David Liam Kyle-Getty Images
In Game 4 of the now-infamous first round against the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Shawn Marion played one minute and notched two steals. That’s an average of one steal per 30 seconds. Prorated through 36 minutes, that’s 72 steals per game.
Obviously that’s not going to happen, but it does highlight the grit, temerity and incessant focus of one of the game’s great players. Marion, a four-time All Star and two-time All-NBA, announced earlier this year that he would be retiring at the end of the season. In effect, these final weeks will be the swan song to an illustrious career.
Despite averaging nearly 20 minutes per game, his minutes following trades for Timofey Mozgov, Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith have slowly declined. Like Mike Miller and Anderson Varejao (and possibly Brendan Haywood but who’s to say), Marion’s primary function has morphed into one of mentorship and tutelage. He provides a steadying voice when the waters get rocky.
Most crucially, Marion’s Dallas Mavericks underwent similar circumstances to the Cavs when their starting small forward, Caron Butler, went down for injury just prior to the 2011 Finals. LeBron James is certainly no stranger to the outcome as the Mavs beat the Miami Heat 4-2 on the road, stealing what could have been the King’s first crown. (“Cleveland Mavs” shirts—you’re seeing it right—were a huge seller that year for a city that was still reeling from The Decision.)
Now, as the Atlanta Hawks decry the injustice of losing Kyle Korver (a non-factor through the first two games) and again bemoan Thabo Sefalosha’s New York hijinks, the Cavaliers have been quietly integrating bench players into bigger, more minute-heavy roles. It’s arguable that this style of play is reminiscent of a former Marion coach, Rick Carlisle, who is known for resting players for extended games before playing them heavily over similar stretches.
In a league where superstars and veterans form more of a partnership with their coaching staff, is it unfair to assume Marion has brought this mentality with him? Certainly Cavs GM David Griffin, who worked the front office of the Phoenix Suns during Marion’s time there, knew the kind of leader he was getting when he signed Marion to the current season. Griffin knew that Marion was done producing big numbers or being a huge threat on defense, but his leadership would be key to a coach who’d never worked in the NBA and a squad of young players.
Marion’s on-court performance may not be the difference-maker in the Finals, but his behind-the-scenes work is surely invaluable. From improving Shumpert’s already-stellar defense to giving Smith the confidence to “let ‘em fly,” The Matrix is proving he deserves a ring as much as any member of the Cavaliers.
