Competition for final roster spot heats up for Cleveland Cavaliers
By Dan Pilar
Oct 21, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown directs center Henry Sims (14) against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Schottenstein Center. The Cavaliers won 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Cavaliers have 20 players on its preseason roster; fourteen of which have guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts. Six guys will compete in one preseason game for one roster spot. Let the games begin….
Matthew Dellavadova: He was one of the most well-known mid-major players in the NCAA last season. He averaged 15.8 points and 6.4 assists. He hasn’t done anything spectacular in his time with the Cavs, however that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have potential. He has good size at 6-feet, 4-inches and is a willing defender—something Mike Brown likes about him. He has professional playing experience, playing for the Australian national team in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Dellavadova won’t be starting the season off with the Cavs; it appears he will be sent directly to Canton with intentions of him playing in Cleveland one day.
DeSagana Diop: No way this guy makes the roster, right? After fans had to watch him from 2001-05, no way they make fans go through that pain again. He was brought in for practice purposes only and to help out on defense. No way the Cavs waste a roster spot on him, he’ll get waived and become a free agent.
Kenny Kadji: When RDE did its NBA Draft podcast back in April, Chris Manning asked what under-the-radar player would I like to see the Cavs select with one of its second-round picks. My response was Kenny Kadji. I liked him because he’s a big-bodied player who can grab rebounds as well as step out and shoot the jumper. He runs the court very well. He was my favorite to make the roster, however, I don’t think he has shown enough in the few preseason games to prove he can be on an NBA roster now. He will begin in Canton, and make a few appearances in Cleveland. Similar to Kevin Jones’ role last season.
Henry Sims: Probably the most impressive player this preseason without a guaranteed contract. He played very well in Columbus against the 76ers, and with another good performance he could play his way onto the Cavs’ roster. He has shown great athleticism and can play the center or power forward position. The Cavs are likely to select a big man for the final roster spot with the uncertainty of Andrew Bynum and Tyler Zeller, and if that is the case, Sims is the man.
Jermaine Taylor: Taylor has shown some good things in preseason play. He is confident with the ball and has done well getting to the free throw line. He has shown the ability to become a good scorer, but he hasn’t shown enough consistency to make the Cavs believe he can be an everyday player off the bench. The Cavs may rank him a bit higher than Dellavadova, but not enough to keep him on the roster. He will be sent to Canton and can possibly find himself on a different NBA roster sooner rather than later.
Elliot Williams: He was a first-round pick just three years ago and hasn’t been able to find his way in the NBA. He hasn’t played much this preseason, meaning the he hasn’t given much for the Cavs to grade on. He is ranked below Taylor and Dellavadova.