has ended.

"I'm thankful for Dan for the opportunity he's given me and my family,'' Brown said. "I wouldn't be sitting in this seat without him. It's his team. Whatever decision he makes with anything, I'm going to support him.''

Though falling short of that playoff goal set by Gilbert, the young Cavs did learn something about what it takes to make the playoffs.

"We had a lot of learning to do when it comes to that,'' Brown said. "We had an opportunity going down the stretch to play some meaningful games, the first time a lot of these guys were under a different type of pressure going down the stretch in April. So it was good for them to experience. It was good for them to feel. Whether we won, whether we lost, anytime you go through experience, in my opinion, you grow.''

Mostly, Brown said, he thinks about the positives of the season -- 41 assists on 53 baskets against the Pistons on April 9, a six-game winning streak in February, a 3-2 West Coast trip after Luol Deng joined the team in early January.

His biggest regret is going 4-12 in November and 5-9 in December.

"I think the team in that locker room has a chance to be a playoff team and a chance to grow together, but I don't know if quite good enough to start the season 9-21 and think it's going to be easy to make that ground up, especially with the inexperience that we have in a lot of areas,'' Brown admitted. "I'm proud of the guys. I'm proud of the season that they had because I think we made progress. The two games we had prior to tonight were tough to go through. To a certain degree, people look at what have you done for me lately? These guys have been pretty good last two or three months, not just two to three weeks or two to three days. They've been good for the past couple of months -- or they played better basketball.

"So I give them credit for it. I give them credit for trying to stick with it, trying to get better, trying to go out there and prove to themselves they can win in this league consistently. I look at it more as a positive than anything else, except the first two months. I wish I could take some of those games back.''

Lonnie Chisenhall, David Murphy and Yan Gomes have anchored Cleveland's offense thus far in 2014.

DETROIT, Mich. -- Terry Francona isn't fond of postponements, but he didn't mind the cancelation of Tuesday's contest. Bone-chilling temperatures prompted the Tigers to nix the series opener, and Francona said it was "the first day in a long time" in which he was relieved about such a decision.

The temperature Wednesday evening wasn't balmy by any means, either (42 degrees at first pitch), but Francona was ready to brave the conditions. The skipper joked that he'd rather catch a cold than bundle up in an embarrassing heap of cozy outerwear.

Here are five observations on the Indians, one for each of the flavors of barbecue sauce served at Slow's Bar-B-Q, a legendary eatery located about a mile and a half from Comerica Park.

1. Full nine: For the first time this season, Francona pieced together something resembling a complete, healthy starting lineup. Michael Bourn played in his first game after missing a month of action because of a balky hamstring. Lonnie Chisenhall also saw the field for the first time in eight days.

The Indians mustered only five hits on the frigid night, but barring a future trade or injury, this is likely the lineup Francona will trot out against right-handed starters.

2. Bottoms up: The lower third of the lineup has contributed much more frequently than the top two-thirds. Chisenhall, who batted ninth on Wednesday, has collected eight hits in 19 at-bats (.421 average), including four doubles. Yan Gomes, who hit eighth, delivered the decisive two-run triple on Wednesday and pushed his average to .293. David Murphy, who batted seventh, leads the team with 11 RBIs.

Nick Swisher and Carlos Santana are batting .175 and .170, respectively. Francona is loyal to his players. He fielded countless queries last season about moving Jason Kipnis out of the top-third of the lineup. The second baseman carried a .189 average into the first week of May, but Francona remained steadfast in his belief that Kipnis would turn it around. The eventual All-Star proved him right.

So, don't expect Francona to drop Swisher or Santana in the order anytime soon. Both players' track records suggest they'll figure things out. It is fascinating to note, however, from where the production in the Indians' lineup has come.

3. Lonnie Baseball: Chisenhall was thought to be a potential candidate for a demotion to Triple-A Columbus upon the returns of Bourn and Jason Giambi. He was pegged as expendable once Santana claimed the third-base gig. Instead, he has perhaps salvaged his job security by doing the one thing in his control: hit.

Chisenhall's short, quick swing has always allowed him to swat fastballs from right-handers. In his career, he has hit righties at a .260 clip, compared to .194 against southpaws. Francona has protected the 25-year-old this season, though. Chisenhall has yet to bat against a left-handed hurler.

4. It's a virtue: The Indians have demonstrated patience at the plate better than most teams in the league. Only the Twins' hitters have seen more pitches per plate appearance. Only 13.2 percent of strikes against Indians' batters have been of the swing-and-miss variety, the third-best (lowest) mark in the league. The team's contact percentage of 81.6 percent also ranks third in baseball. Cleveland's hitters offer at the first pitch 22.7 percent of the time, the fifth-lowest rate in the league.

Swisher, Kipnis, Santana and Asdrubal Cabrera have scuffled through the season's first two-and-a-half weeks. Patience has aided the club's cause, though, as the Indians rank ninth in baseball and fourth in the American League in runs per game.

5. Pain-free: As it so often happens, fate forced Bourn to sprint all over the outfield grass in his first game back on Wednesday. He made a handful of running grabs. In the ninth inning, he chased down a ball in the gap off the bat of Alex Avila. He mishandled the ball while transferring it to his throwing hand and Avila stretched a double into a triple.

All told, however, Francona was more than pleased with Bourn's effort in his first big league action of the season. Bourn felt no ill effects and told his skipper he could play in Thursday's matinee, in which the Tribe will face Justin Verlander.

Zach McAllister has allowed only one run in his last two starts, striking out 11 and walking two in 13 2/3 innings.

DETROIT, Michigan -- Scribbles in my Tribe notebook after their 3-2 victory in Detroit on Wednesday:

1. When John Axford entered the game, the Indians had a 3-2 lead in the ninth. That was the same score in Chicago on Sunday when Axford was summoned from the bullpen. Two batters (and an Alexei Ramirez home run later), the White Sox were 4-3 winners. It was Axford's first blown save of the season.

2. Axford had a miserable April in 2013, losing his closer's job for Milwaukee. He trashed four saves. He was shelled for five homers in 10 2/3 innings, an ERA of 8.44. By May, he was no longer the closer. That's why Wednesday was important to Axford. How would he bounce back? It was impressive. With one out, he gave up a double to Alex Avila -- who took third when Michael Bourn bobbled and dropped the ball. With a runner on third and one out, Axford fanned pinch hitter Don Kelly. He then induced Rajai Davis to ground out.

3. This was a huge save for Axford. The last thing the Tribe needs is a closer crisis in April. Nor did they want to mess up a chance to win in Detroit. Axford is 5-of-6 in saves this season. He throws up to 96 mph. He has a superb overhand curveball that drops -- and he can use it against righties and lefties. It was the pitch he threw to strike out Kelly with that runner on third and one out.

4. Yan Gomes drove in two runs with a 400-foot triple to right-center. It was a pitch that was about six inches above the ground, but Gomes hammered it. He loves low pitches, even below the strike zone. That was the first hit with a runner in scoring position for Gomes. He was 0-of-9 prior to that. He was robbed of another RBI later in the game when left fielder Rajai Davis made a diving catch of his line drive. Gomes is hitting .293 on the season. He also threw out a stealing baserunner. He has thrown out 3-of-8 runners this season.

Zach McAllister threw first-pitch strikes to 16-of-23 batters in his victory over Detroit.AP

5. Zach McAllister seems to have figured out how to use his changeup and slider, and he's now allowed only one run in his last 13 2/3 innings. Yes, it was a bitter cold night (34 degree wind chill at 7 p.m. and the temperature dropping). But McAllister was so sharp, pounding the strike zone. In his last two starts, he has 11 strikeouts and only two walks. In Wednesday's game, he threw first-pitch strikes to 16-of-23 batters.

6. McAllister and Corey Kluber have been very effective in their last two starts. Trevor Bauer has allowed only one run in two starts (12 innings) at Class AAA Columbus. And he gave up two runs (one earned) in his one six-inning start with the Tribe.

7. David Murphy made two excellent diving catches in right field during Wednesday's game. He has done that a few times this season, along with throwing out a runner, So far, he has been a solid addition, batting .275 (.868 OPS). A lefty batter, Murphy is 2-of-12 vs. left-handers. Against righties, it's .321. He has two homers and leads the team with 11 RBI.

8. Cody Allen was hitting 95 mph on the radar gun in the eighth inning. He gave up an unearned run (Jason Kipnis dropped a pop up). But he also was helped by Nick Swisher starting an excellent double play at first base. Allen has 12 strikeouts in six innings this season.

9. Four times, the Tribe had a runner on third and fewer than two outs. The only time they pushed that run from third across the plate is when Carlos Santana hit into a double play. Others leaving runners on third were Michael Bourn (called out), Lonnie Chisenhall (struck out) and Swisher (weak ground out). They also were 1-of-13 with runners in scoring position. The Tigers were 1-of-9. The cold weather made it a miserable day for the hitters.

10. And speaking of misery, in his first game back from the disabled list, Bourn was 0-of-4. He struck out twice, left two runners on base and made an error in center. Coming back from paternity leave, Chisenhall delivered two hits. He's batting .421 this season.

11. Carlos Santana's slump has very little (if anything) to do with switching between third base and catching. It's due to him swinging so hard and trying to pull virtually everything. It's a bad habit that haunts Santana at some point nearly every season.

12. The Indians are now 3-5 in the Central Division. In 2013, they were 44-32 -- and that includes 4-15 vs. Detroit.

This week's Inside Roll Podcast features Padua coach Benjamin Clemons discussing about how many young athletes start playing lacrosse.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There aren't many high school lacrosse players around today that began playing before they reached their teenage years. 

During the third installment of the Inside Roll Podcast, Padua coach Benjamin Clemons talks about how many young athletes start playing lacrosse later in their athletic careers than some sports much the way he did. 

He also talks about how having a multitude of seniors at his disposal on this year's Bruins team and how that is a huge benefit to him as a first year coach at the school as well as his hopes for the future of the program. 

Inside Roll Podcast

Be sure to look for this podcast every week and let us know what local coach or other lacrosse authority you think we should have on.

Listen to last week's Inside Roll Podcast with Hathaway Brown coach Meghan Brennan. 

New this school year: Readers can now comment on all cleveland.com high school sports stories — and we encourage it.

Look for the comments section at the bottom of every post. Registering for an account is free and takes just a few minutes (click here for an account). Once you register you will have the ability to comment on all posts.

Contact high school sports reporter Robert Rozboril by email (rrozboril@cleveland.com), Twitter (@rrozboril) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/rrozboril). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

See some of the boys tennis headlines across Northeast Ohio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Familiar boys tennis players from Northeast Ohio are continuing to lead the way for their teams. But last week, some rising talent has emerged.

Read more about it in this week’s Best of the Beat Boys Tennis edition. Look for the Best of the Beat post every Thursday this spring.

Solon doubles team chats in spotlight interview

Solon seniors Eric Goldberg and Dillon O’Brien qualified last year for the doubles state tournament. After an early exit from competition, the two are back together again this season.

“It was real good experience,” O’Brien said. “We’re just hoping to get back there and have more success.”

The duo is 3-1 so far. See the doubles group answer a few questions away from the tennis court in their spotlight interview.

University on the rise in 2014

University's season opener on Friday resulted in a 3-2 loss to the defending state team champions from Lexington. The Preppers have high hopes for the season.

“We have a good team,” University coach Lionel Savarin said.

Nerves were a factor for the young players, Savarin said, but he doesn’t believe that will be a long-term effect.

University won the team state championship in 2012, but never has the team had a combination of players like this year.

Doubles state qualifier Robert Stroup returns at the No. 1 singles position. But the talk amongst teams in Northeast Ohio is their talented roster, which also features four freshmen: Paul Gota, David Buchinsky, and Drew and Tyler Krantz.

“In 2012, we won state as a team because we had a great player in Yale Goldberg...and we had a really deep team behind him,” Savarin said. “We had an amazing roster, but these guys put us back in the contention for going to state.”

The team is 1-1 after falling to Lexington. The next day it won its first match, 5-0, against Bexley.

Westlake joins Fostering Hope to help children

Players from Westlake lent their time on Tuesday's to create Easter baskets for foster children. This event is in partnership with local charity Fostering Hope’s first Bunny Hop for Hope.

The baskets will be donated to the OhioGuidestone in Berea and Beech Brook in Pepper Pike, spokesperson Leslie Samenuk said."By taking the time to make the Easter baskets, the players are not only helping the foster children experience a special holiday, but showing them that someone truly cares,” founder and director of Fostering Hope Nicole Shefrin said. “That sense of belonging -- of being a part of the community-- will last with those children long after the chocolate bunnies are gone."

Walsh Jesuit singles player Aaron Sandberg chats on Net Post Podcast

Three-time state qualifier Aaron Sandberg of Walsh Jesuit joined Tuesday’s Net Post Podcast on cleveland.com, hosted by Nathaniel Cline.

Sandberg has been in the mix for a state championship the last three years. Freshmen season he fell in the opening round of the doubles competition. As a sophomore he advanced to the singles semifinals and last year was the Division I state runner-up.

Boys Tennis links to save

See how teams fared the past several days: Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Read the 2014 boys tennis preview here.

Click on the links to see the Division I and Division II brackets. The winners of each division will advance to the state team semifinals at Reynoldsburg on June 1. Start time at 9 a.m. with Division II and then Division I.

The event will follow the 2014 OHSAA State Boys Tennis Tournament from May 30-31 at Ohio State University.

Tennis singles players to watch

Name: Aaron Sandberg

Grade: Senior

School: Walsh Jesuit

Record and Awards: 5-0. Sandberg’s two notable wins came against St. Ignatius tennis player Nathan Griffin.

Name: Shouta Fuckamachi

Grade: Senior

School:Mayfield

Record and Awards: 4-1, Fuckamachi’s notable win came against Willoughby South’s Vince Anzalone.

Name: Vince Anzalone

Grade: Junior

School:Willoughby South

Record and Awards: 2-1

Name: Weston Noall

Grade: Senior

School:Gilmour Academy

Record and Awards: 4-2

Other notables: Copley senior Andrew Ong, St. Ignatius senior Nathan Griffin and Westlake junior Nicholas “Cal” Craven. Records not available.

Singles players under the radar

Name: Cameron Croghan

Grade: Junior

School:Wadsworth

Record and Awards: 3-1. Moved to No. 1 singles this season after last year in the No. 3 spot. He is also on the boys track & field team.

Name: Dhruv Yadav

Grade: 12

School: Hawken

Record and Awards: 4-0. Yadav’s notable win this season came against Ong.

Name: Justin Csepe

Grade: Freshman

School:Norton

Record and Awards: 5-1

Name: Nico Mostardi

Grade: Sophomore

School:Avon

Record and Awards: 5-0 and won the LCAAA Tournament defeat Lake Ridge singles player Caleb Mayer twice. Last season Mostardi was one win away from qualifying for the singles state tournament last season.

Other notables:Hudson junior Dominic Polifrone defeated last year’s doubles qualifier Nicholas “Cal” Craven of Westlake. Record not available.

*Records listed as of Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

Final NBA Draft lottery standings show Cleveland ninth, meaning the Cavs will have a 1.7 percent chance at the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Orlando are the top three. See complete odds for all teams and all picks.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - While the league-worst Milwaukee Bucks have the best chance of landing the top pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers still have some hope for a high pick.

The Cavs have about a 1-in-20 chance of picking somewhere in the top three.

By finishing the season with the league's ninth-worst record, the Cavs have a 1.7 percent chance of picking No. 1, and a 6.1 percent chance of ending up somewhere in the top three.

If that doesn't happen, the highest the Cavs will pick is ninth.

The 14 teams not making the playoffs will be placed in a lottery drawing for the top three picks. After the first three picks are determined, picks four through 14 will be slotted based on record.

Milwaukee, with the worst record in the league, has a 25 percent chance at the top pick. No. 2 Philadelphia has a 19.9 percent chance at picking No. 1. Third is Orlando, with a 15.6 percent chance.

Utah and Boston are tied for fourth. They will each have about a 10.3 percent chance.

Ties in the lottery standings are broken by the NBA in advance of the actual drawing. The odds for the tied teams essentially are split. Importantly, the winners of tiebreakers are slotted higher in the order, should they not be drawn.

NBA Draft lottery standings

Note: Standings show team originally holding each pick, before any trade. Cleveland's only first-round pick in 2014 is its own. Odds shown are not final for Utah and Boston. Their tie will be broken by the NBA. Their chances will be split, and one team will be slotted higher than the other. Where 0.0% is listed, there is a tiny chance.

Sources: Northeast Ohio Media Group and the NBA.