Wednesday, January 31, 2007
LeBron Taps Around Toe Issue
By John Chandler
The toe hurts. That's all we know, or all LeBron was willing to share after practice on Wednesday. He did not take part in contact drills, though he did sink a three from halfcourt like it was no big deal. But he acknowledged that he has a hunch this injury won't go away until he can sit through an offseason.
"It's like you jam your finger or you get a light ankle sprain, those are the things that don't really get back until after the season," said James. "It's a concern, but not a big concern as long as it keeps getting better and progressing every day."
Still, it sounds as though he'll rest again when the Cavs travel to Miami for a primetime date with the defending champs, even if the temptation to deul with Dwayne Wade is strong. LeBron admitted he forced himself on the court Sunday against the Suns, when he probably should not have played.
Rookie On The Run
Daniel Gibson was impressive in his first start at point guard, so much so that LeBron cannot wait to return to the lineup and run with him.
"He'll benefit me," says LeBron, who could not hide his enthusiasm for a more up-tempo style of offense.
Adds Gibson, "I've got Lebron and Larry Hughes, why not (run)?"
Amen, kid. Amen.
I've got to wonder if inserting a rookie into the lineup isn't a concession on coach Mike Brown's part. At times, his defense-first motto seems more like forcing a square peg into a circle hole. Maybe he's throwing the guys a bone, swapping a run-and-gun guard like Gibson for the defensive Eric Snow.
Just a thought.
Sasha's Shot
The kid can play. It is indisputable fact in LeBron James' mind that Sasha Pavlovic is a player. The two go one-on-one often enough in practice for LeBron to recognize that Sasha has plenty of game. He just needs a consistent shot.
Sasha puts up numbers one night, and the next he can't get off the bench. Part of that is minutes. Part of that is his inconsistency on defense. It's like the old chicken and the egg question... which comes first, minutes or consistency? It seems that you can't get one without the other.
Pavlovic was aggressive in Monday night's win over Golden State. He showed a flair that makes you wonder just how deep his talents run. We're about to find out, because one thing's for sure: you don't drop a career high 24 points and a "DNP-coach's decision" the next night.
Cleveland, what do you think? Sound Off with your thoughts, and watch for them weekly on the Toyota Sports Sunday at 11:33 PM.
The toe hurts. That's all we know, or all LeBron was willing to share after practice on Wednesday. He did not take part in contact drills, though he did sink a three from halfcourt like it was no big deal. But he acknowledged that he has a hunch this injury won't go away until he can sit through an offseason.
"It's like you jam your finger or you get a light ankle sprain, those are the things that don't really get back until after the season," said James. "It's a concern, but not a big concern as long as it keeps getting better and progressing every day."
Still, it sounds as though he'll rest again when the Cavs travel to Miami for a primetime date with the defending champs, even if the temptation to deul with Dwayne Wade is strong. LeBron admitted he forced himself on the court Sunday against the Suns, when he probably should not have played.
Rookie On The Run
Daniel Gibson was impressive in his first start at point guard, so much so that LeBron cannot wait to return to the lineup and run with him.
"He'll benefit me," says LeBron, who could not hide his enthusiasm for a more up-tempo style of offense.
Adds Gibson, "I've got Lebron and Larry Hughes, why not (run)?"
Amen, kid. Amen.
I've got to wonder if inserting a rookie into the lineup isn't a concession on coach Mike Brown's part. At times, his defense-first motto seems more like forcing a square peg into a circle hole. Maybe he's throwing the guys a bone, swapping a run-and-gun guard like Gibson for the defensive Eric Snow.
Just a thought.
Sasha's Shot
The kid can play. It is indisputable fact in LeBron James' mind that Sasha Pavlovic is a player. The two go one-on-one often enough in practice for LeBron to recognize that Sasha has plenty of game. He just needs a consistent shot.
Sasha puts up numbers one night, and the next he can't get off the bench. Part of that is minutes. Part of that is his inconsistency on defense. It's like the old chicken and the egg question... which comes first, minutes or consistency? It seems that you can't get one without the other.
Pavlovic was aggressive in Monday night's win over Golden State. He showed a flair that makes you wonder just how deep his talents run. We're about to find out, because one thing's for sure: you don't drop a career high 24 points and a "DNP-coach's decision" the next night.
Cleveland, what do you think? Sound Off with your thoughts, and watch for them weekly on the Toyota Sports Sunday at 11:33 PM.
Posted at 3:07 PM
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