Unhappy Hughes booed as Bull back in Cleveland

CLEVELAND (AP) — Larry Hughes was unhappy in Cleveland, even when the Cavaliers went to the NBA finals.

The veteran guard returned to Cleveland Sunday for the first time since being dealt to Chicago in an 11-player trade Feb. 21, and said he prefers the Bulls’ style of play.

Hughes said before Sunday’s game the Cavaliers’ offensive system “wasn’t my style. They wanted me to sacrifice things so we could win. In this system, there is more movement and draw and kicks.”

The Cavaliers were 50-32 last season. Cleveland won the Eastern Conference title, beating Washington, New Jersey and Detroit in the playoffs. The Cavaliers were swept by San Antonio in the finals.

Even that success didn’t seem to satisfy Hughes.

“It was a good run,” he said. “We had 50-plus wins, made the finals and I learned from it. I was unhappy, though, and wasn’t myself. I’d rather enjoy the game than all that.”

Signed as a free agent Aug. 2, 2005, Hughes struggled with injuries and inconsistent play and was a disappointment in Cleveland. He shot 40 percent from the field in each of his first two seasons and was shooting 37 percent this season at the time of the trade. While he struggled at shooting guard, he didn’t enjoy playing point guard and was also booed constantly by Cleveland fans.

“I don’t blame anyone for it,” said Hughes, who was booed again in Sunday’s pregame introductions. “I’m moving on and I am trying to get better.”

Cleveland, Chicago and Seattle were involved in the 11-player deal. Hughes, forwards Drew Gooden and Cedric Simmons and guard Shannon Brown were sent to the Bulls, who dealt center Ben Wallace and forward Joe Smith to the Cavaliers.

“I was expecting [the trade],” Hughes said. “I needed something different. Now I’m able to be me, in a fresh place that fits my style of play.”