The expectation entering the current NBA Season(2007/2008) was to finally incorporate Hughes as an integral role in the office. This was to fulfil the promise/expectations that led to his signing. Hughes had a great off season in prepration for the season.
However, Hughes took just 45 shots in the season's initial 5 games. (9fga/game) A player who has earned a 65 million dollar contact would naturally want more than 9 field goal attempts per contest which only resulted in .4 free throw attempts in that 5 game span. Hughes also played an anything but substantial 25.6 minutes during that period.
The worst was yet to come as Hughes would be sidelined for a month with a lower leg injury. In his return against the Orlando Magic, Hughes only connected on 6/17 field goals but was 2/5 from the three point line as well as 8/9 from the free throw line. ( a 22 point outing) He was able to accomplish this coming off the bench in just 28 minutes of play.
Former NBA coach and current analyst Doug Collins ( who coached Hughes as a Washington Wizard) bassically sumarized Larry Hughes's game in describing him as a slaher, who creates opportunities for himself and others who likes to get to the free throw line. He went on to express that he has been religated to that of a spot up jump shooter as a Cavalier which is not his game.
Larry's approach and style of play was most evident on 12/11 in his second game back from injury. Hughes, came off the bench once again ( tallying 26 minutes of action) to connect 13/17 from the field, 5/8 from behind the arc, 5/5 from the free throw line, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
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