Has coach Byron Scott made the grade?

David Richard / Associated PressCoach Byron Scott

The Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the worst teams in the NBA last season. That distinction now goes to the Charlotte Bobcats.

The addition of point guard Kyrie Irving, and the play of Anderson Varejao, certainly has made the Cavaliers a much better team this season, but how much credit goes to coach Byron Scott?

We all know the NBA is about the players, but Scott has done a good job of meshing his young squad and pulling off some huge victories against teams like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Dallas Mavericks.

How well is Scott doing?

Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao didn't make the All-Star team as a reserve, and neither did rookie Kyrie Irving. At least Irving will get to participate in All-Star Weekend when the rookies and the sophomores will play in a game with mixed rosters. Since there isn't any room for a relentless rebounding machine, Varejao will remain in Cleveland (or...

PD FileCleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao didn't make the All-Star team as a reserve, and neither did rookie Kyrie Irving.

At least Irving will get to participate in All-Star Weekend when the rookies and the sophomores will play in a game with mixed rosters.

Since there isn't any room for a relentless rebounding machine, Varejao will remain in Cleveland (or somewhere else on a short vacation).

Here's a list of several stories dealing with the All-Star snub and on Irving and his concussion.

Anderson Varejao falls short, Irving still out (Ohio.com).

No Cleveland Cavaliers in the All-Star Game (The News-Herald).

Kyrie Irving recovering from concussion (CantonRep.com).

Milwaukee Bucks in playoff hunt (JSOnline.com).

Anderson Varejao is having a good season, but so are a few other players who made the All-Star team. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright. Chuck Yarborough is out observing.

The Cavaliers are four games under .500. Kyrie Irving, who is our with a concussion, is playing at a high level, and so is Anderson Varejao. The players certainly get the credit for the team's solid play so far, but coach Byron Scott also deserves some recognition.

Today's guest on SBTV is Cleveland Cavaliers beat reporter Tom Reed. And Reed says Scott's teams usually play well in his second season.

Reed also says that despite Varejao's recent play, he doesn't have a problem that Roy Hibbert made the All-Star team.

Irving is out tonight due to his concussion, and Reed says the NBA takes concussions seriously.

SBTV returns on Monday.

Ramon Sessions will make his second consecutive start against Milwaukee. The Cavs have signed point Ben Uzoh from the D-League Rio Grande Vipers to a 10-day contract as an insurance policy.

APKyrie Irving will miss games against the Bucks and Sixers this weekend.

CLEVELAND -- Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving will miss both games this weekend as he recovers from a concussion, coach Byron Scott said Friday. They host Milwaukee on Friday and Philadelphia on Saturday.

Irving, 19, was at the team's Independence training facility today, but took part in no activity. Scott said his point guard is feeling better, but would not address whether his concussion symptoms persist. Irving sustained the injury Tuesday night against Miami and missed his first game on Wednesday when team doctors diagnosed the concussion about an hour before tipoff.

Point guard Ramon Sessions will make his second consecutive start. The Cavs have signed point Ben Uzoh from the D-League Rio Grande Vipers to a 10-day contract as an insurance policy.

Irving is the NBA's most high-profile case for its new concussion guidelines, which establishes baseline testing, prohibit players from resuming activity until they are symptom free and adheres to a multiple step return-to-play protocol. Irving must increase his exertion level from riding a stationary bike to agility work to
non-contact drills without any setbacks. Program head, Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, at the University of Michigan. also is consulted before final clearance is granted.

Concussions are a growing concern in sports. The league is following policies established in the NFL and NHL even though head injuries aren't as prevalent in basketball.  

"We all know how serious this thing can be," Scott said. "That's why we are taking such a cautious look at this so that when he comes back he is OK. The NBA has done a terrific job with trying to diagnose and figure out what to do with concussions.

“Being cautious about it is important. Kyrie understands. He wasn’t real happy about it the other night, but I think he understands we’re doing all this in his best interest.”

DRIBBLES: Reserve forward Tristan Thompson (ankle) returns to the lineup. Anthony Parker (back) remains out . . . Uzoh played 42 games last season for the New Jersey Nets, averaging 3.8 pts, 1.6 assists.

The nonconference schedule in Urban Meyer's second season is Vanderbilt, Florida A&M, at Cal and Buffalo.

Marvin Fong | The Plain DealerQB Braxton Miller will be a junior when the Buckeyes face Buffalo in 2013. Ohio State announced the nonconference game today.

Justin Masterson should get the nod after establishing himself as the Tribe's top starter. But if Ubaldo Jimenez shows he is back to 2010 form, manager Manny Acta could surprise.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerSome say Justin Masterson will get the nod as Opening Day starter this year for the Tribe over Ubaldo Jimenez.

By Stan McNeal
Sporting News

Sometime in the first half of March, when spring training begins to feel a bit like Groundhog Day, expect Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel to make an announcement that will hold less suspense than an intentional walk.

Manuel will tell us something we already know: Roy Halladay will start on opening day.

Philly, of course, isn’t the only team with a no-brainer choice to start on opening day. By my count, 11 other clubs also could name their No. 1 starter today: the Detroit Tigers (Justin Verlander), Los Angeles Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw), Los Angeles Angels (Jered Weaver), New York Yankees (CC Sabathia), San Francisco Giants (Tim Lincecum), Seattle Mariners (Felix Hernandez), St. Louis Cardinals (Chris Carpenter), Toronto Blue Jays (Ricky Romero), Arizona Diamondbacks (Ian Kennedy), Cincinnati Reds (Johnny Cueto) and Milwaukee Brewers (Yovani Gallardo).

But what about the other 18 clubs? Their Game 1 starters aren’t obvious.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Baltimore Orioles: With Jeremy Guthrie gone, every Orioles starter becomes a candidate for Game 1. Of course, each first must make the rotation. None of the possibilities—and there are as many as a dozen—has shown enough to be considered a lock for a rotation spot, much less the No. 1 spot.

Boston Red Sox: Despite a 5.48 ERA last September, Josh Beckett seemingly has the edge over Jon Lester. But new manager Bobby Valentine might have a different idea.

Chicago White Sox: Mark Buehrle's departure opens an opportunity for John Danks, Gavin Floyd or Jake Peavy. Peavy is no stranger to the job, having opened four seasons for the San Diego Padres, but can he stay healthy until April?

Cleveland Indians: Justin Masterson should get the nod after establishing himself as the Tribe's top starter. But if Ubaldo Jimenez shows he is back to 2010 form, manager Manny Acta could surprise.

Kansas City Royals: Bruce Chen emerged as their No. 1 starter, but that doesn't put him in the same class as other teams’ aces. Luke Hochevar started his first opener last season and allowed three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Minnesota Twins: Carl Pavano is considered their No. 1 starter, but manager Ron Gardenhire could opt for Scott Baker just to shake things up after last year's 99-loss season.

Oakland A's: Dallas Braden is returning from shoulder surgery and might not be ready by opening day, making Brandon McCarthy the favorite by default.

Tampa Bay Rays: James Shields earned the honor with his huge 2011, but David Price started last season's opener and manager Joe Maddon might see no reason to change. Worth noting: The Rays open against the New York Yankees, against whom Shields had a 2.33 ERA in five starts last season.

Texas Rangers: With C.J. Wilson leaving for the Angels, Colby Lewis becomes the most seasoned member of a deep and balanced rotation. But Derek Holland is an up-and-coming ace.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Atlanta Braves: Tim Hudson would be a lock if he weren't recovering from offseason back surgery. If Hudson isn’t ready, Jair Jurrjens or Tommy Hanson should get the call—assuming they are healthy after being shut down in September.

Chicago Cubs: Ryan Dempster got the call last season, but Matt Garza was their top starter by a long shot.

Colorado Rockies: In serious need of a No. 1 starter, they could go with Guthrie. At least he has done it before.

Houston Astros: If Wandy Rodriguez is still with the club, he deserves the call ahead of Brett Myers, who started the 2011 opener.

Miami Marlins: It would be fitting if Josh Johnson opened the new ballpark but after missing the last 4 1/2 months of last season, he will be treated with caution. If he is passed over, Miami can turn to someone with plenty of opening-day experience: Buehrle started nine opening days for the White Sox.

New York Mets: They would like nothing more than to roll out Johan Santana for their opener. But his chances of being ready aren't much better than the Mets' chances of contending in the NL East. Manager Terry Collins likely will choose between knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and Mike Pelfrey.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Kevin Correia started Game 1 last season and led the club with 12 wins. But he had a 4.79 ERA, while Jeff Karstens finished at 3.38.

San Diego Padres: After the departures of Mat Latos and Aaron Harang, Tim Stauffer is likely to be called upon. But Clayton Richard, limited to 18 starts because of a strained shoulder that was surgically repaired, is their best starter when healthy.

Washington Nationals: No longer a coddled rookie, Stephen Strasburg is healthy and should get the first of what figures to be many opening-day assignments. But the Nationals might ease him into the season because they plan to limit his innings in his first full season back after Tommy John surgery. Washington’s top offseason acquisition, lefthander Gio Gonzalez, makes a solid backup choice.

Asdrubal Cabrera signs one-year deal to keep Indians record for avoing arbitration since 1991 intact. Cabrera's hearing was scheduled for Wednesday.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerAsdrubal Cabrera avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians' record for avoiding arbitration is at 21 years and counting after they signed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to a one-year $4.55 million deal Friday.

Cabrera was scheduled to go to arbitration Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Indians have not had a player go to arbitration since 1991.

The midpoint between Cabrera's salary request of $5.2 million and the Indians offer of $3.75 million was $4.475 million. The final number registered just above the midpoint.

"We're very pleased we could get a settlement done with Asdrubal and avoid the arbitration process," said GM Chris Antonetti.

While not naming Cabrera, Antonetti said the Indians will continue to be open to discussing multiyear deals with certain players. Cabrera, entering his fifth season, can be a free agent after 2013.

Last year Cabrera was the starting shortstop for the American League All-Star team. He won the Silver Slugger award, was a finalist for the Gold Glove and was named Man of the Year by Cleveland's Chapter of the Baseball Writer Association of America.

Cabrera, 26, hit .273 (165-for-604) with 32 doubles, three triples, 25 homers and 92 RBI. He led the Indians in runs (87), hits (165), RBI (92) and stolen bases (17), while setting a club record for homers by a shortstop.

The Indians had seven players file for arbitration in January. They signed for a toal of $22.69 million: Shin-Soo Choo $4.9 million, Cabrera $4.55 million, Chris Perez $4.5 million, Justin Masterson $3.85 million, Rafael Perez $2.005 million, Joe Smith $1.75 million and Jack Hannahan $1.135 million.

"The final numbers didn't deviate from what we expected the total to be," said Antonetti.

Consider this before handing the Detroit Tigers the AL Central crown: What happens if the Cleveland Indians’ Ubaldo Jimenez pitches like he did in the first half of 2010?

PD fileIndians are hoping Ubaldo Jimenez is in a much better place for the upcoming season.

Consider this before handing the Detroit Tigers the AL Central crown: What happens if the Cleveland Indians’ Ubaldo Jimenez pitches like he did in the first half of 2010?

Less than two years have passed since Jimenez enjoyed his half-season run as the game's top starter. If he can return to such form, he and Justin Masterson would form a 1-2 punch as strong as any in the division. Yes, that includes the Tigers' Justin Verlander and Doug Fister.

The Jimenez who made 11 starts for the Indians last season hardly pitched like the Jimenez who won 13 of his first 14 starts with a 1.15 ERA in 2010. A groin injury didn’t cost him any starts last season but did affect his delivery, which led to diminished velocity. According to fangraphs.com, Jimenez's fastball average dipped to 93.5 mph after two years above 96 mph.

The Indians, however, have reason to believe that the 28-year-old righthander will report to Goodyear, Ariz., in a much better place than he was for most of 2011.

"Ubaldo felt that his season was sidetracked by a groin injury that affected his lower-body strength and his ability to consistently execute his delivery," Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said Wednesday. "To be sure he comes into camp with the best foundation for success, Ubaldo has worked diligently this winter with one of our strength and conditioning coaches on his core and lower half strength and flexibility."

Reports from the Dominican Republic have been more than a little encouraging.

"Sounds like he is primed to return to his 2010 form," Antonetti said.

With the Super Bowl in the rear-view mirror, attention turns to free agency and the 2012 NFL Draft. We are convinced quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will be the first two picks. However, it’s difficult to pinpoint which team will trade up for Griffin, the Baylor star and Heisman Trophy winner. Cleveland and Washington are possibilities.

AP PhotoOne mock draft has the Browns selecting tight end Coby Fleener out of Stanford with the 22nd pick in the draft.

By Russ Lande
Sporting News

With the Super Bowl in the rear-view mirror, attention turns to free agency and the 2012 NFL Draft.

After a month of all-star games, especially the Senior Bowl, a number of players have seen their draft stock fluctuate. There are players, like Washington nose tackle Alameda Ta’amu and Ohio State’s Mike Adams, who have forced their names into the first-round mix.

On the flip side, Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard and North Carolina wide receiver Dwight Jones struggled at the Senior Bowl and must shine at the Scouting Combine and their pro days if they hope to be first- or second-round picks.

The Scouting Combine will be Feb. 22-28 in Indianapolis, replete with batteries of tests on intelligence, personality, physical fitness and football skills, plus player-team interviews.

The Draft will begin April 26 in New York, running through April 28. After that, teams will swoop in to sign undrafted free agents before beginning spring and summer activities leading into training camp.

We are convinced quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will be the first two picks. However, it’s difficult to pinpoint which team will trade up for Griffin, the Baylor star and Heisman Trophy winner. Cleveland and Washington are possibilities.

It's also an intriguing question where the next tier of QBs will land. Three names to watch are Ryan Tannehill, Kirk Cousins and Brandon Weeden.

For now, Sporting News' first-round pick projections, barring expected trades (*—underclassman; tie—selections to be settled by coin flip at Scouting Combine):

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck*, QB, Stanford. With the new regime in place, it is clear the Colts want to get their quarterback of the future — and that should be Luck.

2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon*, WR, Oklahoma State. In all likelihood, the Rams will sell off this pick to the highest bidder for Griffin. But with the potential trade down, they won’t want to drop far. They want Blackmon, who would give Sam Bradford a much-needed weapon. Blackmon plays taller than his 6-1 frame and is an elite talent.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil*, OT, Southern Cal. With two below-average offensive tackles right now, the Vikings must upgrade their pass protection to help young quarterback Christian Ponder. Kalil is clearly the draft's best left tackle prospect.

4. Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III*, QB, Baylor. The Browns would likely have to trade up to get Griffin, but there is little doubt they need an upgrade at quarterback to improve their anemic offense.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne*, CB, LSU. New coach Greg Schiano is regarded as a disciplinarian, which could spell the end for cornerback Aqib Talib. Claiborne would give him an elite athlete to replace Talib or to replace Ronde Barber, 36, in a season or two if they keep Talib.

6. Washington Redskins: Alameda Ta'amu, NT, Washington. The Redskins want to make an upgrade at quarterback, but they are not sold on Tannehill with a pick this high. So they grab Ta'amu, who at 6-3, 330 pounds can be a dominant interior force in their 3-4 scheme.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. If young QB Blaine Gabbert is going to develop, the Jaguars must find talented receivers for his targets. Floyd is strong, runs sharp routes and has the great ball skills to be a No. 1 wideout.

8 . (tie) Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers*, DT, LSU. Their offense made great strides in 2011, but their defense was terrible. Brockers would give them an explosive, powerful defensive tackle to dramatically improve their interior line.

8. (tie) Miami Dolphins: Jonathan Martin*, OT, Stanford. We believe the Dolphins are the front-runners to sign QB Matt Flynn as a free agent, and they will want to upgrade their pass protection for their new prize. So they grab Martin to replace right tackle Marc Colombo.

10. Buffalo Bills: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina. With the Bills moving back to a 4-3 base defense, they must find players who can play defensive end in that scheme. Coples is a perfect fit in a 4-3 and shined at the Senior Bowl, showing all the tools to make an immediate impact.

11. (tie) Kansas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe*, NT, Memphis. Though Kansas City's defense played well in 2011, it got by with Kelly Gregg, 35, as nose tackle. Poe is explosive and huge (estimated to be more than 350 pounds), with the combination of strength and athleticism that is difficult to find.

11. (tie) Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M. Tarvaris Jackson is probably not the long-term solution at quarterback, so Pete Carroll jumps at the chance to grab Tannehill. He would bring a nice combination of arm strength, intelligence and elite athleticism.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State. The Cardinals have struggled to protect the quarterback in recent seasons, and Adams would give them a strong, physical tackle who could play on the right or left side.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick*, CB, Alabama. The Cowboys desperately need an upgrade at cornerback, and they debate between Kirkpatrick (6-3, 192) and North Alabama’s Janoris Jenkins (5-10, 191), who both have had off-field concerns. In the end, they side with Kirkpatrick because he is five inches taller.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly*, LB, Boston College. With Andy Reid at the helm, the Eagles have never taken a linebacker in the first round. But Kuechly is a special athlete who draws comparisons to Brian Urlacher and would solve their biggest weakness.

16. New York Jets: Trent Richardson*, RB, Alabama. Mark Sanchez regressed in 2011, and the Jets need a strong rushing attack to help him. Richardson has the talent to be a dynamic offensive weapon.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland), Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama. The Bengals lost Johnathan Joseph to Houston as a free agent last offseason, and Leon Hall is coming off a season-ending Achilles’ tendon injury. So the Bengals gamble and take Jenkins, who has first-round talent but also off-field concerns.

18. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina. For the defense to improve, the Chargers must find a way to consistently pressure the quarterback. Ingram fits their scheme perfectly as an outside linebacker.

19. Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff*, OT, Iowa. Even when Jay Cutler was healthy, the offense struggled with consistency because the line could not provide consistent pass protection. They gamble on Reiff, who is viewed as overrated by many draft analysts.

20. Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor. With Kenny Britt recovering from a torn ACL, the Titans must find a big-play receiver to open up their offense and pull defenders away from the line to give Chris Johnson room to work.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: David Wilson*, RB, Virginia Tech. It’s unlikely the Bengals will re-sign Cedric Benson, and they must find a back who can help improve their 19th-ranked rushing game.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford. Brent Jones starred in San Francisco under Mike Holmgren, as did Mark Chmura in Green Bay, so the chance to get a dynamic offensive weapon like Fleener for Griffin makes way too much sense.

23. Detroit Lions: Nick Perry*, DE, Southern Cal. Cliff Avril is a free agent who might not be back. Kyle Vanden Bosch is 33. So the Lions grab Perry, who would upgrade their outside pass rush immediately.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro*, G, Stanford. Pittsburgh's offensive line has been a weakness for a number of seasons and needs attention. DeCastro not only is a top prospect, but he plays with the aggressive, tough mentality the Steelers want in their linemen.

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State. Denver's defense carried the team in 2011, but it lacks studs inside, so Still would upgrade the interior line.

26. Houston Texans: Alshon Jeffery*, WR, South Carolina. The Texans' passing attack struggled greatly when Andre Johnson was not in the lineup. Jeffery has the size (6-4, 233), strength and rare ball skills to be an excellent complement to Johnson.

27. New England Patriots (from Saints): Andre Branch, DE, Clemson. The Patriots were not able to stop the Giants on the drive that mattered, and they must upgrade their pass rush if they are going to make it back to the Super Bowl next season.

28. Green Bay Packers: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia. Charles Woodson is not getting any younger, and Tramon Williams struggled in 2011. G.M. Ted Thompson selects Minnifield, who has the combination of size (6-0, 185), long arms, athleticism and ball skills to be a good starter.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz*, C, Wisconsin. Matt Birk is nearing the end of a great career and has talked about retirement. If Birk returns, Konz could start for a season at guard before taking over at center.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona. Vernon Davis is the 49ers’ only established offensive weapon, as Michael Crabtree has not developed into a top receiver. The 49ers grab Criner, who is vastly underrated and could make a big impact as a rookie.

31. New England Patriots: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia. Boykin lacks size at 5-10, 183, but he is tough and aggressive and would develop into a solid starter for a secondary that lacks depth.

32. New York Giants: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina. The Giants were able to win the Super Bowl with Chase Blackburn starting at middle linebacker, but he is best suited to be a backup. Brown is an instinctive, super-competitive and explosive athlete who would be an ideal fit in the middle of the defense.

Russ Lande, a former NFL scout, is a draft analyst for Sporting News.

Peyton Manning's face on every NFL team's logo.

Some guy either has too much time on his hands, or he's really creative in putting the mug of quarterback Peyton Manning on every NFL team logo. Or both.

Dave Rappoccio of Dave's Art Locker, spent time using his design skills to put the face of Manning on the old Cleveland Browns' Elf logo - and on the logos of other NFL teams.

Which Manning-face logo is your favorite?

Nineteen months after "The Decision" sent his personal stock plummeting, LeBron James is as desperate as ever to please and still clueless on how to go about it. So maybe the only surprise about Forbes magazine's latest list of most-disliked athletes is that James hasn't demanded a recount. He came in at No. 6, a dozen percentage points behind co-leaders Michael Vick and Tiger Woods, both of whom polled 60 percent.

AP Photo/David SantiagoLeBron James came in at No. 6, a dozen percentage points behind co-leaders Michael Vick and Tiger Woods, both of whom polled 60 percent in the latest Forbes magazine's list of most-disliked athletes

(AP) - Nineteen months after "The Decision" sent his personal stock plummeting, LeBron James is as desperate as ever to please and still clueless on how to go about it.

So maybe the only surprise about Forbes magazine's latest list of most-disliked athletes is that James hasn't demanded a recount. He came in at No. 6, a dozen percentage points behind co-leaders Michael Vick and Tiger Woods, both of whom polled 60 percent. Unlike either, James finds no slight too small to ignore and has so many public feuds running at any moment that it's hard to keep track of them all. But something James said recently is true about every one of them:

"I'm an easy target; if someone wants to get a point across — just throw Lebron's name in there. You could be watching cartoons with your kids and you don't like it, you say, 'Blame it on LeBron.' If you go to the grocery store and they don't have the milk that you like, you just say, 'It's LeBron's fault.' "

Fair point. And to be fair, he's a model citizen as pro athletes go and all five guys who finished ahead of him on the list were guilty of actual sins:

Vick headed up a dogfighting ring and Woods ran a stable of girlfriends while pretending to be married. Jets receiver Plaxico Burress did jail time for shooting himself in the thigh, which at the time seemed like punishment enough. Lions tackle Ndamukong Suh, who four months earlier topped the Forbes' poll of most-liked athletes, was on the fast track to becoming the NFL's dirtiest player when he paused to stomp an opponent last season and earned a two-game suspension. Nets forward Kris Humphries married Kim Kardashian — if only for 72 hours. Even Kobe Bryant, who finished a notch below James at 45 percent, spent time in court defending himself against a rape charge that was later dropped.

Yet it's James who winds up in the public dock all the time, and that's because unlike everyone else on the list, he doesn't know when to quit talking. On Jan. 30, he tweeted about Los Angeles' Blake Griffin dunking thunderously over Oklahoma City's Kendrick Perkins, then unwisely got into a back-and-forth skirmish with Perkins that still simmers, reminding the rest of us almost daily what's so annoying about James.

"Dunk of the Year!" is how James began his tweet, "(at)blakegriffin just dunked on Kendrick Perkins so hard!!! Wow! I guess I'm No. 2 now. Move over (hash)6."

Notice the not-so-subtle self-promotion, "I guess I'm No. 2 now," plus James' ever-more maddening habit of referring to himself in the third person, "Move over (hash)6."

Perkins certainly did, cutting right to the quick in his response. "You don't see Kobe tweeting," he told Yahoo. "You don't see Michael Jordan tweeting. If you're an elite player, plays like that don't excite you."

Perkins knows that James is not just an 'elite' player; he knows James is probably the best player in the league at the moment. But the subtext of what Perkins said — that for all his talent, James still has zero championships compared to Bryant's five rings and Jordan's six — is indisputable. Larry Bird touched on both points earlier this week when he said in an interview that if he could play alongside anyone for a season, "It would have probably been more fun to play with LeBron, but if you want to win and win and win, it's Kobe."

After all these years, you would think the Kobe-versus-LeBron debate is one that James would avoid. He hasn't.

"It's simple, he has five rings and I have none so it's easy to say that. If I had five rings and Kobe had none," James said blithely, "it'd probably be the other way around."

Until it is the other way around, James should pick his fights more carefully. Bryant spent much of his youth and most of his early NBA career mimicking everything Jordan did, from his maniacal work ethic and lack of conscience to the way Jordan walked and talked. Eventually, he figured out he was always going to suffer in the comparison. So he won and won and kept on winning until everybody else made the connection. Bryant is still far from being loved, as his No. 7 spot on the Forbes list proves, but he is universally feared by competitors and respected even by fans who don't much like him. James has taken the opposite tack and run into so many headwinds, it's hard to believe he hasn't changed course by now.

Not long after "The Decision," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, a shrewd marketer in his own right, reckoned that James lost a billion dollars in brand equity. So naturally, LeBron doubled down. He starred in a Nike spot retracing his steps from high school and tweaking his growing legion of critics at every turn, asking over and over, "What should I do?" In hindsight, it was the beginning of a pattern.

All these squabbles later, the answer is the same now as it was then: Win a little and say even less until you do.

CineSport's Brian Clark turns to Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman for his insight in the video below.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

"That we even got a coach of Scott's caliber to take over the helm of the smoking heap that was the Cavs' team last season after James "took his talents to South Beach" was surprising. He has been just what they needed for the rebuild. He is a solid basketball guy who understands they have a long way to go, but he doesn't make excuses, or coddle the players. He seems to know when to praise and when to constructively criticize, and if a player doesn't perform, he stays on the bench. I hope they keep him under contract long enough to get it all sorted out, and then some." -sma8or20

View full sizeAP Photo/Amy SancettaMany cleveland.com readers give Byron Scott two thumbs up with the way he has helped the young Cavs squad mature.

"That we even got a coach of Scott's caliber to take over the helm of the smoking heap that was the Cavs' team last season after James "took his talents to South Beach" was surprising. He has been just what they needed for the rebuild. He is a solid basketball guy who understands they have a long way to go, but he doesn't make excuses, or coddle the players. He seems to know when to praise and when to constructively criticize, and if a player doesn't perform, he stays on the bench. I hope they keep him under contract long enough to get it all sorted out, and then some."

Get your questions ready and watch live Monday at noon as Tribe General Manager Chris Antonetti appears on 'PD Sports Insider' with Dennis Manoloff and Paul Hoynes.

Chris Antonetti will be our in-studio guest Monday at noon.

Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti joins 'The PD Sports Insider' crew live Monday at noon.

What does Antonetti expect from Casey Kotchman? Does he think Ubaldo Jimenez can return to form? What does he consider a successful season in 2012?

Watch live Monday at noon, get your questions ready and ask them in the chat room as hosts Dennis Manoloff and Paul Hoynes welcome Chris Antonetti in the studio for a 30-minute interview. You can also post your questions in the comments section below or email us a video at sports@cleveland.com.

Note: To turn off audio alerts in the chatroom, click on the round button on bottom left of the chat room, then preferences. Uncheck all audio options and save.

Watch Monday live at noon.

About the show: "PD Sports Insider" airs live every Monday and Thursday at noon. Co-hosted by Bud Shaw and Dennis Manoloff, the show features a timely and lively debate of the biggest sports topics of the day and gives readers a chance to interact directly with PD sportswriters and columnists.

Viewers have to the opportunity to ask questions and post comments in a live chat room during the show. They can also email their video questions during the week.

"Glad they signed him, hope he stays healthy and produces like he did last year. Then, I hope he can get a long term contract out of the Tribe. He's worth, at today's market, 5-7 mill/yr depending on the market. He means more to the Tribe than everyone they signed, except maybe Perez. Good D, Good hits, good OBP, decent power for a middle infielder. He will probably go to a big market team when this contract is up." - dugoutdug

PD file photoTribe fans want the organization to lock up shortshop Asdrubal Cabrera to a long-term contract.

"Glad they signed him, hope he stays healthy and produces like he did last year. Then, I hope he can get a long term contract out of the Tribe. He's worth, at today's market, 5-7 mill/yr depending on the market. He means more to the Tribe than everyone they signed, except maybe Perez. Good D, Good hits, good OBP, decent power for a middle infielder. He will probably go to a big market team when this contract is up."

"DON'T TRADE UP! For the love of Kosar don't spend more picks for one person! This team has a lot of needs to fill and it makes no sense to lose great opportunities (draft picks) to fill those holes just to get one person. Sure most of you think McCoy is worthless. Also, McCoy may just need another year to mature. Ever think of that?" - xboarder84

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerOne cleveland.com reader wants the Browns to fill holes on their roster with this year's draft picks and give Colt McCoy one more year.

"DON'T TRADE UP! For the love of Kosar don't spend more picks for one person! This team has a lot of needs to fill and it makes no sense to lose great opportunities (draft picks) to fill those holes just to get one person. Sure most of you think McCoy is worthless.

So what, we have so many other needs right now that a new QB will NOT make us a playoff team. Tebow didn't play defense for the Broncos, Dalton/Green were able to literally step into a playbook that was created for Palmer/OchoCinco. The Browns don't have these luxuries to suddenly make us playoff contenders. We need to fill in a few other areas this draft before we make a splash with a QB.

Also, McCoy may just need another year to mature. Ever think of that?"

It's an uncomfortable scene that will be repeated at least one more night as Irving recovers from a concussion.

View full sizeMark Duncan, Associated PressKyrie Irving, right, talks with Antawn Jamison during the second half Friday at The Q. Irving sat out his second game because of a concussion.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cavaliers fans saw Kyrie Irving in an unfamiliar role Friday at The Q -- well-dressed cheerleader.

His wine-and-gold No. 2 jersey was replaced with a shiny charcoal-colored suit. The only time he left the bench was to stretch his legs during timeouts. The rookie point guard had Ryan Hollins instead of coach Byron Scott in his ear all night.

It's an uncomfortable scene that will be repeated at least one more night as Irving recovers from a concussion.

He missed his second consecutive game Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks, and already has been ruled out for Saturday's game with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Scott said his point guard is feeling better, but he would not address whether his symptoms persist. Irving, 19, also was at the team's Independence training facility Friday morning, but took part in no activity.

Irving sustained the injury Tuesday against Miami and missed his first game Wednesday, when team doctors diagnosed the concussion about an hour before tipoff.

There is no timetable for his return.

"We all know how serious this thing can be," Scott said. "That's why we are taking such a cautious look at this so that when he comes back, he is OK. The NBA has done a terrific job with trying to diagnose and figure out what to do with concussions."

Irving is the NBA's most high-profile case for its new concussion guidelines, which establish mandatory baseline assessments, prohibit players from resuming activity until they are symptom-free and require them to follow a multiple-step return-to-play protocol. Irving must increase his exertion level from riding a stationary bike to agility work to non-contact drills without setbacks. Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, program head at the University of Michigan, also must be consulted before final clearance is granted.

"Being cautious about it is important," Scott said. "Kyrie understands. He wasn't real happy about it the other night, but I think he understands we're doing all this in his best interest."

Point guard signed: The Cavaliers signed point guard Ben Uzoh to a 10-day contract as an insurance policy in Irving's absence. He played 42 games last season for the New Jersey Nets, averaging 3.8 points and 1.6 assists.

Scott said team scouts classified Uzoh, 23, as the best point guard in the NBA Development League. He was averaging 16.8 points and 4.4. assists in 34 minutes for the Rio Grande Vipers. But it is Uzoh's toughness and ability to defend the coach likes.

The Cavaliers did not consider promoting Manny Harris, playing for the Canton Charge, because they needed a point guard, Scott said.

All-Star reactions: Anderson Varejao said he was not disappointed to learn of his omission from the All-Star Game. He was not picked by coaches for one of the seven Eastern Conference reserve spots.

The converted power forward is averaging a career-best 11 points and 11.8 rebounds. Scott felt bad Varejao didn't make the midseason showcase but said players such as Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge sometimes need one big season before earning an All-Star bid the following campaign.

"It was great [to be considered]," Varejao said. "It means you're doing something right. It was good to hear from a lot of people that you should be there. . . . All I could control is my play. I had no control of the voting. As I've said, the most important thing for me is to make the playoffs."

Olympic update: It looks as if Irving, who has yet to announce whether he'll pursue a bid to play for the Australian Olympic basketball team, will have to wait a bit longer for a chance to compete for Team USA in the Olympics.

In the wake of Chauncey Billups' season-ending Achilles injury, a USA Basketball spokesman said there are no plans to replace him in the pool of candidates for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. That pool, now down to 19, already is guard heavy with Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Eric Gordon, Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams.

Furthermore, Irving did not appear in the initial pool of 33 candidates, which included guards Rajon Rondo, O.J. Mayo, Tyreke Evans and Jason Kidd. It's possible Irving's best chance for involvement with the U.S. Olympic team this time around could come if the U.S. squad elects to practice against young NBA stars in its training camp in Las Vegas in early July. In 2008, players such as Rose and Kevin Durant got their start with the Olympic team that way. Both would seem to be locks to be selected for the 2012 team.

Dribbles: Tristan Thompson returned to the lineup Friday after missing six of the previous nine games with an ankle injury. . . . Anthony Parker (back) remained out of the lineup. . . . The Bucks' Larry Sanders was a late scratch due to illness.

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at The Q. TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio; WTAM AM/1100. Notable: Cavs will be without point guard Kyrie Irving (concussion) for a third straight game. . . . Cavs are 2-4 on the second night of back-to-backs. . . . Sixers are one of the NBA's most pleasant surprises. They have the fourth-best record and are...

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at The Q.

TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio; WTAM AM/1100.

Notable: Cavs will be without point guard Kyrie Irving (concussion) for a third straight game. . . . Cavs are 2-4 on the second night of back-to-backs. . . . Sixers are one of the NBA's most pleasant surprises. They have the fourth-best record and are doing it with defense, allowing just 87.2 points per game. Lou Williams leads them with 15.7 points per game.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Experience once again won out for the Glenville girls Friday night at John Adams. The Tarblooders (16-3), making their 16th appearance in the Senate Athletic League title game, won their 12th basketball championship with a 34-31 victory over John Hay.

Glenville's LaTrice Legion, right, beats John Hay's Dyna Lurns to a loose ball in the third quarter Friday at John Adams High School. - (Lisa DeJong, PD)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Experience once again won out for the Glenville girls Friday night at John Adams.

The Tarblooders (16-3), making their 16th appearance in the Senate Athletic League title game, won their 12th basketball championship with a 34-31 victory over John Hay.

The Hornets (15-3), in the title game for only the third time, defeated the Tarblooders, 36-24, in early December.

"It's tough to beat a team like Glenville twice in a year," John Hay coach Steven Toles, said. "They've been here a lot, and they know how to play under pressure in big games.

"Our girls were a little tight, but we're young, inexperienced, and I really feel we've turned the corner with our program. John Hay will no longer be the laughingstock."

Hay, starting two seniors, a sophomore and two freshmen, played like seasoned veterans by using good percentage shots and going 6-of-10 from the field to take a 13-6 lead after the first quarter. Glenville connected on just 3-of-12 from the floor.

However, the Hornets went cold in the second quarter -- making just 1 of 10 field-goal attempts -- and never regained their touch.

They hit two field goals in the third quarter and four in the fourth, but they were still in the game with 19.2 seconds remaining when freshman Aryana Jackson hit a layup to cut Glenville's lead to 33-31.

Hay forced a turnover, only to give the ball away when Tarblooders freshman LaTrice Legion dove to her knees to corral an errant Hornets pass.

Glenville senior and league MVP Lady Walker sank the back end of a two-shot foul in the final five seconds to seal the deal.

"I didn't have any doubt, but there's a lot of pressure being a Tarblooder because everyone just expects you to win," said Glenville coach Yvonne Renee Walker. "Our two seniors [Walker and Janae Robinson] were feeling the pressure, but I told them it wasn't about scoring out of the gate.

"I told them defense wins championships, and our defense was the key tonight."

So was Walker.

The center scored 13 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and had three steals, three assists and a block. Junior Keesha Henderson added 13 points, seven rebounds, three steals and three assists.

Hay was led by freshman Dyna Lurns' 14 points and Jackson's 12.

Glenville had a 6-0 run, keyed by Henderson's four points, to cut its deficit to 16-12 by intermission.

"Coach said, 'This is it,' " Walker said. " 'It's either go hard or go home.' We've been talking about this game ever since we lost to them, and we wanted revenge.

"It feels good to be a champion."

The Tarblooders, who start three seniors, a junior and a freshman, took a 22-20 lead, their first of the night, with 1:48 left in the third quarter on Walker's transition basket and never trailed again.

Hay missed its first three attempts from the floor to open the second half and made just one more to go 2-of-13, then missed the mark on its first five shots in the fourth quarter.

Glenville, however, refused to go to a zone and pack the middle in daring Hay to shoot from the perimeter.

"We didn't need to play zone," Wright said. "The last time we zoned them, they burned us. They pass the ball well, they're very smart and know how to get the entry pass in.

"I told the girls to man-up because we were going to live or die by man-for-man defense."

It was Glenville's fourth city title in six seasons, while Hay won consecutive crowns in 1994 and '95.

Wright was the Hornets' coach then.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: bfortuna@plaind.com, 216-999-4665

On Twitter: @BobFortuna

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — Some night you have it, some nights you don't. Brecksville-Broadview Heights had it on Friday. Visiting Westlake didn't.

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — Some night you have it, some nights you don't.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights had it on Friday. Visiting Westlake didn't.

Utilizing a quick start and never letting up on the gas, Brecksville cruised to a 53-37 victory that pulled it into a share of the Southwestern Conference lead with two games remaining.

"Our last three games we've come out and done a nice job in the first quarter and that set the tone for the entire game," said Brecksville coach Steve Mehalik, whose team improved to 13-4 overall and 10-2 in the SWC.

Brecksville, winners of seven of its last eight games, got off to a 5-0 start and never looked back in getting itself in position to own a share of the title for the second year in a row. It closed the first quarter by scoring 10 points in a row and held the Demons to four points.

Westlake, ranked 20th in The Plain Dealer Top 25, fell to 15-2 overall and 10-2 in the league. The Demons never got closer than 12 points after falling behind by as many as 22 early in the second half. It was not a typical Westlake performance by any means.

"I really believe we were frozen by the magnitude of the game," said coach Shawn Hood. "We're playing for a conference championship and a possible No. 1 seed and I think the magnitude of the game froze us a little early on and that's all it took for them to get out in front of us. It's unfortunate, but it happens. We'll put it behind us and try to win two down the stretch."

Tom Tupa, better known as a quarterback, led the Bees with 15 points. The 6-4 junior, who made a visit to Iowa, helped fuel his team's quick start by making a pair of 3-point shots en route to an eight-point first quarter. He also had three of his six rebounds in the first eight minutes.

"Earlier in the year we were getting down early and we had to waste some timeouts right off the bat," said Tupa. "So we changed some things and we've been able to get out on top early and keep the lead the whole game."

Tupa's younger brother, Tim, scored five of his 11 points in the first half and 6-3 junior Mark Chrzanowski was steady all night on his way to 11 points.

The Bees, who shared the SWC title with Avon Lake last year, made 19 of 46 field goal attempts (41 per cent) and six of 13 free throws.

That wasn't the case for Westlake. The Demons, who had won five in a row, made just 25 per cent of their field attempts, going 14-of-56. That total included no 3-pointers and they also made 9-of-15 free throws. Normally they shoot in the high 40 per cent range.

"About all we did well was crash the boards in the second half," said Hood. "That wasn't one of our better nights in any phase."

Junior Shawn Turk led the Demons with 10 points and senior Andrew Guirguis came off the bench to add nine.

So, it appears the race will go down to the wire. Westlake hosts Midpark on Friday and closes by hosting Olmsted Falls on Feb. 24. Brecksville is at Amherst on Friday and hosts Avon Lake on the final night of the season.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: trogers@plaind.com; 216-999-5169

On Twitter:TimRogersPD

BEACHWOOD, Ohio — This time, Richmond Heights wanted to leave no doubt. The Spartans accomplished exactly that with a 63-56 boys basketball victory against host Beachwood in a Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division game Friday.

BEACHWOOD, Ohio — This time, Richmond Heights wanted to leave no doubt.

The Spartans accomplished exactly that with a 63-56 boys basketball victory against host Beachwood in a Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division game Friday.

In December, Richmond Heights needed a late 3-pointer at home to rescue a two-point win against the Bison.

"We were looking forward to this because it was like a statement that needed to be made," said Richmond Heights senior guard Ishaam Smith, who scored a game-high 22 points.

And that statement was?

"It was a fluke the first time," Richmond Heights junior Rico Jones said.

Richmond Heights (16-1) is ranked fourth in the state Division IV poll and 12th in The Plain Dealer Top 25.

The Spartans haven't been challenged often this season, and it became clear Friday that if they are to defend their district title, there's some work to be done. While their defense was outstanding, they didn't capitalize on the offensive end and played poorly around the rim.

"We need to finish much stronger and come together as a team," Smith said. "It might have been adrenaline. This was a big game."

Smith and Jones are common names with uncommon ability. Jones spearheaded a strong defensive effort and initiated numerous fast breaks. He scored 11 points.

"Rico did a great job breaking it and handling it," Beachwood coach Jason Pecjak said. "He's got to be the best underclass point guard in the area, with our guy [sophomore John Davis] right behind him. He gave Johnny some fits tonight."

Davis scored 15 points for the Bison (11-5, 9-4 CVC), and Ellis Cohen had 12. Beachwood missed forward Anthony Valentine, especially on defense. The senior turned an ankle in practice Wednesday.

Beachwood also struggled around the rim, much of which could be attributed to Richmond Heights 6-8 senior Tommy Scales.

Six lead changes in the first quarter gave way to Richmond Heights pulling away in the second. Smith and Frank Barber combined for 11 points, as the Spartans outscored Beachwood, 18-13, for a 32-25 halftime lead.

A Cohen 3-pointer and a bucket and an assist by Davis helped Beachwood cut the lead to 35-32. Scales (eight points) answered with a put-back.

Davis hit four free throws and Jordan Richardson sank a 10-footer, slicing Richmond Heights' lead to 40-38. The Spartans had several calls go against them during Beachwood's runs, including an intentional foul by Jones.

"We tried to keep everything together and not lose our composure," Jones said.

Richmond Heights responded with an 8-0 run on 3-pointers by Arthur Christian and Smith and a Jones tip-in. The Spartans took a 51-43 lead into the fourth and led by as many as 12 down the stretch.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: twarsinskey@plaind.com, 216-999-4661

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD