"Antawn Jamison was brought to Cleveland in 2009 as the hoped-for final piece to an NBA championship team. Then, Game 5 against Boston happened and LeBron James decided to chase rings elsewhere.

A dream deferred, the Cavs disassembled the flawed supporting cast, allowing some to leave and shipping other parts with designs on rebuilding. Fans had to excuse the dust of a 19-win season a year ago. As for Jamison, he went nowhere except the injured reserve list with a broken pinkie finger.

The 35-year-old power forward is back and, for now anyway, leading the team in scoring, field-goal attempts and shots without conscience.

In a season of development there are some fans who believe the Cavaliers would be better served with Jamison on the bench or off the roster. They want to see his energetic and effective understudy, Tristan Thompson, promoted to the starting lineup. If Kyrie Irving can run the team at age 19, why can't Thompson be part of the first unit at 20?

That would be a mistake -- at least this early in the careers of both rookies. Jamison's presence is benefiting the club, and specifically the two first-rounders. Despite a few dubious shooting nights -- notably 6-of-20 in the opener against Toronto -- he is the only other starter besides Irving creating his own shot. That can't be overstated. Take away Jamison, and Irving loses one of his best options as well as a player who can stretch the defense and create lanes for the penetrating point guard. "