Now that the sun has seemingly set on the 2010-11 campaign before it even starts with defections of which we are all aware...perhaps it is time for the "Moon" to rise.
As In Jamario Moon, the next player in our series introducing you to the Cleveland Cavaliers, vintage '10-11.
Where Jamario came from:
Jamario Moon was born in 1980 in Goodwater, Alabama. After attending Coosa Central High School, Jamario attended Meridian (Mississippi) Community College, for which he played basketball only one year -- in 1999-2000 -- wherein he averaged 20.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Jamario was not drafted by any NBA team, and began his career with the Toronto Raptors after impressing the Raptors at a mini-camp in 2007.
Where Jamario has been:
Jamario Moon has quite an exotic resume' in his past. After college Moon was picked in the NBA D-League draft by the Huntsville Flight, and helped the Rome Gladiators to the 2005 World Basketball Association Championship, followed by a Southeastern Exposure Summer League title. He was again drafted by the D-League, this time being picked by the Arkansas RimRockers in 2005 (how could you not love these nicknames?). Jamario went on to play for the Marietta Storm of the World Basketball Association, and for the Albany Patroons of the CBA, as well as spending time playing in Mexico before signing on with Toronto. He played one full season and part of a second with the Raptors before being traded -- along with Jermaine O'Neal and a draft pick -- to the Miami Heat for Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion. Moon joined the Cavaliers as a free-agent in July of 2009.
What Jamario has achieved:
In his time with the Raptors, Jamario achieved his career best in points per game in 2007-2008 with 8.5, to go along with his high in rebounds as well, with 6.2 rpg. After only 26 games in Miami, Jamario appeared in 61 games for the Cavs last year, putting up 4.9 points per game, as well as averaging 3.1 rebounds. Jamario scored 13 points in the 2008 All-Star Rookie/Sophomore Challenge, and finished third in the Slam Dunk Contest that year behind Dwight Howard and Gerald Green. For his career Moon averages seven points and 4.7 rebounds per contest.
What we can expect to see from Jamario in the coming season:
Jamario Moon has a chance to be a big cog in the Cavs' plans this season, and it would not surprise if he started more than the two games he started last year in Cleveland's front court. The 6' 8', 205 pound forward is a good defender, and it should be quite a battle in training camp to see who gets the small forward spot between Moon, Joey Graham and Jawad Williams. If Moon gets the nod, look for a fine contribution from him in 2010-11.