Cleveland Cavaliers Player Profile: Josh Selby
Oct 17, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Josh Selby (2) shoots a free throw against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
When the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Jon Leuer to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future first round pick, forward Marresse Speights, guard Wayne Ellington and guard Josh Selby, the player that drew the least interest from Cavs fans was the latter of the bunch. A backup in Memphis, Selby has only appeared in 10 games this season – shooting a putrid 27.3 percent from the field. Not surprisingly, the Kansas guard was optioned to the Canton Charge once the trade was complete.
However, do not just assume that Selby will be another Jeremy Pargo-type who just rides the pine until an eventual release. With Shaun Livingston’s contract up at the end of the season, the Cavs may decide to give Selby a shot at being Kyrie Irving’s backup. With a team option for next year, his future is not secure either, but it will be interesting to see if they do decide to keep him around.
Selby was a second round pick of the Grizzlies, coming out of Kansas after his freshman season. In high school, Selby was not only a five star McDonald’s All-American, but was also 2010 Jam Fest champion. Before entering college, Selby got himself in hot water by not being cleared by the NCAA. The investigation stemmed from a supposed relationship with Robert “Bay” Frazier, the business manager of New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. At the conclusion of the investigation, Selby was found guilty and suspended for nine games for the receiving of improper benefits. He was also ordered to pay $4,607.58 to a charity of his choice.
After his suspension, Selby played 26 games for the Jayhawks, including 11 starts. In 20.4 minutes per game, he averaged 7.9 points and 2.2 assists per game. Shooting wise, he shot a sup-par 37.3 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from three. After his freshman season, Selby declared for the NBA Draft via Twitter.
After being selected with the 49th overall pick in the 2011 Draft, Selby split time between the Grizzles and their Developmental League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns. In 28 games with Memphis, he averaged 2.3 points and 1.1 assists in 8.5 minutes. From three, he shot an abysmal 13.3 percent. In the 2012-13 season, Selby has played 5.9 minutes per game. Averaging 2.0 points, Selby saw sparing playing time before the trade.
Now in Canton, Selby will likely play a starting role for the Charge. As we have seen, it is entirely possible that Selby will get a call up before the end of the season. Young players like Kevin Jones and the aforementioned Leuer have gotten their time in Canton, and then got the call up the big show. It is not the most ideal situation, but there is real opportunity for Selby. As I mentioned before, Livingston has an expiring contract. If General Manager Chris Grant and Coach Byron Scott decide that they want a young guard instead of Livingston, Selby could be their man. He’ll know the offense, have an affordable contract and – as a former five star recruit – the talent is there. Let’s just see if that talent can be harnessed.