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    Fred McLeod
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    Day 1 of Camp is in the Books

    Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 09:52 AM EST [General]

    Day 1 of camp is in the books. Focus would be my overall word for the practice sessions...from Mike Brown and his staff's attention to detail to his guys all buying in - all on the same page. Yes, I know, all teams feel that way at this point, but things have been ratcheted up if you will and you can just feel it...

    Plenty of attention was paid to defense as you might suspect...at one point during an intense drill, Mike yelled over to his first round draft pick, "J.J. this is who we are, right here"...

    LeBron has a 2nd practice jersey - he's always had #23 - now he has one with #6 on it. No doubt, wanting to keep that gold medal karma going...

    This guy personifies that focus I mentioned about. I heard it in his voice yesterday...you will too if you listen to his interview with Austin and I on cavs.com. Pretty captivating if you ask me...

    At the end of practice, time is always spent working on free throws. J.J. Hickson stepped to one of the foul lines first, but LBJ and some of the veterans had to remind him, he's a rookie, which meant...end of the line!

    Speaking of FT's, this team now has 4 guys in the rotation that shot over 80% from the line, with the addition of Mo Williams...

    More tomorrow...

    4.1 (6 Ratings)
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    Thank for the update. Much appreciated. I don't live in Cleveland so I pretty much have to depend on you guys. I was wondering about the rotation, seeing that we are pretty deep in some areas, especially guards. How do you think that is going to work out? Thanks again for the updates!

    Goodfamily
    October 01, 2008
    10:12 AM EST

    Goodfamily,



    The rotation will sort itself out as the pre season goes. Mike has always said players decide playing time, and they really do. Delonte, Mo and Daniel are all 1-2 interchangeable. Wally and Sasha will push hard for their minutes...that's why I think the pre-season will be fun to watch.



    That being said, competition is a healthy thing, the by product of depth and experience.

    Fred McLeod
    October 01, 2008
    12:16 PM EST

    Hi Fred!

    This is Eddie from Willoughby Hills. I met you at the Q a few weeks ago during the open house and got a chance to do an Access Cavaliers segment with you.

    >

    Thanks for the update from training camp. It really helps to know what is going on behind the scenes, and all of the information you reveal gets me even more pumped up for the season. Hopefully as each day of training camp passes everything will come together perfectly, and our team will be ready to sprint out of the gates at full speed on Oct. 28th. Go Cavs!

    Udilicious42584
    October 01, 2008
    12:28 PM EST

    Hi Fred! Im a big fan of your blog, and love reading about the "inside" of the cavaliers as a team. Just wondering, how has JJ Hickson been so far throughout Training Camp? and Who is your take on the 15th roster spot.

    KingBron23
    October 01, 2008
    03:53 PM EST

    Hey KB...thanks for checking it out!



    JJ Hickson is very athletic, and right now, learning the NBA on the fly as all rookies have to do at this stage...he shows a nice face up j, but where he will eventually earn his keep is on the block with his back to the basket. I can also see him getting some easy dunks from LeBron, just by having his hands ready.



    As for the 15th spot, no decision has been made on carrying such a guy, but that being said, there are 5 invitees who will all get a serious look including NBA vets, Michael Dickerson and Ronald Dupree as well as St. Ed's guy, Jawad Williams.



    For all 5 of these guys, training camp and pre-season could become career altering.

    Fred McLeod
    October 02, 2008
    09:12 AM EST