Cavaliers open about rivalry
James & Co. have respect for Celtics
CLEVELAND - The Cavaliers harbor no hard feelings, just respect for their newest Eastern Conference rival, the Celtics. Not even the brutal seven-game playoff series two years ago and the near brawl last week during an exhibition game could spark any ill feelings toward the Celtics.
Tonight, the teams match up in a nationally televised introduction to what should be an enthralling NBA season and fierce war for conference supremacy. But the two Cavaliers who will be the focal point of their run toward the title realize two things - that the Celtics are a formidable opponent and that the season-opener carries more significance for TV ratings than actually establishing an edge.
“I don’t dislike Boston and I don’t think they dislike us either, but when you’re competitors, there’s a little bit more fire than usual with the other teams,’’ All-Star forward LeBron James said yesterday. “I don’t think it’s no hard feelings. Nobody wants to see anybody get hurt or anything, but it’s definitely going to be a really good, physical ballgame.’’
The Cavaliers, according to coach Mike Brown, are hardly a finished product offensively or defensively; the team that will hit the floor tonight will hardly resemble the April edition.
The major obstacle to Cleveland’s development in the exhibition season has been the situation of former Celtic Delonte West. The mercurial guard was arrested for gun possession in September, had several unexcused absences from practice, and has yet to play in an exhibition game, and Sunday it was revealed that his wife, Kimberly, filed a domestic violence report against him.
“We are aware of it, we are going to let the events unfold,’’ Brown said. “I have not made a decision yet about him about whether he’d be active or inactive.’’
Brown said it could be a last-minute decision, although West did practice yesterday. He did not speak with reporters.
If West does not play, the Cavaliers could opt for offseason acquisitions Anthony Parker or Jamario Moon to oppose Ray Allen.
Even if the Cavaliers lack West, they will feature James and Shaquille O’Neal, the answer to their issues with checking Orlando’s Dwight Howard during the Eastern Conference finals last season.
O’Neal, 37, played in seven exhibitions, averaging 10.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game. Brown lauded O’Neal for his conditioning and desire to learn the offense.
“Expectations are going to be real high and we know what we want to try to get done,’’ O’Neal said. “Every time you go against an elite team you want to try and do everything right. You always want to get out to a great start.’’
Neither James nor O’Neal provided any bulletin board material. O’Neal had nothing but compliments for the Celtics, especially forward Kevin Garnett.
“Good team. Former champions, really didn’t have a chance to defend their crown because Mr. Garnett was out most of the playoffs,’’ he said. “He’s had a long summer like myself to get rest and rejuvenated. So I am sure the city of Boston and the Boston Celtics feel like they have something to prove.’’
Tonight will serve as the regular-season debut of Rasheed Wallace as a Celtic, and his acquisition adds another dynamic that the Cavaliers must address.
“It helps them dramatically because he’s a very, very good solid player,’’ James said. “He adds depth to their rotation and definitely adds a guy who knows how to win and wants to win and definitely [adds] another perimeter shooter that can really stretch the floor.’’
The Oct. 21 skirmish between Shelden Williams, who may get major minutes off the bench because of the thumb injury to Glen Davis, and Mo Williams only added to the growing rivalry.
“I think it’s two really good teams with high hopes, every game is going to be played like it’s their last and ultimately try to win a championship,’’ James said.
