Browsing through this week's mailbag from Cavaliers fans.
View full sizeWith the Cavaliers using an undersized lineup most nights, at least one fan wonders why Anthony Parker (18) and the other guards don't utilize the 3-pointer more often.Hey, Mary: I just wondered why the Cavs don't attempt more 3-pointers. Daniel Gibson and Anthony Parker are among the top five active players in term of career 3-point percentage, so why do the Cavs not try to shoot more threes? Also, I really think Byron Scott needs to play J.J. Hickson more minutes. I know J.J. has pouted a little bit, but the Cavs look atrocious on offense since his playing time has decreased. -- Benjamin Martell, Northfield
Hey, Benjamin: The Cavs actually are exactly in the middle of the pack in the NBA as far as 3-point attempts (17.3) and makes (6.1) per game -- ranked 15th in both categories as of Friday, when they ranked 19th in 3-point percentage at .345. In general, guys who can make them -- like Mo Williams, Daniel Gibson and Anthony Parker -- take them, especially in this offense. I'm OK with someone like Ramon Sessions, who is not comfortable taking them, refraining from doing so. As for Hickson, he's really the one who determines his playing time. Scott would love to keep him on the floor but can't if his focus and effort wane. It's a problem neither coach nor player has been able to correct yet.
Hey, Mary: The Cavaliers' starting shooting guard, who has played more minutes than anyone else on the team, is making only 32 percent of his two-point shot attempts. He's also getting to the foul line less than twice per game. What can he do to improve on this? Or is he simply too old to succeed in a fast-paced, constant-motion offense? -- Matthew Borthwick, Hillsboro, Ore.
Hey, Matthew: It's not so much age. Driving to the basket and drawing fouls has never been Anthony Parker's style. The Princeton offense is an equal opportunity offense, and if the Cavs were running it better, Parker would be getting more and better open shots. That being said, he has to make them. You're right about that.
Hey, Mary: With the Heat not coming together as a team and having some serious struggles against top-flight teams, I imagine No. 23 is having second thoughts. I don't think he would admit it at this point, but do you see any scenario possible that he returns to Cleveland? -- Carl Sunkowski, Mentor
Hey, Carl: After the reception he got on Thursday night, I don't see James returning to play for the Cavs -- and certainly not as long as Dan Gilbert remains the owner.
Hey, Mary: Why haven't the Cavs rookies been sent to the D-League yet? Wouldn't that help them develop if they are getting in-game playing time instead of just practicing? -- Tony, Richmond Heights
Hey, Tony: The Cavs have sent Christian Eyenga to Erie, but with Mo Williams' injuries and their lack of height, right now, the Cavs need Manny Harris and Samardo Samuels at practice.
Hey, Mary: Read the article on fans reactions around the league to LeBron's move to Miami. Besides now being booed, has his move effected his endorsements, jersey sales, etc.? Besides his Nike commercial, I haven't seen much of him recently. -- Skip Springer, Harvey, La.
Hey, Skip: It's too early to tell. Although it seems as if everyone in Miami owns a No. 6 jersey, the league sales figures aren't available yet. If the Heat wins, all will be forgiven. That's how it works in sports and endorsements.
Hey, Mary: When the Cavs traded LeBron to the Miami Heat, why didn't they attempt to get Michael Beasley? We get about three points a game from our small forward position and Super Cool Bease would be just what we need. -- Nick Diemert, Naples, Fla.
Hey, Nick: The Cavs aren't interested in Beasley. Not every good player is a good fit on every team. Plus, Miami and Minnesota had a deal pending before James announced The Decision.
Hey, Mary: Why no interest in Terrence Williams? The Cavs are in desperate need of a young productive small forward. -- Derek Vinkovich, Cleveland
Hey, Derek: See above answer on Beasley. Not every good player is a good fit on every team. Plus, Williams already has had issues with tardiness in New Jersey and was sent to the D-League.
Hey, Mary: What exactly is the trade exception the Cavs received from the Heat? And what exactly could they use it for and get in return? -- Tim Lukianowicz, Enid, Okla.
Hey, Tim: The trade exception is $14.5 million, which can be used all at once or in pieces. The exception, which expires in early July, could allow the Cavs to acquire a player making up to $14.5 million this season without trading anything back, or it could be used to make up any difference in salaries between the player(s) they're acquiring and the player(s) they're trading.
Whereas General Manager Chris Grant has been in a wait-and-see mode to this point, trying to get a feel for what kind of team he has, expect the phone calls to increase after the Cavs' dreadful showing against the Heat.
Hey, Mary: Hickson, Eyenga, Harris, Samuels are all aged 21 or 22, Gibson, Sessions 24, Hollins 26, and leaders Mo and Andy are 28. Let's go with that. Bribe Jamison away with Quicken money. Graham/Moon had six points and seven fouls against Miami. Dump them, Powe, Williams, the salary exception, the Heat first-rounders, and try to pick up two first-round choices and one free agent. Now, with Scott coaching, you have a team to build into a contender. -- Bric
Hey, Bric: As Paul Hoynes might say, this makes my head hurt.
-- Mary