After a horrible start to the season, the Cavs put together some nice games and won 5 in a row over the past 2 weeks. The offense seems to be coming together, for the most part, and the team has shown some signs of life. Certainly there’s no reason to panic and the Cavaliers currently sit at 4th in the Eastern Conference. This is all positive.

On the negative side, we’re already seeing some injuries start to pile up, in addition to the ongoing drama surrounding Delonte West. Even when Delonte has been on the floor, he’s not the same guy he was last year. I’ve seen an occasional defensive resurgence from him, but his offense is mostly atrocious and he looks consistently angry/frustrated and out of place. I honestly don’t know if he’ll make it back and he might be more trouble than he’s worth at this point. It pains me to say that because I loved Delonte last year. The good news is that bipolar disorder can “cycle” the other way from depressed to manic at random. In theory, Delonte could flip it around tomorrow. However, I think the uncertainty is a bit of a problem for the Cavs right now.

There is little doubt that Shaquille O'Neal is multi-talented. The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar is best known for his basketball skills but is also known as a rapper, actor, reality television star, and part time policeman. Now you can add art curator to the list. A press release states:

The FLAG Art Foundation is pleased to present "Size DOES Matter", curated by basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal. This exciting exhibition, on view from February 19, 2010 - May 27, 2010, includes works from international artists exploring the myriad ways that scale affects the perception of contemporary art.

Weighing 320 pounds and standing 7'1" atop his size 22 shoes, Shaq is one of the most dominant players ever to play in the NBA. Throughout his career, O'Neal has capitalized on his size and strength to overpower opponents for points and rebounds earning him nicknames such as Diesel and Superman. Now Shaq takes the opportunity to reflect on his size with an exhibition boasting works from microscopic to giant pieces that have the ability to dwarf and exaggerate everyone -- even Shaq himself.

When the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Miami Heat on their home turf recently, Michael Jordan was in the stands and apparently inspired LeBron James to give up his number, No. 23. Instead, James will sport the No. 6 next season, which was his number on Team USA, on whatever team he plays for.

James wishes that the league would take honoring Jordan even further, and believes every player in the NBA should give up the No. 23 out of respect for Jordan. He stated:

"I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon. There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant(notes), no Dwyane Wade(notes) if there wasn't Michael Jordan first."

Is LeBron really that concerned with honoring one of his predacessors? He's never shown an interest before, and with his contract in Cleveland nearing an end speculation is high that he will be looking to move to a bigger, more profitable market. Perhaps the number switch is merely a sign that James is looking for a fresh start - a new number AND a new team.

Trick shot master B Manley has released another video following his viral trick shot video that caught the attention of Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Shaquille O'Neal. After months of delays, it looks like the $1,000 challenge by the Cavs big man may be finally ready to happen.

The YouTube video description reads:

don't worry, HORSE game w Shaq is still on, but he is probably one of the busiest dudes in sports, hopefully we can have it out by Thanksgiving. we'll keep you posted.

Sources tell me that the big HORSE game will be a "go" this month after months of setbacks. O'Neal doesn't think that the footage is real but may be in for a rude awakening. After B Manley takes care of business with The Diesel, he wants a shot at fellow Cavs superstar LeBron James.

I wasn’t planning on writing again until this weekend. My plan was to get through tonight’s circus in New York and then recap the week from the comfort of my couch on Sunday. But I’m far too angry to let this go. Don’t worry, I’ll keep the rant short.

On Tuesday, the Cavs continued the trend of starting off games like they are taking a siesta. They got routed by the hapless Wizards and quickly found themselves in an 18 point hole. This is a red flag. Mike Brown is not properly preparing his team for these games. Acting like these games don’t matter isn’t working!

Luckily they cranked up their defensive intensity and destroyed Washington over the next three quarters to get the win. Smiles all around and horseplay ensued. Seemed like old times! I thought they had turned a corner. Everyone did. Now they were going to go on a run, right?