12 Jan 11 West's Legal Situation Is Cause For Concern

Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesAs of today, the Cavs sit atop the Eastern Conference at 37-11. They are now a full 5.5 games up on the surging Hawks and six games up on the aging Celtics. They own the tie-breaker against the Lakers should they meet in the Finals as a result of their series sweep this year. Additionally, they are currently on a seven-game winning streak, all without D Weezy and Mo-Gotti running the point (and forcing Cavs fans to have to watch Boobie Gibson bring the ball up the court; always an adventure). The media is beginning to hop on the Cleveland Browns jersey
bandwagon as well.Yet I still am not convinced that this team has what it takes to win it all. Maybe it's my inner Cleveland shining through, the pessimism that continually plagues fans of any of the Cleve's professional teams; just waiting to get punched in the gut yet again, the only surprise being how it will come. And yet my uneasiness has nothing to do with JJ Hickson or the four spot, the alleged inability to guard stretch fours, or the offense's tendency to go into full blown Witness mode and watch LeBron try to score one-on-five. My concern lies with Delonte West's legal situation and the effect this will have on the team.This week, and as expected, West's lawyers were able to get a continuance and move his trial date to April. The reality is this case will never see the courtroom as West will plea bargain to a lower charge.In the meantime, both sides will continue to negotiate, a process I fully expect to run until April. Delonte will not receive jail time for the misdemeanors he is charged with, and I fully expect him to receive probation as well as to have to pay some sort of Dallas Cowboys jersey
fine. The real worry is what the Commish decides to do.David Stern is a calculating man, and as evidenced by his actions with the Arenas situation, he will not make a decision until the legal aspect of this case plays out. After it's resolved, Stern will then suspend West. Further, Given the leagues painful insecurity with all things gun and gang related, West could receive a long suspension.One caveat: The Commish came down so hard on Arenas for bringing guns into the "NBA workplace." The hope is because West's transgression took place out on the open road (literally) the suspension won't be as stringent.The timing of this is important because if West is not suspended until April-May, he could miss the start of the playoffs. The Cavs backcourt is thin as is, and West is arguably the second best guard on the team. His defense and intangibles are going to be important come playoff time. Without him, the Cavs will have to rely on Boobie Gibson, a lights out shooter, but really a one trick pony.Ask yourself this: Do you feel comfortable having Daniel Gibson as the top guard off the bench? I didn't think so.Unfortunately, the Cavs front office may have to take West's pending suspension into consideration as they look to improve the team at trade deadline. Do they take a chance and grab a stretch four, hoping West either won't be Denver Broncos jersey
suspended, or will be back in time for the playoffs?Or do they go after some insurance if/when West is suspended? The hope is the Cavs don't risk it and don't stand pat, and get another guard as insurance for West's looming suspension.Either way, Delonte's Mad Max impression back in the summer is looming large over the Cavs title aspirations.