The Cavaliers have some leaders on the roster. The problem has been that they usually don't play.

Team captain Bimbo Coles averages just 15 minutes per game. Swingman Bryant Stith, a former Denver captain, averages just 12.

But Stith is in line for more playing time after his impressive 20-point performance in Saturday's 108-101 loss to Boston. That should help a team that long has been lacking in leadership.

``He was brought here (as a free agent) to provide leadership in the locker room,'' said Cavs coach John Lucas. ``He's been a great role model for young players. Now that he has a chance to play, he can be a stronger voice in the locker room.''

Stith, averaging just 4.2 points, was a surprise starter against the Celtics. With his team mired in a losing streak that now is at 12 games and with starting small forward Lamond Murray out until at least next Saturday with a broken nose, Lucas figured it couldn't hurt to start Stith.

Lucas liked that Stith knows the Celtics well after playing for them last season. He also felt he could do a decent job defensively on Paul Pierce.

``Very much so,'' said Stith, when asked if he was surprised to get his first start of the season.

``It was such a radical change from my role up to this point this season. But part of being a professional is always being ready even though I have not been playing meaningful and significant minutes up to this point. I still come to work every day ready when called upon.''

Stith has not played in 17 games this season. He hadn't played 20 or more minutes in a game since Dec. 29. But Stith never looked as if he needed a squirt of oil.

In 34 minutes, Stith shot 7-of-13, including 5-of-8 on 3-pointers. Previously, he had made 6-of-29 from 3-point range for the season. Stith did a solid job on Pierce, holding him to 22 points, five below his average, on 6-of-17 shooting.

``Bryant played very well,'' Lucas said.

``That's what I've been hoping for from Bryant. I had a good feeling in changing the lineup. When we played the last game at Boston, the fans there beat me up so bad for not putting him in (until late the third period).''

It remains to be seen what will happen when Murray returns. But Stith at least figures to get significant minutes in the two games before Murray is eligible to be activated. That might help the Cavs, who have had no players really speak up during the losing streak.

The Cavs have had a leadership void for several seasons. Starting point guard Andre Miller barely makes a peep. Murray and guard Wesley Person, two eight-year veterans who are starters, also rarely have anything to say.

Coles, a 12-year veteran who backs up Miller at point guard, and Stith, a 10-year pro, could be considered the team's only true leaders. But it hasn't always been easy for them to find followers.

``It's hard to be a leader and tell guys to do things when you're sitting on the bench,'' Coles said. ``Guys are thinking, `You're sitting on the bench. What are you going tell me?' I think that (Stith) is definitely a leader. He's always been a leader. Now that he's able to play, I think he'll be a little more vocal.''

Stith said he doesn't feel he's held back this season from addressing players. As a deep reserve, though, he's had to pick and choose his spots carefully.

``If you're constantly in somebody's ear and you're not playing, people have the tendency to associate that with badgering,'' Stith said. ``When people see you out on the floor talking, they're more responsive to what you have to say. That's where veteran leadership comes into play. . . . Let's face it. If you have a limited role, you have a limited voice.''

Stith now will have a more major role and a more major voice. At least for two games.