Hubbard Gives Leadership to Young Cavalier Players

Phil Hubbard gives the Cleveland Cavaliers a blend of experience, pain, liniment and savvy.

Those ingredients have provided the eight-year veteran small forward a renewed sense of determination as he watches his youthful teammates adapt to life in the NBA.

Hubbard, 30, has chronically sore knees and cannot run with his teammates as much as he’d like to, but his statistics (12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds through 43 games) indicate he provides consistent efforts.

“It’s fun watching these kids play, and it’s fulfilling helping them out there,” said Hubbard, a 6-foot-8 product of the University of Michigan and a native of Canton, Ohio. “I don’t have the ability to run all day with them, and I can’t jump as high, but I can show them that hard work brings results.

“The only thing that’s strange is to be considered the old man when you’re only 30. It’s not like I’m getting Social Security, but I’m no babysitter, either.”

Though chronically sore knees and wrist problems in recent years have hampered Hubbard, he is known for his driving ability as well as a knack of sensing which way a missed shot will carom.

“Instinct,” he explains. “I just look for the holes and I’ve learned which backboards do what.”

Hubbard, acquired five years ago in a trade with Detroit that sent the Pistons Bill Laimbeer, plays up front with rookie center Brad Daugherty and rookie power forward John (Hot Rod) Williams.

In the backcourt, rookie Ron Harper has started since the season opener and veteran point guard John Bagley’s availability has been curtailed by his erratic play since returning from an ankle injury.

The relatively inexperienced Craig Ehlo has been used in Bagley’s spot, meaning Hubbard often finds himself the only seasoned player on the floor.

“That’s just one reason why Phil’s so valuable,” said Cleveland Coach Lenny Wilkens. “With all the rookies we have, you’ve got to depend on the veteran that has played day in and day out.

“We’re lucky to have Phil. He calms the team down, gives direction. You know he’s not going to go out there and commit a million turnovers, and his defense also is a key.”

The Cavaliers, though, are concerned over how long Hubbard can maintain his starting role. As a result, free agent Tyrone Corbin was signed as a backup.

Cleveland has only a small chance of making the playoffs this season as the price of gaining experience has involved close losses made painful through turnovers and weak free throw shooting.

Should the team make the draft lottery, it is likely a small forward and a point guard will be top priorities.

“You can’t say what will happen at this point,” said Hubbard.