Written by Sam Amico

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INDEPENDENCE - There is an interesting dynamic taking place with the Cavaliers and it involves one of their expected leaders. That would be none other than forward Antawn Jamison, and the speculation is he would prefer to play elsewhere.

Now, before we go too far on that, keep in mind I used the word “speculation,“ because right now, that’s all it is.

Also remember that Jamison is one of the classiest players in the league. When I was running ProBasketballNews.com, he was regularly picked by the website as the league’s most approachable, down-to-earth guy.

So Jamison would never request a trade, or give anything less than his absolute best -- both in the locker room and on the floor. Nor has he given any indication he doesn’t want to play for the Cavs.

Just the opposite, actually.

If anyone is going to say all the right things and make the best of what could be perceived as a less-than-ideal situation, it is Jamison.

 

The other day, Jamison even told Hoopsworld.com, “(Cleveland) is a great situation for me.” Again, all of this makes the whole Jamison Wants Out theory little more than gossip.

But if he did want to leave … well, it would make sense. For one, Jamison turned 35-years old in June. He also has tender knees, a fact that’s been showing on his overall movement and shooting in the preseason. Entering Thursday’s game in Pittsburgh against San Antonio (7:30 p.m., WTAM), Jamison is shooting a miserable 18 percent from the floor. That includes 0-for-7 on 3-pointers.

Granted, it’s only the preseason, and Cavs coach Byron Scott is giving most of the minutes to younger forwards such as J.J. Hickson and Samuardo Samuels -- as Scott already knows what he has in Jamison. Still, Jamison seems to be going through the motions.

That’s not necessarily a big deal, particularly when you consider veterans rarely push themselves at this time of year. Also, Jamison has already played in the Princeton offense Scott brought to the team. So Jamison doesn’t need as many reps.

As for the Cavs, well, it’s pretty clear they wouldn’t mind moving Jamison. He probably realizes that, too.

But that won’t be easy, as he has two years and more than $28 million remaining on his contract. And one thing the Cavs won’t do is give him away.

Don’t misunderstand.

The Cavs don‘t seem to be desperate to trade a guy who very well could lead the team in scoring. Jamison says he’s happy to be in Cleveland and the Cavs are happy to have him. He may even play out his current deal in Cleveland.

But it just seems like something is up. It seems like Jamison will be the first to go if things don’t go well early in the season. And it seems like if the Cavs can find a taker, Jamison will be on the move, and it seems like he already knows that.

ANDY & MO RETURN

Guard Mo Williams and big man Anderson Varejao both made their training camp debuts at practice Wednesday, their first under Scott.
Varejao returned after missing the first two weeks following the death of his grandfather, while Williams has been out with a sore hamstring.

“From a physical standpoint, they’re both in better shape than I thought they’d be in,” Scott said.

Williams will sit out Thursday’s game in Pittsburgh, and likely Saturday’s at home against CSKA Moscow as well. Varejao, meanwhile, could play as early as Thursday.

“I’m not really sure yet,” Scott said. “It’s really gonna be predicated on how he feels.”

As for the first practice, Scott said Varejao’s “energy was contagious. He was flying all over the place like he always does.”

Varejao will likely start at center, “but play some power forward too,” according to Scott. The result may be a career-high in minutes for the man they call Wild Thing.

“I hope so. I hope he can play that much and still play Andy basketball,” Scott said.

TAIT STILL IN HOSPITAL

Cavs radio play-by-play man Joe Tait remains in a Houston hospital with pneumonia. The 73-year old Tait underwent further testing Wednesday, including tests for clotting. He is expected to return  Friday morning.

Tait has also been walking around with a fracture in his foot the past several weeks.

Fred McLeod will fill in for Tait and handle play-by-play in Pittsburgh, with Campy Russell expected to provide color commentary.

COACH'S SHOW

Speaking of radio, the Cavs coach‘s show is back for another season on WTAM, with Mike Snyder hosting and, of course, new man-in-charge Scott as the featured guest.

Showtime in 7-8 p.m. Thursdays during the season, unless there is a game. If that’s the case, the show will air Wednesdays, same Cavs time, same Cavs channel.

Sam Amico covers the Cavaliers and NBA for NBA.com, and is frequent contributor to SportsTime Ohio and The Cleveland Fan. Follow him on Twitter at @SamAmicoNBA.