NBA Cavaliers' new guard wants ball

Jeff McInnis' arrival frees LaBron James from point responsibilities.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Jeff McInnis is just the latest addition to the Cavaliers' ever-changing roster.
But unlike other midseason acquisitions the Cavaliers have made, McInnis is expected to be more than a role player and take over immediately as the starting point guard, freeing LeBron James to score from the wing.
"They said they want me to handle the ball. Get LeBron off the ball," McInnis said. "That's fine with me. I'm a point guard."
The Cavaliers acquired McInnis on Wednesday along with center Ruben Boumtje Boumtje from Portland for swingman Darius Miles.
Coach Paul Silas said he would waste no time in starting McInnis on Saturday against Philadelphia.
"I'm going to throw him right out there," Silas said. "That's what we brought him in for. He'll get a chance to practice and learn some of the plays. We didn't bring him here to sit him on the bench. We're looking for him to take over this club and run it."
Six-year veteran
McInnis, 6-4, a six-year veteran from North Carolina, is expected to bring some experience to the Cavaliers. He has averaged nearly 12 points and five assists this season.
James said the trade was tough for him because Miles was his best friend on the team. But believes the deal will improve the Cavaliers.
"The move is not so much about getting me off the ball as it is making us a better team," James said. "If they want me back on the ball, coach can always put me back. This will get me into the lane more -- into plays like I ran in high school."
McInnis' arrival means less time for backup Kevin Ollie, who has made the most of two starts with James out with a sprained ankle. Ollie made two key free throws in Tuesday's win against Seattle and had nine points, nine assists and matched a career high with 10 rebounds Thursday in a loss to Sacramento.
Ollie backup again
Ollie signed a five-year deal in the offseason to be a backup to James. He said he understands that the Cavaliers want to relieve James of the point guard duties.
"I think it was a good trade for us. He's a quality point guard, and he's been playing fantastically for Portland," Ollie said. "I don't know where it fits for me, but I know I am going to get my opportunities to go out and be productive."
McInnis, like Ollie, is a CBA veteran who specializes in committing few turnovers and has a solid midrange jump shot.
"I'm a guy that knows how to run the point guard position," McInnis said. "I'm looking forward to the chance to run my own team."