Shaq is not the "sole" Answer to Cavs

If Cleveland fans expect Shaquille O'Neal's presence on their 2010 lineup to be the last piece of their championship aspirations they are asking too much of Shaq, and too little of the Cavaliers front office.

While Shaq is a solid addition to a soft, and scoring inept frontline, he cannot do everything the Cavs will need to get passed the Celtics and Magic in the playoffs. They need an athletic forward who can shoot from the outside and who is quick. Rashard Lewis is this type of player, and the Magic used him very effectively in this past year's eastern conference finals against the Cavaliers.

Also, the Cavs need what every team needs, and only the great ones have; a true point guard. The Celtics and Lakers, the past two NBA champions each have a pure point guard, Rajon Rondo and Derek Fisher respectively.

Mo Williams is not a real point guard. He is at his best when he can shoot and create offense for himself. He is a scorer first, passer second. Those type of players should not play point guard unless out of necessity.

While adding Shaq and at the same time not giving up much, the Cavs must sign a big-time free agent this summer. They need to do this not only to have the best possible team to win, but to convince Lebron James to stay and sign an extension after the year. LeBron wants to know the Cavs will be aggressive in building talent for the next ten years.

One of the biggest assets Shaq will bring to the Cavs is championship experience. He knows the hardships of winning multiple championships. He has also tasted failure, and has done what was needed to get better. This wisdom will be crucial to the development of his new Cleveland teammates.

Who are the Cavaliers' best options this summer?

Possible players who can help not only with playoff experience but with great skill are free agents Jason Kidd, and Rasheed Wallace. Wallace is a big man who can shoot the three consistently and also provide intensity and decent low-post defense. His playoff success with Detroit for most of this decade speaks volumes as well.

Another veteran fit for the Cavs would be signing Jason Kidd. While having much playoff success, Kidd has never won a ring. You can bet he would accept any role and do whatever is needed to finally earn one. He is a true point guard that has lost his scoring prowess, but scoring will not be needed from him. He can run the offense and provide leadership to help the Cavs have a better flow.

Too much during the playoffs, Lebron would go to the top of the key and do his own thing. There was no offensive gameplan, or any sync. Kidd will solidify and polish Cleveland's offensive sets.

The offseason has started well for the Cavaliers, but much work must me done if they are to get back to the Finals, and capture basketball's ultimate prize.

Nicholas Goss