Z out 2-4 weeks

[SoundBreaker]

As Z goes, the Cavs go....

In the last 5 games the Cavs haven't looked as efficient on offense as they had to begin the season.

I know it's a long year, but people really may not understand how important the big fella is.

Since he returned from his injury in DEN, he seems to have regressed a bit. My guess would be that, after that DEN game his ankle may have reacted from the sudden usage and pressure on it.

Look @ the Cavs last 5 games (which we could agree, have been a bit tedious for us as fans...) and look @ Z's production. Especially rebounds.

• @ OKC: 4 pts 2 rebs in 28 minutes

• vs. HOU: 11 pts 3 rebs in 27 minutes

• 
  vs. WAS: 5 pts 9 rebs in 30 minutes

• vs MIA: 10 pts 6 rebs in 27 minutes

• @ MIA: 8 pts 5 rebs in 25 minutes

In those 5 games, he has only been to the FT line in two of them (3-4 vs WAS and 3-4 vs MIA...0 attempts in the other 3) which shows he's not being as aggressive.

Z needs to get healthy for the Cavs to surge again.

Maybe they should sit him for a few more games


Next 3 games
vs CHI
@ WAS
vs CHA

I would hope we could win 2 of the 3 (or even all of them) going into the all important matchup JAN 9th vs BOSTON

 

[diversebeats]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

as any significant contributor on a regular basis goes the cavs go.

not as trendy...

 

[Splitz]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

I agree that this is the main problem as the offense hasn't looked as crisp when it isn't running through him. He probably came back too soon. That ankle seems to have gotten worse since that Denver game which in actuality was a great example of how good we look when Z is on point. This little glimpse at a somewhat injured Z should be extra incentive to find his future replacement in a trade. This doesn't even begin to describe the defensive issues that have been exposed with the big man being hobbled.

 

[Thunder]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

We can go 3-0 next 3 games, I say rest Z if he needs it for atleast the next 2.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

Z is clearly limited right now. Even when he had a very good game in Denver, he has been a jump-shooter on offense and a Mark Eaton impersonator on defense. He can't go inside, can't play volleyball under the hoop, and hasn't been able to draw many fouls. He is a 7 foot Kyle Korver with less mobility on offense.

Ben and Andy have had to cover more territory defensively to hide Z's decreased mobility, leaving our entire defense more susceptable to good ball movement. Chalmers certainly took advantage of other players closing the lanes. Ironically, while Z can't rebound or move as well as he used to, he has gotten his hands on more blocked shots since he came back from injury. This shows that he can still provide some help to the squad on a bad wheel... eventhough we are a far better team when he is at full health.

Again, we need to find a backup center long-term who can provide some of what Z gives us. Andy, Ben, and Hickson are great together, but Z remains the most valuable bigman.

 

[NarlCavs]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

Obviously Z's continued recovery from the ankle injury and him dealing with it is having an effect. The Cavs also don't seem to be looking for him as much offensively and he's almost being ignored for stretches within the offense. There's been too much jacking up 3's and settling for deep jumpers in recent games rather than working for better looks and using occasional post up plays.
In the last 5 games since the Denver game, Z's FG attempts in each game have been--6, 9, 5, 9, and 6. You have to try to get one of your best offensive weapons more looks and more touches than he's been getting.

Hopefully the Cavs get through this recent rough patch and offensive regression and Z continues progressing from the injury so things can get to where they should be.

 

[sam_slam911]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

Before the injury he was looking like a lock for the backup center in the allstar game. Hes still lookin like the favourite though.

Talkin of the allstar game, looks like Yi actually has a slight chance of takin KG's place, love to see what he says if that happens.

And even though T-Macs havin a horrible year, looks like he'll start again.

 

[Cavatt]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

I want to rest him. Is there any advantage to him playing on it? In the past he has been a really consistent option, and his inconsistency right now is really hurting us. Right now we have to have both Mo and dwest step up to win games. I think fatigue and being banged up a bit is showing in all our guys. That's why we are having a hard time now, everyone seems a bit slower. I think the Celtics are experiencing the same thing.

 

[Gimme Some Mo]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

This is why we should have just rested Z for another week or so instead of rushing him back. Who knows how long this ankle injury is going to bother him now. Stupid move by us IMO.

 

[Maximus]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

z's probably going to get shut down for a bit...

 

[*L-Train*]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

This is why we should have just rested Z for another week or so instead of rushing him back. Who knows how long this ankle injury is going to bother him now. Stupid move by us IMO.

i don't think that that has anything to do with his injury. the denver game was the first one after his injury and he played one of his best games of the season

 

[Maximus]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

he played well in the Denver game because he had rested for 10 days. the morning after that game he was in some pain.

 

[Damien O'Connel]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

how long is "a bit"? is it just these next few games against weaker competition?

 

[SoundBreaker]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

z's probably going to get shut down for a bit...

Speculation or fact?

 

[Karma]

Re: As Z goes, the Cavs go....

That is a concern that this thing is lingering. Thanks Donyell.

Thankfully wally returns and that automatically means wins no matter how poor he plays.