Sunday Thoughts: Cavs Talking Trade; Bender’s Impact on Jordan Hill
I’ve noticed two distinct reactions when reading and talking to people about Jonathan Bender’s
performance Friday night against the Clip Show.
First, there is great respect (and frankly some shock) for the performance of a guy who hadn’t played an NBA game in 4 years.
When I first saw Bender in practice, I allowed myself not to recall the Bender of the past. I allowed myself to picture a 28-year-old veteran, and the man seemed like he could most certainly be a positive help because his outside shot is pretty pure. And when you figure that all he’s done, with the exception of build knee and leg strength, is work on his jumper it makes sense. Like Danilo Gallinari, Bender has a high release and at 7’0 will get clear looks to the basket, even if the offense isn’t getting the necessary space. He can shoot over people.
How long will it be before Bender’s legs get NBA strong enough to get to the rim? I don’t know, but in the immediate future what Bender does NOT help the team with is the ability to beat his man off the bounce. But with his stroke, he may not have to.
Secondly, I’ve heard a lot of groans that somehow Mike D’Antoni playing Bender is a knock on the abilities of Jordan Hill. Along the likes of “if they play a guy who’s been out of the NBA for this long, they must be REALLY be down on Hill.”
False.
The fact that Bender is here actually REMINDS Walsh how to handle big men. A source close to the GM’s thinking told me that Bender’s injury is one of Walsh’s pet peeves. Sometimes it takes time for young NBA bigs to gain the necessary leg strength to play sustainable minutes. In other words, a year of strength and conditioning and the pounding that comes from practice can do wonders for a player like Hill. That makes them that much more physically ready to come in next season when the opportunity is there. As it stands now, with the team needing to showcase Eddy Curry and Jared Jeffries, it makes little sense for Hill to get spotty minutes. I would hurt more than it will help.
Fans think actual game minutes are the most effective way for a young player to gain experience. Yes it helps, but it can be a deterrent if the leg strength isn’t there yet.
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So reports out of Cleveland are saying that the Cavs will be buyers as the trade deadline approaches. And they mention that the Cavs were in “extensive talks” to acquire Stephen Jackson. Really? My ears are hearing from around the league that Jax had no intention of playing for Cleveland because of the fact that Lebron has remained noncommittal, hence why he ended up with Charlotte. And the fact that Charlotte had the better offer I mean…
The names that the Cavs are talking about in include Golden State’s Anthony Randolph, Indiana’s Troy Murphy, and Washington’s Antawn Jamison, the latter two can be had straight up for the expiring contract of Cleveland (and Lebron) favorite Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
The Wizards have already said now that they aren’t ready to start to shake things up, and bringing in Big Z would make zero sense this season but his expiring would get them around $40 million dollars next year. But can they bring in a free agent who’s as talented as Jamison?
Would the Pacers help an in-division rival? Would Jamison or Murphy want to be in Cleveland long term?
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