Three Moves the Cavaliers Should Still Make
The Cleveland Cavaliers begin their season in seven days. So, there is still some decisions to make for the team brass. Nothing is ever set in stone, and the life of an NBA GM is one that is showing constant flux, things ever-changing.
1) DO NOT TRADE FOR BEN SIMMONS
The first is a move the Cavs make by standing pat. Ben Simmons is very much available for them. But, it would be jumping the gun and a major mistake to bring him in. There is no proof to show that he has actually changed his game and would be willing to shoot jumpers.
Sure, he has a lot of potential and is extremely impactful on defense. He made mistakes in Philly though, and he did things that cost his team a trip to the conference finals. He was lacking confidence. That is not something true of the current backcourt of the team.
Darius Garland and Collin Sexton always play with extreme confidence. They can score the ball and dish it out, too. They are well-respected and play well. The team in their fourth year sans LeBron in 2013-14 was competitive for much of the season.
This year’s team can be the same. So, leave it be. Don’t trade for Ben.
2) Sign Tacko Fall to a Two-Way Contract
Now that Cleveland has signed Ed Davis, they have their three big men on the regular roster, with guaranteed deals. They just cut Mfiondu Kabengele and Brodric Thomas, leaving a pair of two-way spots open for other players to come in and take.
Fall will be able to practice with the team while getting reps in Canton if the team opts to keep him on the two-way deal. He will be available for emergency minutes and to be an occasional backup. They have nothing to lose with it, and maybe he shows them some things they like to the point he can earn a full spot next season.
Everybody loves Fall, and keeping him here could be great for team morale. Why not, huh?
3) Show Belief in the Young Wings
The last move Cleveland can make is also not one that will go as a transaction. But rather as an internal decision. Make sure to show trust in Lamar Stevens and Dylan Windler. They are older than most other second-and-third year guys, but have a lot of value they can offer their team.
Windler and his shooting ability could help the team win games. Injuries have limited him greatly for the first two of his seasons, but when he was healthy, he had some marvelous efforts to guide the team to some key wins.
As for Stevens, he had a double-double in under 20 mins against the Spurs. He had the game-winning dunk against the Hawks. He plays hard and works his tail off to make smart plays. He belongs in the rotation ahead of both Cedi Osman and Denzel Valentine.
It will become more clear when the year opens. But J.B. Bickerstaff can help in aiding the final move. Put Dylan and Lamar on the court.
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