There's no doubt that by obtaining the services of Antawn Jamison in a three-team trade , the Cleveland Cavaliers have greatly increased their chances of winning the championship.
Here's Jamison's upside:
• He excels at facing up, faking and then driving right from the left side of the court -- aiming to finish at the rim or else unleash a fadeaway jumper.
• He can also drive left, but he'll then usually pull up and shoot.
• He's an excellent in-the-paint scorer with a quick release on a flip shot.
• From the left block, Jamison's right-handed jump hook is a deadly one.
• From the right block, he'll add a turnaround jumper to his jump hook.
• With his feet set, he can nail treys with regularity.
• He's an above-average rebounder.
• He's long, athletic and runs the floor with all his might.
• Having Jamison on the floor virtually prohibits the defense from double-teaming Shaq (as they could when J.J. Hickson started) and also discourages them from two-timing LeBron James.
• He's a terrific third option behind LeBron and Mo Williams, one who can spread the floor and give the Cavs exceptional firepower.
• He gives LBJ another dangerous kick-out target when the defense collapses around LeBron's penetrations.
• Jamison also provides an experienced go-to scorer when he plays on the second unit.
• Given that he's already under contract for two more years, he's less of a flight risk than Amar'e Stoudemire would be. Plus, he's a much more mature individual and a more versatile scorer than Stoudemire.
• Unlike Stoudemire, Jamison won't feel shortchanged and whine when he's not the focus of the offense.
• Using Hickson off the bench will give the Cavs an infusion of aggressive power to go along with Anderson Varejao's quickness and hustle.
On the downside of the deal:
• Several of Jamison's previous coaches have privately, but persistently, complained about his being soft and reluctant to bang.
• Indeed, he will force shots in the low post if defenders ignore his fakes and absorb his lightweight bumps.
• Jamison is an inadequate defender, whose routine lapses will wind up putting extra fouls on Shaq and Varejao.
• Jamison is also a poor passer whose sticky fingers can unilaterally abort the timing and rhythm of the offense.
Sebastian Telfair is strictly a throw-in who, except for dire emergencies, will remain glued to the bench.
Overall, the trade represents a huge boost for Cleveland, leaving no chance for it to be caught from behind by either Orlando or Boston -- and also giving Phil Jackson nightmares. Read More
source:foxnews.com
