One-time first-round Cavaliers draft pick Trajan Langdon, who is in his sixth year with CSKA Moscow, sees huge changes in Cleveland since he last played here in 2002.
Danny Green is likely dueling Manny Harris for the final roster spot on the Cavaliers as the exhibition season winds down.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A lifetime ago, Trajan Langdon was the future of the Cavaliers, the 11th overall pick in the NBA draft and a 6-4 guard who was supposed to lead Cleveland to handfuls of victories.
The Duke product lasted three seasons for the Cavaliers before heading to Europe, and eventually, to Russia where he has played for CSKA Moscow for the past six years.
Langdon hasn't been to Cleveland since he left in 2002. That means he missed the entire career of a certain No. 1 draft choice from Akron -- a player he is hesitant to bring up by name, but one whom he credits for the differences he sees at The Q and in Cleveland since his time here.
"Obviously, there have been some huge changes when you have a person the stature of Mr. James," Langdon said. "I know a lot of people here don't like you mentioning his name any more. But that's bound to change things in a city and an organization 180 degrees from when I was here. It was a great thing for the city."
The blue seats in the arena have been replaced by maroon ones. There's a new owner in Dan Gilbert. There's an atmosphere of winning still left over from a squad that had back-to-back 60-win seasons. Although The Q had only a smattering of fans Saturday -- much like Langdon's years -- as many Clevelanders watched No. 1 Ohio State play Wisconsin, he still felt a palpable difference.
Langdon led CSKA Moscow team with 15 points last season, but after seven years in Russia, he thinks this might be his final season in Moscow. At age 34, he admits it might be the tail end of his professional career, too. He and his family now live in Arlington, Va., in the off-season.
"I want to go some place I want to be," Langdon said. "I want to go to a good team and a good situation. If that happens, I'll play. If not, then we'll see. ... If it comes along, if it happens, great. If not, I'm not going to be torn by it. It's not something I've been searching for since I was released by the Clippers back in '04."
In the meantime, Langdon has been playing with another Cavaliers draft pick, 6-11 Sasha Kaun. Kaun has one year remaining on his contract with CSKA Moscow.
"Come here, work hard, try to enjoy it -- and bundle up," Langdon said.
Danny vs. Manny: With just two preseason games remaining, it appears coach Byron Scott's final roster cut will come down to second-year guard Danny Green and rookie Manny Harris. Green has struggled through the preseason while Harris has impressed while averaging 10.5 points in four games. Green's contract is not guaranteed this season, which could be a factor in the final cut.
Scott said he will use the final preseason games to work out the rotation he intends to use during the regular season, so it's likely neither player will see significant time to impress. That will have to come during practices.
"I'm a big believer in everything happens for a reason, so whatever happens, happens," Green said. "And whatever's meant to be will be. So either way, I feel like things will work out. I really do want to make the team and I'm pushing really hard. Of course, I'm nervous like everybody else, and there's a lot of pressure on me, but I try not to look at it as added pressure."
Tait update: Hall of Fame radio announcer Joe Tait returned home Saturday night from Houston, where he was being treated for pneumonia at The Methodist Hospital. He will continue treatment and rest over the remainder of the preseason schedule. Tait passed along his thanks and appreciation to all the fans who have asked about him and shared their well wishes.
Mo Williams added his own get-well wishes, Tweeting from his @mogotti2 account, "Joe Tait, welcome home my friend. Love u. Get your rest, we need u for opening night."
Dribbles: Jawad Williams missed Saturday's game after his wife, Angel, gave birth to a daughter Nailah Denise Williams, on Friday evening. ... Scott said Anderson Varejao likely will play Tuesday when the Cavaliers face Philadelphia in Cincinnati.
Plain Dealer reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer contributed to this story.