Drew Gooden-Player File

[Glen Infante]

This is a weekly breakdown of the 2004-05 Cleveland Cavalier playing roster. Each week we will discuss a new player in alphabetical order. I will add a series of questions so we keep it in an orderly fashion.

Drew Gooden #90 | Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers
Height: 6-10.
Weight: 242.
Born: Sep 24, 1981
College: Kansas '03
Draft: 2002 - 1st round (4th overall) by the Memphis Grizzlies
Contract Situation : Under contract til the 05/06 Season with a Qualifying Offer for the 07/08 season


Season Stats
82 games played at 30.8 mpg. 14.4ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.6apg, 0.93bpg, .492%fg, .810%ft

Season highs : 33 points vs Milwaukee, 21 rebounds vs Phoenix, 4 blocks 4 times

Please fill in the Gaps

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season?

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

A few last words on Drew Gooden.............................

 

[Deadlock]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why? Yes.. his a great young talent.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season? Yea he did a lot better then I as suspecting

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season? Getting the points and the boards.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season? More Hustle at times and better D.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season? Yes

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great. 8.. he had a solid season.

A few last words on Drew Gooden............................. He can become a great guy along with James.. He is very young still and has a lot of talent.

 

[E-Light]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

I don't know. It seems by the way Gilbert speaks, he wants some thugz up front, rather than soft defensive liabilities, who excel offensively.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?

I didn't really have any expectations for him. He did a fine job, though he makes you shake your head sometimes in disgust.

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

I have a hatred for Drew :chuckles: , but I liked how he was able to step his game up when Z, and LeBron got injured.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

Defensively he is pathetic, needs more muscle, and needs a good defensive teacher that knows the game to take drew under his wing.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season?

Yep.

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

6.

A few last words on Drew Gooden.............................

I love your heart, and energy, and emotion, but you may not fit the style that the new ownership wants to instill in this franchise.

 

[King]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?
Yes, he did very well this season and is still a young, improving player.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?
I think he surpassed them. I really didn't expect much from him coming in to the season, he really impressed me.

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
His effort on the boards. He became almost a 10 board a night player.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
His inconsistency(though he improved in that area) and his stupid mental mistakes.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season?
Yea...

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.
7. He did an excellent job this season, but still has some big holes in his game.

A few last words on Drew Gooden............................
I think he has the potential to be a monster in the league in a few years if he works hard at it. He could have a bright future as a cavalier, if we decide to keep him.

 

[Rimage]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

Yes. I think he is an excellent, YOUNG talented player that just needs a little maturing. I didn't see any of the attitude problems people were saying he would have. He is a keeper.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?

Yes. I wanted him to fill the hole that Boozer left and I definitely think he did that very well. I honestly did think he would fill it as well as he has.

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

His relatively consistent play, which was shaky at the beginning but improved greatly toward the end. Compared to the rest of the team (sans Lebron and maybe Z), he was a consistent contributor. He also didn't cause any off court problems

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

Ah, I liked most all of it. I guess I would say he made a lot of mental errors ont he court. I don't think he is a very cerebral player, but he is young and I think he will overcome these sorts of things over time.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season?

Yes and he used those opportunities to show that he could contribute. Even when he was benched for a few games, he contributed and played hard.

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

7 - He played hard, caused few problems, and just overall made this team better. He also helped me forget about Boozer. He still needs to get better, but the good thing is I think he WILL get better.

A few last words on Drew Gooden.....................

Good season Gooden. I can see him helping Lebron win in Cleveland for years and years to come.

 

[Quench23]

I think we should make these threads as stickys... k

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

Yes, we need energy of the bench, which he will provide, he can score and rebound, we all know that, its just that he needs some one to modivate him , not someone to chew his ass about eery fundemental mistake he makes

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?

Yes and No, Some gmaes he played like an all star, some he played like ... well... Zhang ZhiZhi ( or what ever his name is =) ) .. CONSISTANCY drew... tahts what we need from ya

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

His ability to finish. Plain and simple. Ability to finish and his boards. thats what we need

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

Inconsistancy

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season?

Yes

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

7



Drews only 24 yrs old and people are talking bout trades involving this guy... this kids got talent.. were gona be happy if we keep him , which i think we will

 

[Karma]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?
I do. The Cavalier's lack depth up front right now with Drew and Varejao our only bigs under contract.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?
He did and surpassed them. He does break down at times mentally, but he was in general a good consistent performer.

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
Was mature enough to in general play his role. Drew would have liked more ball, but he put the team first.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
Mental breakdowns and defense. He has the ability to be a good defender, but would often drift off.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season?
Yes, but Silas made him feel anything but comfortable.

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.
7 / 10. Played with heart, and caused no distractions like previously. Stepped up when Ilgauskas went down to show he can be at times counted on.

A few last words on Drew Gooden.............................
The Cavalier's would be very pleased with Drews efforts, and combined with Varejao, have the power forward spot sealed up with quality.

 

[The Disector]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?
I believe this depends on what happens with Z and if they lose him how they choose to replace him big man wise.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?
I didn't really have any expectations for him when the season started I just hoped he would be able to be a solid player to take up some slack for the loss of Boozer.-So I'd have to answer yes to this question.

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
His athletic ability and talent.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
His inconsistency and inability to understand the game. He could take bad shots make turnovers and be completely innefective and the next game be unstoppable and make all the right decisions.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent opportunity this season?
Definitely.

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.
7

A few last words on Drew Gooden.............................
His inconsistency makes him one of my least favorite players especially since the guy he replaced was the lunch pail player who was always consistent for the Cavs.
That said he does have talent and ability and hopefully he develops the basketball IQ to find it's full potntial.

 

[Glen Infante]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?
Yes, is there another elite PF out there that we can reach? I think not, we are stuck with Drew.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?
I've stated in the beggining of the year that I believed he would put up Boozerish numbers, and he did.

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
The hustle and the energy. I liked the baby hook when it fell. I liked his determination to step it up when he needed to. He works hard and he really tries, you can tell when watching him. He may be a dunce, but that boy puts in the effort out there every night even on his crappy days.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
He can just be a retard sometimes. I didn't like when he tried to show boat to the fans during a blow out in our favor. He even tries to be a show boat when the blow out wasn't in our favor, now thats even dumber.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent opportunity this season?
I believe he was given the best opportunity in his entire career.

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.
8 from me. He pretty much averaged a double-double people, that is extremly helpfull to the team. He had All-Star considerations this season, and he also had MIP considerations. Drew Gooden had a career year and his numbers will increase as long as he is a starter for the Cavaliers.

A few last words on Drew Gooden.............................
Add some bulk and we may have that staring PF that we all wish to have. Drew Gooden's aggressive nights really impress me, but when he is facing the elite he gets worn out and out played. The only thing I wish for Drew is to improve his defense. He is a good shot blocker, but he is a terrible weak side defender. When he smarten's up, and learns how to play next to Z (hopefully) a little better, his defense and his rebounding will get better.

I like Drew, thats all I have to say.

 

[aaronr]

I haven't got time this morning to go down the list of questions, but I second Karma's and would add only this. Gooden is talented and athletic, qualities not many other Cavs have. He far exceeded my expectations this year. He can shoot, he can rebound, he can handle, and he can pass. If he bulks up a bit, gets more aggressive defensively in the paint, and cuts down on his mental mistakes, he could be a real asset. I certainly wouldn't rush to trade him with another year to find out more about how good he, and Varejao, are going to be. Now I've gone and taken more time than I would have if I'd just answered the questions. Good day!

 

[CleveRocks]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why? Yes, He is a good value, long and active, and will get better each year. I like him as a goto scorer when James is resting.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season? Exactly

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season? Hustle, Generally positive attitude, Talented for the money.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season? Inconsistency. Part of that was getting to know James, did better at the end of the year working with the king. I call him Goober because he is a goofball sometimes and loses focus, but I believe that is a maturity issue.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season? Yes

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great. Relative to his contract, I rate him an 8. He is not a star forward ala garnett, but for the role we want him to play, he can get there from here.

A few last words on Drew Gooden.............................
Not much has been said about his attitude lately. Given the upheaval and disruption by other players, Goober has stayed more on a positive plane with James. Gotta give him points for doing that. He has taken the competiton from Traylor in stride as well. In fact I think our power forward position has been a mainstay of attitude and hustle this year, outside of Lebron. I also think that the Boozergate controversy is behind him. Look and Carlos' year and Goober. I think Drew is a keeper, and I would bet you he improves as much 2005-6 over this year as he did this year over last.

__________________

 

[Hail to the Thief]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?
Drew Gooden will convince the front office that having the No.90 jersey retired in basketball will be truly unique.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?
I expected more brain explosions. There just are not enough of them in today's game. Bitterly disappointed.

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
Did try though to bring stupidity back into the modern game, for that Drew, thankyou.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?
Well I had a sneaking suspision that he would headbutt Paul Silas after being pulled from the game. Sighs.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season?
He was given ample oppotunities to headbutt Coach Silas.

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.
7 / 10. Love the passion. As he ages I hope it spills out more.

A few last words on Drew Gooden.............................
Thankyou Drew for keeping up the tradition of the Cleveland Cavalier's having an buut ugly power forward. The lack of ladies keeps you focussed on the important stuff.

 

[LyXo]

I give Gooden 8/10. Met my expectations fairly well this year, even though he didn't have the consistency.

Hopefully the new coach will allow him to focus more on his own skills rather than the skills of his "position." He's a good rebounder but shouldn't just rebound because he can score as well. Let him do what he does best and everything will come around. His breakout games will come more frequently if he's not looking over his shoulder after every mistake.

 

[Kypus]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why? Yes, he had a breakout season and is under contract for next year.
Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season? Good attitude, great hustle, double-doubles, he really is a team player. As much as people bash him for mental mistakes, he's the only guy I actually hear talking to teammates during defensive rotations. "Ira! Ira!" If our bigs didn't have The Human Sieve (the metal orange juice strainer thing) Jeff McGinnis letting opposing PGs penetrate at will this wouldn't be as glaring an issue.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season? I want to mimic "inconsistency", but our entire team except Lebron was inconsistent.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season? Yes. I liked how he worked his way back into the starting lineup after being demoted. You can see he got fired up when he was told they needed more offense from him.

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great. I"ll give him an 8.

A few last words on Drew Gooden..............He needs to keep working on chemistry with Lebron, it's the only way he'll stay long-term. It's no use trying to meld with what will likely be a merry-go-round of centers after we lose Z.

 

[aggressivestyle]

Do you see Drew Gooden in a Cavalier uniform next season and why?

maybe, I think we might go with a defensive PF and expect out points come from the 2,3,5 and defensive schemes for the 1,2,4. Atleast i hope they do.

Did Drew Gooden reach your expectations this season?

yes he did.

What did you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

his rebounding and his offense when Z was out.

What didn't you like out of Drew Gooden this season?

basketball iq.

Was Drew Gooden given a decent oppotunity this season?

yes

Rate Drew Gooden out of 10. 1 for bad, 10 for great.

7

A few last words on Drew Gooden..............

Drew was a good pickup. With out the battie trade then we would have no depth at PF what so ever. So losing the "lunch pail" type of player was overall a goodthing. We don't only have drew we also have AV and added traylor. Not bad!