I listened to the Anthony Parker press conference this morning. Here are my notes:
Clearly, the Cavs wanted him because he’s a high character guy. Assistant GM Lance Blanks made a point of saying that most importantly, Anthony’s a “great person.” How he fits with the team was also stressed and much was made of how hard the Cavs pushed for Parker at the start of free agency. It seems obvious to me that he was their number one priority.
I intrinsically understand the pursuit of intelligent, high character, work ethic-driven players. I believe organizations, or any group of workers, need to be made up of individuals who are cut from the same fabric in order to collectively succeed. When it comes to my work, I want people on my side who are as dedicated to their careers as I am, who aren’t about the bullshit - and I can completely see why the Cavs would look to fill their organization with like-minded people from Gilbert on down.
However, all I can think about when I hear someone was brought in because of his character is Wayne Embry dumping Ron Harper after getting reports that Harper was running around with unsavory characters. Harper left and got rings. The Cavs…not so much. In other words, I think character has to be measured against productivity, not above it. Let’s hope this is the right match.
Also, I really enjoyed this question from Cavs play-by-play guy Fred McLeod:
“Anthony, we all know about your stroke, which obviously precedes you, but can you talk to us about your abilities as a defender and what you bring to the table?”
Parker’s response:
“Um, you know that might be a question for some other people. I think I can defend. I’m definitely not- I wouldn’t consider myself a lock-down defender. I don’t know that there are too many lock-down defenders in this league, but I think my strength is team defense - being in the right place at the right time - and certainly with the type of defensive team here in Cleveland, I fit right in. It makes everybody’s job a lot easier when everybody’s on the same page. And they proved that last year that they’re a very good defensive team, so I’m looking forward to fitting in with that philosophy.”
I find it funny that a guy who’s been touted for his defense in the press answers a question about defense by saying - unprovoked - that he’s not a lock-down defender…and then no one in the media reports on it.
Working on a couple more extensive pieces for the rest of the week, trying to fit them into the rest of my writing schedule.
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