Big Man Sasha Kaun Likely Joining Cavs Next Year
The Cleveland Cavaliers traded for the draft rights to Kansas big man Sasha Kaun in the 2008 NBA Draft. The then Seattle Sonics drafted Kaun 56th before trading him to Cleveland for cash consideration. Instead of going to the NBA, Kaun elected to return home to Russia where he has played for the past 6 season.
According to a report, Kaun is looking like he is coming over to the Cavs this upcoming season:
"The Cleveland Cavaliers have Sasha Kaun in their radars for next season.Kaun has been coached by Blatt with Russian National Team and won the bronze medal at Olympic Games in London.The center would team up with another Russian big, Timofey Mozgov. According to sources, Kaun already informed CSKA Moscow he will leave after the season."
Some speculation involved there but, if Kaun has already told his Russian team that he is leaving at the end of the season, it makes sense. Kaun’s relationship with Cavs Head Coach David Blatt would make it a natural fit for both player and team.
For the Cavs, his fit would be an intriguing one. Anderson Varejao should return from injury next year and provide the backup center role for the Cavs. Earlier in his career he could also play power forward but injuries and age seem to have stripped him of that ability. Brendan Haywood will either be released or traded, opening up the Cavs 5th big man role but not a lot of time on the floor. Would Kaun come over to the Cavs with such a limited role?
The Cavs obviously do not know what next year will look like. LeBron James and Kevin Love could opt out of their contract, though most believe they both will return. J.R. Smith also has a player option which could open another roster spot. Iman Shumpert and Tristan Thompson will be restricted free agents. Kaun is likely an option but may not be a high priority.
In college, Kaun’s senior year was his best. He finished with 7 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block per game. In Russia, Kaun’s best year is this year. Averaging almost 10 points, 5 boards and a block. Not exactly huge numbers, especially on the boards, for the 6’11” Kaun. Yet, much like Mozgov, Kaun could thrive in Blatt’s system with limited minutes.
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Kaun also has the option to move to the Euroleague, where he might be able to get more money than coming over to the Cavs. As the Cavs found out earlier in the season, they can never have too many big men. The Cavs will at least have to replace Haywood and Shawn Marion in the front court and could have roster spots opening with James Jones and Matthew Dellavedova as well. Kaun could take one of those spots.
What do you think about Sasha Kaun joining the Cavs next year?
(H/T to our friends at Fear the Sword)