Cleveland Cavaliers Daily Blogs: Cavaliers might lean on Parker

The longer the Delonte West ordeal plays out, the more the Cavaliers might get used to Anthony Parker as their starting shooting guard.

Parker, signed to a two-year contract in the offseason, has lived up to expectations through the first week of training camp.

The 6-foot-6, 210-pounder was a starter in all three previous years in Toronto. When asked if it mattered to him whether he starts or comes off the bench, he gave the politically correct answer.

"It doesn't matter," Parker said. "Either way, I'm going to have some opportunities. I'll be on the floor with LeBron (James) or Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal) regardless."

Cavs coach Mike Brown claims the shooting guard spot is up for grabs. In some ways, Brown's rotation might work better if West came off the bench since he also serves as the backup point guard.

"Our rotation was easy with (West) being our backup point guard (last season)," Brown said. "I'll do whatever is best for the team."

Brown said it's more important who is playing at the end of games.

West started all 64 games he played last season and averaged 11.7 points, 3.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds. He's been troubled, however, with depression, a mood disorder and bipolar disorder. West is still facing gun charges in Maryland.

Judging from the Wine & Gold Scrimmage in Akron on Saturday, rookie Danny Green could also be in the mix for playing time.

Green fired in 10 points on Saturday.

"When he first came in (to training camp), I thought he was stiffer than as I was," Brown said. "To see him run and jump, do some things on the floor and shoot the way he does, he has a chance. He has to earn his way."

The Cavs had Green and Parker guarding each other for parts of the scrimmage. It was quite spirited.

"He came up in that Carolina system," Parker said. "You know what you're getting with a Carolina product.

"He's a good player. He's solid. (He) can shoot it. He's a smart player."

Parker, though, appears to be a solid acquisition. He had five points, five assists and two steals in the scrimmage.

Like West, Parker is a strong defender.

"His length showed defensively by getting out in the passing lanes," Brown said. "He's not gambling. He's playing the correct defense."

It didn't take long for Parker to realize the Cavs' emphasis is on defense.

"We stop practice and go over the defensive coverage and how we want everyone on the same page," Parker said. "When you're guarding someone, it's not just you. It's all five guys guarding that person. That gives you confidence. You have to play them one-on-one, but you have help behind you."

West might be a better on-the-ball defender. But Parker's length on the perimeter was sorely needed.

"I'm a good team defender," Parker said. "The (shooting guard/small forward positions are) the toughest positions to guard in the league. You can do your job and the guy could still score 20 points on you. I'm solid."

Fans will quickly take notice of Parker's shooting ability.

"He's a big-time threat to come off screens," Brown said. "He shoots it extremely well coming off the screens. We haven't had that since I've been here."