I’ve decided to start a new series - for as long as it’s necessary - called ABJJ (Anybody But JJ). Yes, it’s my respectful plea to anyone who will listen, to get JJ Hickson out of the starting lineup. I just can’t take it anymore.
At the start of this year, while discussing the new additions to the roster, I told M that any roster minus Wally and Sasha had to be more athletic than last year’s roster. It’s the old addition by substraction rule.
Well, I think it’s time to apply that same rule to JJ - any lineup without him playing has to be better than the current lineup.
Yes, I know he’s got tremendous upside, he’s very athletic, and LBJ loves him. However, my eyes tell me he misses a lot more opportunities than he capitalizes on.
For instance, how many times has he seemed to get a rebound, then suddenly the ball ends up with the other team. How many times does he seem to get a good pass, but either fumbles it or tries to dribble one too many times — another opportunity lost. How many times does he miss a defensive assignment or commit a silly foul.
To make matters worse, he doesn’t seem to be getting any better.
My eyes tell me that for every good play he makes, he misses two or three. In other words, he hurts us way more than he helps us. Yeah, we are winning now, but when playoff time comes around, can we really afford to have him play starter’s minutes?
That’s my logic for starting the ABJJ series - there has to be better options.
In my first installment, I am wondering why D-Block couldn’t take his place? He might not be flashy, but he would rebound, he knows how to play good hard-nosed defense. I’m sure he could catch a few lobs and “throw the hammer down”, especially when the defense is concentrating on Mo and LBJ. I think his jump shot might be better than JJ’s too.
So, how about it “Coldstone”, what do we have to lose. Give some one else a chance - someone who won’t frustrate you and LBJ so much. A good, steady ballplayer who would solidify that starting five.
Plus, we don’t have to trade anyone to get him.
Now, I know that there are other options, mostly via trade. I’ve gotta believe that after every game, Danny Ferry gets a little more nervous and is tempted to pick up the phone to start checking out availability of other players. I’ll examine them as we go forward.
However, mark my words, this JJ experiment won’t go on indefinitely. This season is way too important for the Cavs. They have to improve that position somehow, some way. ABJJ #1 should be D-Block - there is no time to waste.
What do you think?
Holla at Danny Ferry
Dad
