Do The Cleveland Cavaliers Miss Delonte West?

SBN’s sports history blog, InHistoric, makes an interesting point about the Cavs’ disappointing start, and reiterates the problems with point guard:

Brian Windhorst, the excellent Cavaliers beat writer for the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, checks in with a column today wondering about the significance of Delonte West’s absence:

The absence, according to Windhorst, has myriad implications for the Cavs, all of which stretch an already thin roster a little thinner. Maybe too much so, as perimeter defense is one example he offers:

LeBron James, in case you were wondering, had 51 points, 20 assists, and 15 rebounds in the first two games. ESPN’s Ric Bucher checks in this afternoon with this ominous conclusion from an NBA GM:

From Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer comes this account of the postgame scene in Cleveland last night:

Oof. Sounds… Awkward.

SBN’s Cavaliers blog, Fear the Sword, has some thoughts in light of last night’s loss:

We’re not in “Time to Panic!”-mode just yet in Cleveland, but given the history out there, as well as the ultimate referendum on their city’s self-worth looming when Lebron hits free agency this summer, let’s just say the Cavs fans have good reason to be a touch sensitive. And if Cleveland doesn’t get it together soon, heads will likely roll—Mike Brown Mike Brown Mike Brown—in short order.

Marco Belinelli came off the bench and scored 10 for Toronto, helping snap a five-game losing streak to the defending Central Division champs.

Mo Williams ended with 16 points, and Shaquille O’Neal recorded 12 points and seven boards for the Cavs, who shot 34.9 percent from the floor.