Links To The Present: December 20, 2010

“There were some nasty accusations flying around during the 10-game losing streak when observers wondered if the Cavaliers were giving maximum effort.

However, no one ever pointed their finger at center Anderson Varejao.” [Bob Finnan]

“In Saturday night’s win over the New York Knicks, Cavs center Anderson Varejao notched his seventh double-double of the season – 42nd of his career  – by tallying 14 points on 7-13 (.538) shooting and a season-high 17 rebounds.  If that was not enough, the man they call “Wild Thing” added two steals and a career-high four blocks just for good measure. It was Varejao’s third game with at least 15 rebounds in the last four contests, a span that has seen the big man average 13.5 points on .538 shooting, 13.5 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 1.8 blocks.” [Scott Sargent]

“If I’m GM Chris Grant I’m unloading this roster as fast as I can. I wouldn’t even worry about what I get in return. Draft picks — first round or second round — will do just fine.” [Nick Carrabine]

“Asked about the beauty of Sloan’s system, Williams said, ‘You’ve got to guard all five guys. A lot of teams in this league run a lot of sets where it’s a two-man game or a three-man game. A lot of times in their offense, five guys are moving at one time and whoever’s open is going to get the ball.'” [Mary Schmitt Boyer]

On The Twitters

“Rashard Lewis looks real happy to be in Washington –http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7439/capturegi.jpg” [realcavsfans]

“RT @jjbareapr: Good meeting with Rick Pitino he might be the next Puerto Rican national team coach good stuff” [Marc Stein]

“When asked if he can count on Andy Varejao for another 40 mins tonight, Coach Scott smiled and said ‘He had a nice little rest yesterday.'” [Scott Sargent]