Hughes Finger: Not Any Better

[swerb]

Cavs may have to make a move here. Hughes could be out another 6 weeks.

Ira thankfully has an ingrown nose hair that hospitalized him for 8 days. Even if he returns, he lost that step that made him a viable defender, and he is a disaster offensively. Saw someone on another board that said Windhorst emailed him, and is keeping track of Ira jump shots on the year, and he is 1-25 so far.

Luke is gone for 6-7 weeks, may as well be the season, as he will be even more useless than normal after missing that much time.

Cavs are gonna need a super human James in the playoffs to have a shot at the East finals, and that will be unlikely of they continue to run him out there 42-43 min a night. Especially given the fact he is running the point alot now, and also taking on tougher defensive assignments.

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/hughe ... 60209.html

Cavaliers guard Larry Hughes' right long finger fracture was examined today by Dr. Richard Barth in Washington, D.C. Following his examination at The Cleveland Clinic by Cavaliers head team physician Dr. Richard Parker and Dr. Jeffery Lawton, who performed surgery on Hughes' finger on January 6th, and now Dr. Barth's exam today, it is apparent that Hughes' finger has not progressed as desired. Hughes remains listed as Out and further options for his recovery are being explored. No new timeline for his return has been established at this time. His status will be updated as his recovery process is further defined and implemented.

[consigliere]

Cavs are gonna need a super human James in the playoffs to have a shot at the East finals

If the Cavaliers make the East Finals it sure as hell will take a Super Human effort from LBJ. It would mean they beat Detroit in round 2.

With the ridiculous NBA seeding, the Cavaliers have the 2nd best record in the East, yet could end up playing Detroit in Round 2....while two lesser opponents face off in the other Round 2 matchup.

[swerb]

With the ridiculous NBA seeding, the Cavaliers have the 2nd best record in the East, yet could end up playing Detroit in Round 2....while two lesser opponents face off in the other Round 2 matchup.

I know. Cavs would be much better served dropping to the #6 seed, and playing NJ and Mia, albeit with NJ having home court in the 1st rd as opposed to us having home court against the likely #5 seed Bucks.

They gotta do something about that.

What they should do is go back to two divisions on each side, one with seven teams, the other with eight.

Your two division winners would be the top two seeds, and six wildcards would be selected and seeded in order of record.

Right now, the system is flawed, as pointed put by Consig. Yet, I am even more opposed to doing something that would negate the importance of division games, which a true W-L seeding system would do.

Lastly, I think 8 playoff teams on each side is perfect. It was too many playoff teams 15 years ago, but now with 30 teams, I see it as perfect. 7 and 8 seeds never win anyway in the 1st rd, you may as well allow them in. It widely broadens the scope of interested fans as the season winds down, as usually 70% of the teams in each conference have a chance at the playoffs with a couple weeks left.

The only real alternative would be 6 teams going on each side, giving the top two seeds a bye in the 1st rd. I'd much rather see 8 a side get in, and just make those top two seeds beat them 3 times to advance.

[consigliere]

albeit with NJ having home court in the 1st rd as opposed to us having home court against the likely #5 seed Bucks.

Actually, if we were the 6th seed, we'd have homecourt in the 1st round over the #3 seed Nets. They don't determine homecourt by seeding....it is by record. This changed with the new division format last year.

[swerb]

Thats right ...

Still, I'd be very surpised, even without Hughes, if we fell to the #6 seed.

[consigliere]

I'd be surprised too.....but when we were 30-20 last year, I would have been surprised if we missed the playoffs. I mean, remember, they were a lock.

[Guest]

Stephon