So can being tied for last in the division still be a success 3 weeks into the season? Yes, if you are coming off of a 17-win season a year before. Also, for once you can honestly say that there are pieces coming together and playing well.

The addition of LeBron James has of course sparked an interest in the Cavaliers that maybe has never been there before. But, it’s his demeanor and play on the court that catches your attention. 10 games into the season he is leading the team in both scoring and assists. Which is a remarkable feat for an 18-year-old kid when you think about it. While James may be the big money storyline, this team is not improving just due to his addition. Starting all the way at the top when Gordon Gund and Jim Paxson went out and got Paul Silas to coach this team. You knew the minute he signed his name on the dotted line this team would be better.

The job that Silas has done already shows today. This team has more discipline, more energy and more heart. Silas has always been one to be able to get the most out of his big men. Z has always been a scorer and a bit soft inside and this year doesn’t seem any different, but, the real improvement is being seen in both Chris Mihm and DeSagana Diop, something that Cavalier fans desperately needed to see from there 2 former top 10 picks. Neither have a complete game, nor will probably ever be worthy of their draft status, but both bring aspects to the Cavaliers that complement the team. The team, imagine that, it’s a concept that has seemed completely lost on the court for the last 3 years and is easily the most different part of this years Cavaliers.

I guess when you talk about the team game and the Cavaliers you have to start off with Ricky Davis. With a reputation for being selfish, Davis has seemed at times to make a point to prove that generalization wrong. Giving it up for the team to chase around an Allen Iverson, or dish out more assists than points to move the team in for a possible win. At times last year Davis had no other choice but to try and score early and often; many times looking like a street-baller playing in the NBA. Situations dictate performance in many cases and this seems to be the case with Ricky. No longer having to carry this team alone, he appears to be turning the table and becoming a complete player, a player that can be very dominant when needed or an unselfish role player when the rest of the team is going good.

Of course again this year the ultimate team player and maybe the most underrated player in the NBA is Carlos Boozer. He is on pace to average a double-double for the season and ranked in the top 10 in rebounds for the league. He is the most consistent player day in and day out for this young team. Both offensively and defensively he brings a presence in the middle and undoubtedly just knows how to play the game. The additions of JR Bremer and Kevin Ollie have been big off the bench so far for the Cavaliers this year and I expect that it’ll just continue and improve as the season progresses.

We are 1/8 of the way through the season, the road-losing streak still continues and the Cavaliers are in last place. But, tied for last place and improving every time they step onto the court. What a difference in one season, no the record isn’t much better, but the product has improved. This team can beat anyone at any given time, and in my opinion it’s just a matter of time before they start putting it all together and bringing in some of those wins.