On this day last year the Cavs were 11-47. Even when you have as bad a record as we did last year, it is tough to double your win total from the previous year. The Cavs are on pace to do that this year. Considering the roster that we started out with this year, doubling our win total would exceed my expectations. What are the factors that have contributed the most to this turnaround. Of course, it all start with LBJ After that how would you all rank these other factors. Boozer's continual emergence as a offensive and rebounding force. Coach Silas's patience and ability to aid in the development of the big man Paxson swapping Miles and Davis for E Will, Battie, and J McInnis The decision to stay patient with Z and not deal him before the deadline.
I think the Ricky Davis trade was one of the best trades in Cavalier history, not only because we added veteran leadership and rebounding, but we got rid of an unwanted influence in the locker room. That would rank just above the McInnis pick up. He has been HUGE for us since joining the team, and that freed up LeBron and allowed him to play without as much pressure. The most important trade was the one that Paxson didn't make, and keeping Ilgauskas has payed off in a big way. The trade rumors may have actually helped push him to play better. Boozer is our rock, there's no doubt about it. Without him, we're not in the race. There's so many factors that have gone into our recent sucess, it would be hard to rank them. That is one reason why I like the direction of our team; we've got contributors up and down the bench, someone different seems to step up when we need it.
The last couple of seasons have been a wash, so not a good guide to compare to. But what I must say is one of the big differences is that we have different guys each night stepping up. One night it is James, next its Z with a biigin, and then a massive double/double from Booz. We have depth, and some experience aboard. That winning culture is starting to develop, and so is that Silas "second half team".
