With already 12 years of experience, JaVale McGee is now a respected veteran having ridden well in the NBA. Long laughed at and underestimated for unusual sequences that made the happiness of Shaquille O’Neal and his “Shaqtin ‘A Fool”, the 32-year-old pivot is now one of those players any coach would love to have on their team. With his big defensive impact and his professionalism, the one who has three NBA champion rings has nothing more to prove, but is always looking for a challenge.
A triple champion in the midst of young talents
Transferred by the Lakers along with a second round draft against Alfonso McKinnie and Jordan Bell, the player could legitimately have been disappointed to go from a favorite team to the title to a team still under construction, and destined to hang out in the shallows of the East.
“I was not surprised by the trade, more surprised by where I was sent. I inquired about everything (concerning the Cavaliers), I looked at the roster and my surprise turned into excitement, for a new start, a new challenge. »McGee
Landed in Ohio with the back-up status ofAndre Drummond, he accepted his role immediately without making waves. Within a team still inexperienced and remaining on a difficult season (only 19 victories), the triple champion is satisfied with the state of mind of the group. The same group which has regained consistency since the arrival of JB Bickerstaff, after experiencing real chaos under the orders of John Beilein.
“From the first game, I was impressed by the energy and the frankness of everyone. No one is sensitive on the team, you can talk to everyone in different ways, say what’s good and bad, and they show they are listening. Everyone is young and with a lot of desire. It’s hard to get a group of guys who all have the same mentality: young, ready to put in the effort on the court, ready to give their all for their teammates, listen and just ready to win. »McGee
A golden back-up behind Drummond
At the start of the season, it can be felt. If the team ceiling still seems limited for this season despite the superb progress posted by Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, as well as the presence of Andre Drummond, there is a positive mindset that develops, even in difficulty. Last night, the young Cavs never let go despite the loss to the Pacers, coming back to almost 10 points in the last quarter after being led several times by more than 20 points.
Very present once again on the rebound and to protect his circle, he has about fifteen minutes of play during which his presence is very good in order to let Drummond rest peacefully. With this pair of pivots, Cleveland has a reinforced hoop protection, and two rebound swallowers that allow to have a guarantee every night in the racket. What obviously appreciates a JB Bickerstaff impressed by the palette of his new player.
“We’d be hard pressed to find a better defensive hub duo in the league than the one we have now. I didn’t realize how good a passer he is, the feel he has around the racquet with little floaters or hooks. I think it was clearly a pleasant surprise in every way. »Bickerstaff
“He is worth his weight in gold”
At 32, he is with Kevin Love the oldest player, and the most experienced. His three rings acquired from the Warriors and the Lakers also allow him to possess a natural legitimacy which does not prevent him from keeping his characteristic good humor. And that rubs off on a group receptive to these positive waves.
“I love him, he’s a really good veteran. He has a personality that lights up the locker room, and it’s hard not to laugh and smile in his company. So on a day like Wednesday (Loss to the Knicks) where everyone is a little down with the loss, he’s worth his weight in gold. I played him, I knew he was a blocker and the like, but I had no idea when we traded him that we were going to get a leaky 5 position as well. »Nance Jr
He can also boast of his recent past in which he has proven that he can adapt to any role to make it easier for his team to play. For the young nuggets of the Cavaliers, it thus represents a true model of professionalism and sacrifice to follow. If McGee is available to play a game, we know what to expect: intensity, rebounds, defense, sometimes even a beneficial offensive contribution, but also knowing how to win. Everything from the first to the last day of the season.
“When you play as hard as possible, you give your maximum by playing for the team, and with wins, everything works. Everyone loves you when you win. When you lose, they decide to make excuses for you, and it’s “this person did this or that. When you win games, everyone is perfect. So you can solve problems just by winning. »McGee
The Cavaliers’ locker room needed some experience in the offseason, so the arrival of Javale McGee is proving to be a great deal that everyone in Ohio is happy with. After five games, he already has a real statistical impact (9.8 points and 7.4 rebounds on average in 16 minutes of play), but the figures are far from being sufficient to transcribe the overall impact. From an underrated service clown to a veteran with a well-stocked record respected by all, the native of Flint has proven in a few years that with the right mentality and work, anything becomes possible in the NBA.
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