NBA Finals: Comparing These Cavs to the ’07 Version
Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guards Matthew Dellavedova (8) and J.R. Smith (5) defends against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) in the second half at FedExForum. Cleveland defeated Memphis 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Bench
In ’07 Anderson Varejao was starting to find his niche in the NBA. He averaged almost 7 points and 7 boards a game. In the post season those numbers dropped down to 6 and 6. He was still vital. Eric Snow started 45 games fro the Cavs but was nothing more than a heady veteran guard averaging around 4 points and 4 assists a game. By the time the playoffs came around he was relegated to 13 minutes a game.
Daniel Gibson, Donyell Marshall and Damon Jones were the other guys who got minutes off the bench, primarily for their shooting. With no real deep threat in their starting lineup, the Cavs bench provided that spark. This was Gibson’s coming out playoffs where he averaged 8 points a game. Marshall only averaged 10 minutes and 3.5 points and Jones played almost 13 minutes but only averaged 2.4 PPG in the Playoffs. Not exactly an impressive bench of scorers.
While no one plays the Varejao role for this Cavs team, they have gone small to makeup for the size that is missing. The Cavs now are bringing J.R. Smith off the bench and he has been outstanding. He missed two games but is averaging 13.5 points, almost 5 rebounds and even a steal and a assist per game in the Playoffs. He is hitting 40% of his 3 point shots, and taking 7.6 a game. Matthew Dellavedova plays the Snow role, but much better. He is getting 22 minutes a game, putting in 7 points on 36% shooting with 2.6 assists per game. His feisty defense has frustrated opponents all off-season.
James Jones is providing similar production as what the Cavs were getting from Marshall and Damon Jones. JJ is a consummate pro and knows where to be, works hard on defense and hits his open shots. Jones is averaging almost 5 points per game and evening getting 1.5 rebounds as the Cavs bench “Stretch 4.” He is only shooting 35% from deep but must be accounted for at all times by the defense. Mike Miller, Shawn Marion, Kendrick Perkins, Brendan Haywood and Joe Harris get very little time on the floor, although Marion’s time seems to be increasing. Their impact is minimal at this point.
Advantage: ’15 bench. J.R. Smith alone provides more than the Cavs bench combined. He is a threat at all times on offense but also defends at a high level. Throw in Delly’s hard working defense, smart passing and timely shooting and the Cavs have two bench guys that make a big impact. Jones, Marion and Miller all could have a game or two left where they breakout for a big performance.
Next: Concluding Thoughts