Written by Sam Amico

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AKRON, Ohio - Losing a superstar like LeBron James is something from which you don’t recover easily. But that doesn’t mean the Cavaliers have mailed it in.

Nor are they panicked.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and new general manager Chris Grant actually seem confident about a few things, including the fact the team didn’t win 61 games last season by accident.

Unlike franchises that once willingly gut themselves after losing stars (read: Minnesota, Sacramento and Memphis), the Cavs are aiming to move forward with what’s left over, casually plugging in a few holes and staying competitive.

The Cavs aimed to land free agent forward Matt Barnes, offering him more money than the team with which he eventually signed (L.A. Lakers). They have also shown interest in former Cavs guard Shannon Brown, a Lakers free agent, and swingman Joey Graham, who last played with Denver.

The Cavs have also worked out other veterans, such as Damien Wilkins and Von Wafer, and are said to be bringing more in soon.

Here’s a list of available unrestricted free agents the Cavs may or may not consider (with position and previous team):

Jason Williams, G, Orlando; Rafer Alston, G, New Jersey; Adam Morrison, G, Lakers; Earl Boykins, G, Washington; Sean May, F, Sacramento; Louis Amundson, F, Phoenix; Kwame Brown, C, Detroit; and Fabricio Oberto, F, Washington.

There are a few former Cavs out there as well. Namely, Larry Hughes, Sasha Pavlovic and Joe Smith -- but it would be a shocker if the team brought any of them back.

Then there are guys like Shaquille O’Neal, Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson, future Hall of Famers who have reached the end of the basketball road. It’s highly unlikely any will be in a Cavs uniform next season, although the team may be able to work out a sign-and-trade involving O’Neal. But before another team gives Shaq a thought, he’ll have to come down in asking price.

Either way, you can’t be devastated by what’s on the roster today.

Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison are All-Star Game veterans who are likely to put up better numbers in new coach Byron Scott’s up-tempo plan. Williams has also emerged as a Cleveland sports favorite, showing support for his city and team via his Twitter account.

Other leftovers include always-hustling Anderson Varejao, high-flying Jamario Moon, sharp-shooting Daniel Gibson and veteran Anthony Parker, a capable defender who clearly understands his role on offense.

Also, let’s not forget J.J. Hickson, who resembled a young Shawn Kemp during summer league play. Hickson would be a senior in college and could be one of the NBA’s most improved during the 2010-11 season.

And who knows what the Cavs might have in second-year man Danny Green or rookie Christian Eyenga? Or Ramon Sessions or Ryan Hollins, recently acquired from Minnesota (for Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair)? As one Western Conference GM said, “Every year in the NBA, one or two guys come out of nowhere and become major factors. That could very well happen in Cleveland.”

That’s just a prediction, but the bottom line is one man doesn’t win 61 games by himself. And despite what national writers predict, the Cavs aren’t suddenly going to become the Timberwolves. Gilbert is a risk-taker, and he is unlikely to allow the franchise to sink to Ted Stepien-like depths.

But Gilbert himself said it’s about taking “calculated risks,” and not just making a move for the sake of making one.

There is no way for the Cavs to patch the hole left by James, no quick-fixes. But there’s also no need to rush into anything. That would be like getting dumped by a significant other then immediately jumping into another relationship. It’s not healthy and rarely does anyone actually benefit.

So the bottom line for Cavs fans: Speculate all you want. It makes for good conversation and keeps you believing. But don’t get overly worked up about what the Cavs haven’t done.

They are going to make moves, but they are taking care to make sure they are smart ones.

Sam Amico covers the Cavaliers for NBA.com and is a frequent contributor to The Cleveland Fan and SportsTime Ohio. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SamAmicoNBA.