Links to the Present: March 5, 2012

2012-03-05 Off By Colin McGowan

“While a move for Jamison seems unlikely – despite recent rumblings I remain convinced the Cavs will buy out Jamison’s contract after the trade deadline – the Mavericks may present the Cavaliers with an option. The Mavericks are desperately trying to rid themselves of Shawn Marion’s contract.  Marion is due $18 Million over the next two seasons, and if Dallas can get out of that contract, they would be able to pursueDwight Howard and/or Deron Williams this Summer.  If the Cavs were to offer Jamison for Marion and disgruntled Maverick Lamar Odom, the Mavericks would jump at the offer.” [Michael Curry]

“I know that Byron Scott is not ready to start Tristan Thompson (although he might as well, Ryan Hollins andSemih Erden both suck). Regardless, don’t you think he should be at least playing 30+ mins per game? When he gets the minutes, Tigger is essentially a lock for a double-double. That’s what I want to see tonight — lots of Manny, lots of Kyrie, and lots of Tigger. Even if we lose, those three guys playing good minutes will make Conrad happy.” [Conrad Kaczmarek]

“Cavs coach Byron Scott made two significant changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s game. He benched struggling forward Omri Casspi in favor of forward Alonzo Gee. The other move wasn’t as dramatic, as center Ryan Hollins replaced center Semih Erden. Casspi was given a lot of leeway since he was the mainstay in the J.J. Hickson trade with Sacramento in June. Gee had 11 points and five rebounds on Saturday in his first start at small forward. The Cavs kept waiting for Erden to snap out of his slump, but it never happened. He had three points and three rebounds in 10 minutes on Saturday. Erden just never seemed to be playing hard. That won’t be tolerated by Scott. Erden didn’t play on Saturday. Hollins had 15 points and seven rebounds in 31 minutes, all season highs.” [CBS Sports]

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