Beacon Journal MILWAUKEE - Since that evening in July when the Cavaliers agreed to a contract with Larry Hughes, the entire organization, followed in step by the fan base, has salivated at the hopes of seeing dynamic wings LeBron James and Hughes play together. After two weeks of training camp and four preseason games, that desire goes unquenched as circumstances have prevented the two stars from getting much on-court chemistry going. James has missed the past three preseason games with a virus, and Hughes, who seems to be playing better by the night, has missed the chance. ``We need that time together out there on the court on the same team against competition, not just practice,'' Hughes said after scoring 11 points in a preseason loss Saturday to the Milwaukee Bucks. ``I've watched him play, he's watched me play, but we still need to feel each other out.'' The Cavs, who took Sunday off after four games in six nights, are hopeful that James will be healthy enough to return to practice today and be back in the starting lineup for Wednesday's home game against the Memphis Grizzlies. With half the preseason left, coach Mike Brown said he plans on giving the front line more playing time to make up for the lost chances. ``We have to take our time and focus on getting everyone to 100 percent for the regular season,'' Hughes said. ``But I know I want to play with him and he wants to play with me.'' In all, the Cavs' wings have been severely hampered by injury in the early going. Ira Newble has missed the past week and a half with a foot sprain, and Sasha Pavlovic has missed the past two games with a hip pointer. When Hughes skipped the second half Saturday after jamming a finger -- he's fine and X-rays were negative -- the Cavs were left with just one swingman on the main roster, Luke Jackson. It showed as Bucks star guard Michael Redd torched free-agent invitee Kelenna Azubuike for 10 points in the third quarter and the Bucks outscored the Cavs 30-13 to take the lead for good. Brown, who was an assistant on an Indiana Pacers team that was decimated by injuries and suspensions last season, thinks that the injuries build character. ``All those guys wear Cavs uniforms. Once you cross that line you have to step up and get the job done,'' Brown said. ``That's the mentality we had in Indiana last year.'' Source
