Does Larry Hughes Crave Victory More than LeBron?

Okay, here's a good one. We all know that NBA players are obsessed with stats and money, probably in that order. So when Cavs GM Danny Ferry decided to put some incentive-based bonuses in the contract of Larry Hughes, he flipped the script a little. According the Akron Beacon Journal, Hughes will reap a cool two mill if his team reaches 49 wins.

You don't hear about this kind of bonus in the NBA nearly as much as in the NFL, mainly because it's a lot easier to gun for numbers in basketball. And I guess there's nothing wrong with Hughes really wanting to win. It's a little odd, though, that this sets up as him being bribed to give extra effort down the stretch, when many players are taking it easy for the playoffs.

Two great ironies of the situation: Hughes got additional loot last season, even though he missed most of the second half. And, according to the Beacon Journal, it's by being unselfish that Hughes really helps the team win:

As the point guard, Hughes needs to be a team player for the Cavs to be effective. Hughes, who said he isn't thinking much about the potential payout, needs his teammates for the significant extra cash...Over the past two seasons, the Cavs are 30-5 when Hughes has five or more assists.

All of a sudden, Ferry kind of looks like a genius for this. Provided someone has shared the above information with Larry Hughes.