Cavs Roster: How Injuries Could Change Things
The Cleveland Cavaliers have brought back most of their roster from last season. The Cavs roster is solid across the board but injuries, and Tristan Thompson‘s absence, has created some concerns. It is possible that the injuries could impact how the Cavs roster comes together on the end.
Kyrie Irving, Anderson Varejao, Iman Shumpert and Kevin Love either are returning from or absence because of major injuries. J.R. Smith is dealing with a hamstring issue. Timofey Mozgov had offseason surgery and still rounding into shape.
With veterans Mo Williams, James Jones and Richard Jefferson expected to play big minutes, injuries and minute limits will also be important. Veterans tend to breakdown easier as do players with injury history.
That puts the Cavs roster in a unique situation. With Tristan still unsigned, the team has a two clear spots available at this point. If the team is willing to buyout Joe Harris‘ guaranteed deal, they could have three spots to start the season. Once Thompson signs, one will have to be cut.
Last year, the Cavs roster focused on specialities. Jones was the shooter. Shawn Marion was the versatile defender. Kendrick Perkins was the enforcer. Mike Miller was the shooter/cheerleader. Brendan Haywood was the big contract, trade bait waiting to happen. Matthew Dellavedova was the scrappy defender.
Only Shumpert and Thompson, two players currently not available to the Cavs, provided multiple dimensions to the team off the bench.
With the injuries and aging on the roster, things might look different this year. Quinn Cook, Jared Cunningham and Austin Daye are the three main guys fighting for spots. D.J. Stephens, Dionte Christmas and Chris Johnson are the next tier of guys that could compete for a spot.
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Stephens is an elite athlete who can jump out of the gym. Christmas is considered a shooter and Johnson is tall. Harris fits in this category, though assumed better, as the “shooter.” If the Cavs roster was whole and healthy, GM David Griffin and HC David Blatt might focus on these specific skills.
Cook has seemed like he belongs in the NBA since the start of Training Camp. He can run the offense, is a good shooter and is quick. Cunningham is Shumpert-lite with his ability to defend, get to the basket and hit a few jumpers. Daye is a unique physical talent. 6’11” and rail thin, Daye has greatly improved his deep shot, can defend and is decently athletic.
None of those three have any overwhelming talents. There are obviously reasons that each was available for the Cavs to sign to non-guaranteed deals. While there are reasons they are available, they might fit what the Cavs need this year.
Injuries are impacting the Cavs roster and could change who makes the team, who do you think makes it?