Cavs fans all across the country, both young and old, have to feel a little bit on edge after the last 3 games for the Cavs. Obviously, putting in a little bit of perspective eases the pain: they lost to 2 of the NBA's 4 best teams (other than Cleveland) in tight games after pulling off a significant trade, and lost to a team they have trouble with in the second night of a back-to-back (following an OT just as a cherry on top). However, the Cavs issues may be bigger than just a 3-game losing streak.
Cleveland has made a living this season being bigger than their opponents. They've had Z and Shaq on the court for a majority of the game, along with Varejao/Hickson at the 4, LeBron/Jawad at the 3, Parker/Moon/Delonte at the 2, and Mo/Gibson at the PG. Now, with the loss of Z, they no longer have a true back up center, and they have a log jam at the 4 spot. This leaves them with no one to guard the great centers they will have to face down the road in Dwight Howard, and Andrew Bynum/Pau Gasol.
Additionally, getting Antawn Jamison makes the Cavs somewhat of an offensive juggernaut (yet to be seen for more than a couple stretches in the Orlando game), but it takes away a good amount of their defensive abilities. Jamison is slow, old, and doesn't get off his feet nearly quick enough to keep up with the guys he's guarding (as evidenced by the domination of Boris Diaw and Tyrus Thomas on Friday night). With Jamison on the floor, the Cavs lose on defense what they gain on offense... at least until Mike Brown can instill more of a defensive mindset into him, which might be hard to do to a 33/34 year old.
Finally, the Cavs have had Zydrunas for his entire career. His presence, even on the bench, provides the Cavs with an emotional edge over their opponents. During this 3-game losing streak, the absence of Z has been seen both during the play, and on the faces of the players. LeBron is likely very upset about Z's departure (albeit likely brief), and Varejao, Z's great friend, hasn't had the same impact on the court since the All-Star Break.
So what am I getting at... not much, yet. The Cavs have one of the best teams in the NBA, and still have a great chance to win the NBA Finals. They likely will still end up with the best record in the East and homecourt advantage at least until the Finals (if they get there).
The key word though is "likely". If Z doesn't return then the Cavs may ultimately regret trading him despite the talent they got in return. Jamison's contract is pretty atrocious for a team looking to build a dynasty, and if he doesn't work out, it may be safe to say that LeBron will be playing elsewhere next season.
For now, it's not worth dwelling on the first 3-game losing streak in 2 years for this squad. Why? Because this squad is not the same team they've had over the last 2 years. They're trying to incorporate a major piece of the puzzle in Jamison, and their two best offensive guards in Mo and Delonte are returning from injuries.
They lost to Denver in one of the best games of the season and to Orlando in a game that they easily could have won if a couple of calls had gone their way (tough to win when Jamison fouls out, Shaq's in foul trouble, and Parker's in foul trouble). By next weekend, we may be looking at a good 3-game winning streak with wins over New Orleans, at Boston and at Toronto (all very quality win opportunities - or a chance for a scary 6 game losing streak).
So as the season winds down, and the playoffs creep up on us Cavs fans, don't press the panic button, yet... but keep your finger near by.
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