Messianic Figure 2.0 – Charlie Villanueva
Move over Joe Smith, there’s a new messianic figure in town. This one’s 6′11, has no back to the basket game to speak of , is a below average rebounder for his size, is a non-factor on the defensive end, and in the last week has officially inherited the role of most odd-looking celebrity with a skin disease.
And Cavs fans want him real, real badly.
It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours for CV31. Yesterday the Bucks surprisingly decided not to offer him the customary qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. He then quickly reaffirmed, and reaffirmed some more his desire to come to Cleveland (editor’s note, his tweet saying, “ Can’t say nothin [sic] yet, but I have a feeling I’ll be by the lake real soon. Thanks for the love Cleveland peeps!” has since been removed.)
Villanueva’s tweets have to go down as one of the oddest negotiating techniques ever for a prospective free agent in any sport. Traditionally, a player looking to cash in on his big deal for the first time would make sure to have his poker face on – with or without eyebrows. Instead, he’s openly campaigning for the Cavs to sign him, thus pitting the Cavs against, umm, the Opus Dei?
The likelihood of this hinges on Villanueva’s desire to sign for the mid-level at this point, which should be hovering around $5.7 million. That seems low for a versatile 24-year-old who seems to fit in the vogue “stretch power forward” category that Kevin Pittsnoggle Rashard Lewis and Lamar Odom have recently made famous. Perhaps we’ve finally found a free agent that really does want to play with LeBron James, something that’s been rumored for years (David Wesley notwithstanding).
My take on Villanueva is that he’s one of those head-scratcher guys that when things are going well, Cavs fans will absolutely love (see entire roster during 08-09 regular season). But he was a frustrating youngster for the Bucks fans throughout his short career. His attitude and intensity were questioned constantly – although Big Z might argue that his intensity level is just fine. I’m fine with bringing him in, but if it’s at the expense of re-signing AV, I think even with Shaq, the Cavaliers might not be sniffing the NBA Finals in 09-10.
Remember this, in Villanueva’s 78 games, he failed to record either a block or a steal in 21 of them. Yes he’s a high-energy player that helps you in transition and can also bury the outside shots in the half court. But with Shaq and Z stumbling and plodding their way around the perimeter against the pick and roll next year, this team can’t afford to have any other deficiencies on that end of the floor (never mind your undersized backcourt that often has problems against bigger guards).
The Cavs fans might want to be careful what they wish for. They already annointed one messianic figure, and how did that work out last post-season?
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This would be a BAD choice, Vallanueva is a TERRIBLE defensive player. Does not shoot the 3 well and is not the sharpest tack in the box. I hope this goes away fast.
If have to get someone pick up Anthony Parker (Toronto)for one year, excellent shooter and a much better defensive player. Go away Charlie.
I’m offended
how is 35% for someone who is 6′11″ not ahooting the three well. That is more than enough for a big guy to stretch the floor, which is exactly what we need.
Mike Brown, despite all of his shortcomings, has been great at turning weak defensive players into average or above-average defensive players. Also, what a lot of people forget about defense is that it is usually about effort (along with knowledge about rotating properly). I am sure (and I mean 100% sure) that Shaq and LeBron will persuade Charlie V to put out all of his effort on most defensive plays (especially down the stretch). CV does not lack the athleticism to be a good defender… that’s for sure. He just needs some good defensive coaching (Mike Brown) and some encouragement from his teammates (the entire Cavs team).
Also, CV doesn’t really need a good back-to-the-basket game. It would be completely redundant on this team since we have one of the biggest, most space-clogging, back-to-the-basket players of our generation.
The below-average rebounding rate is the one thing that actually worries me. If CV is going to join the team as BW predicted, and if he does supplant AV at the starting 4 spot, then who is going to make up the production in rebounding? One would assume that Shaq would gobble up more boards then Zydrunas, but I don’t think he can make up all of the production of AV and Z combined, so CV does have to step up his game. Again, this will be a question of effort… will CV be willing to run from the perimeter to the paint to grab a missed shot? I’m sure that the Cavs organization (and the whole “championship” thing) will be able to motivate CV properly in this respect.
CV>AV
Varejao is not a basketball player. He is a 6′11 want to be soccer player who ended up playing basketball because he’s tall. CV is as big and quick as him. But, CV is more athletic and far more skilled them him. I would take CV as our starting PF over AV any day.
That being said, he is still not the high caliber PF we need to push us over the hump. But, if Mike Brown can get him to understand defense, and Lebron can fire him up, then it could work out. Especially with Shaq in the middle. My only concern is, if Shaq is gone next year, then our frontcourt will have no post game what so ever again.
i do love andy, but someone explain why he is too precious to lose?
is hickson healthy? seems like adding CV and re-signing AV puts him 5th in the rotation, not to mention jackson.
I could not disagree with this writer any more than I do now. CharlieV played for who?…. oh yeah; the Bucks. Gosh; they have always stressed great defense, huh? If you think for one second that he would not be extremely motivated to play to greater heights than he has been playing if he was teamed up with the likes of LeBron, Shaq, Mo, Delonte, Z, you just don’t get it.
BTW: notice I left Andy off that list as I don’t agree with you about him either. If he wants more than 7.5 mil, I’d let him go elsewhere. I love Andy, but come on now…..