Oct 23, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Randy Wittman (right) talks with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jarrett Jack (1) in the first half at US Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
As the 2013-2014 NBA Season finally approaches, it’s as good as time as ever to take at look at each player on the Cleveland Cavaliers roster. Up until opening night, the entire RDE staff will breakdown the entire Cavaliers roster. This profile looks at Jarrett Jack.
Tale of the Tape:
Name: Jarrett Jack
Position: Point Guard
School: Georgia Tech
Years Experience: 8 years
Years with Cavaliers: None
Height: 6’3
Weight: 197 lbs
Contract: 4 years, $25,200,000
One of the key acquisitions for the Cavs this offseason, Jack looks to bring the same production as a 6th man he had in Golden State to Cleveland. Good as both a scorer and a passer, Jack should be an important part of the guard rotation, especially if someone goes down with an injury.
Physical Tools
Jack is not exceptionally tall or strong. However, to me his best physical quality is his ability to stay healthy – in every season of his career (except the lockout shortened 2011-12) he has played at least 79 games. Given Kyrie Irving’s track record for getting injured, Jack could be the glue that keeps the team’s backcourt together. Aside from that, there is not much to marvel at in terms of Jack’s physique.
Intangibles
In addition to his ability to score, Jack also is an above average passer. Last year he was tied for 13th in the league in sssist to turnover ratio (2.8). Despite not really “bursting” on the scene until a couple years ago, he has been a steady contributor for all 8 years of his career, averaging 11.0 PPG for his career. In addition, he should bring some leadership and experience to an overall young team.
Offense
Jack can score from both the inside and the outside – he shot an impressive 45 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3 last year; as a 6th man, he provides instant-offense from his ability to score. However, what differentiates himself from most other guards off the bench is his ability to set the table for others – averaging over 5.5 assists last season, Jack is an effective passer, and with so many scorers on this team, Jack could be setting the table for one of the best second units in the league.
Defense
Jack is not a good defender – his woes are well-documented from when he was with the Golden State Warriors, particularly from the playoff series with the Spurs last year. In addition, he does not rebound particularly well. Being on a Mike Brown coached team may help to patch up his deficiencies a bit, but as things currently stand, the main rotation of the backcourt (Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and Jack) is not good defensively.
How does Jack fit in on the Cavaliers?
The Cavs invested a lot of money to get Jack, so he figures to be a regular part of the guard rotation, along with Irving and Waiters. As a good passer and scorer, I expect him to help put points on the board for the Cavs. As a guy that rarely gets injured, I see Jack as the one permanent fixture in the backcourt this year. Being so, I expect Cavs fans to see a lot of Mr. Jack this season.