Cavs Roster Breakdown Part 2: Shooting Guards

This is the second in a six part series that will break down the Cavs roster and look at the potential moves they could make in offseason. The first day will focus on the point guard position, followed by shooting guard, small forward, power forward, center, and the Cavs bench.

Like every position sans point guard, shooting guard is kind of a mystery for the Cavs. With the recent release of Manny Harris and retirement of Anthony Parker, the only legit two-guard on the roster is rookie Dion Waiters. Alonzo Gee could also play the position, but he looks to be the starting small forward this season. Daniel Gibson also played some two-guard, but he’s not nearly big enough to play the two full time.

Current Shooting Guards – Dion Waiters, Daniel “Boobie” Gibson Alonzo Gee, Kelenna Azubuike

–       This a week position for the Cavs, possible the weakest on the team. Waiters is untested, Gee has to play small forward, Azubuike is a journeyman, and Gibson is a point guard.  If not one of these players can lock down this position, then the Cavs are in some serious trouble. The Cavs desperately need another guard to play alongside Kyrie Irving, and they won’t get any better without one.  Gibson especially is worrisome to me, as his only above-average skill is his shooting and he is defensive liability. Along with small forward, shooting guard is the biggest question mark on this team.

–       Key Stats – Waiters – 12.6 points per game, 2.5 assists per game, and 2.3 rebounds per game.  Considering Waiters didn’t play more than twenty-five minutes a game at Syracuse, these stats aren’t that bad. If he can average 15-17 pints a game, along with not turning the ball over, Waiters will prove to be a quality Robin to Irving’s Batman.

Some Shooting Guards Available: Eric Gordon, O.J. Mayo, Ray Allen, Nick Young, J.R. Smith, DeShawn Stevenson, Danny Green, Jason Kapono, Sasha Pavlovic

Best Fit for the Cavs – DeShawn Stevenson

The former Wizard who was famously LeBron’s foil a few seasons back would provide a quality backup to Waiters while also giving the Cavs a veteran presence in the locker room that is needed in the wake of Anthony Parker’s retirement. Granted, he’s not all that great, but he’d be an improvement over Azubuike. Bringing back an ex-Cav like Kapono or Pavlovic would be fine by me as well.

Best Case Scenario: The Cavs sign a veteran shooting guard to back up Waiters, who becomes a budding star in his rookie season. The Waiters-Irving combo goes on to become one of the best young tandems in the league, and the two become the Cavs new nucleus.

Worst Case Scenario: No veteran is signed, and none of the guards on the roster develop into anything. In his rookie campaign, Waiters proves to be nothing special, and the Cavs head into the next offseason once again looking for a two guard to compliment Irving.

What Likely Happens: No veteran is signed, and the Cavs entrust the position to Waiters and Gibson.  In year one of his NBA career, Waiters has a solid rookie season, making the position a non-issue.  When needed, Gibson handles the position well, and all in all, the Cavs don’t have any major headaches stemming from this position