You never wish injury on an opponent.
On Thursday night, the Boston Celtics were without Paul Pierce due to a right thumb injury. Paul, of course, has served as the linchpin of Boston's "Big Three" (copyright 2007, 2008).
You also never wish injury on yourself.
For fans in other cities, that's an obvious joke.
For fans in the success-starved city of Cleveland . . . it's often a temptation, especially when it seems as though an injury is the only way to banish an overpaid, under-performing veteran who was brought in, almost inexplicably, to block the ascent of the younger, potential-filled kid waiting in the wings.
If an injury does not occur, the stubborn Cleveland coaches / front office may never unseat the fading vet to get a good enough look at the prospect. Then, undoubtedly, that kid leaves or is traded to have an opportunity elsewhere. And with uncanny frequency, a star is born and Cleveland is burned.
It's the modus operandi of the Cleveland Indians . . . but it's happened to the Cavaliers and the Browns as well.
Relax.
This is not an anti-Shaquille O'Neal / pro-J.J. Hickson (with a slice of Anderson Varejao) article, but if the Cavaliers weren't being run by a smart coach and an elite front office . . . it could've been.
Continue reading "The Cavs' Stellar Record While *Not* At Full-Strength Is About to Be Tested" »

