Position-by-Position Preview: 2014-15 Cavaliers

Feb 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Team Hill guard Dion Waiters (3) celebrates after a three point basket during Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting Guard: 

Rotation: Dion Waiters, Mike Miller, Joe Harris

Starting at the two-guard spot this season will be the always-confident (as evident by him proclaiming the Cavs possess the leagues best back-court) Dion Waiters. In the eyes of many, Waiters seems to have a negative presence on the Cavaliers roster, as people point to his questionable shot selection, lack of effort on the defensive end and his attitude off the court. While all those points are valid, Waiters is the biggest x-factor for Cleveland this season.

Waiters understands that the majority of his shot attempts will come from spot-up jumpers this season and has dedicated his summer to improving that area of his game, which is the smartest thing he could do. If Waiters develops a consistent spot-up jumpshot this season, especially on three-point attempts, it can add a whole new dimension to the Cavalier offense. Waiters won’t need to put up big numbers this season, but if he can provide Cleveland with some effective shooting, he will make a huge difference.

Waiters’ defense has also been heavily criticized, and rightfully so. Waiters has never put in the effort required to be a positive on that end of the floor. With the amount of new veterans on the roster, Waiters will always have someone in his ear, preaching to him the importance of defense. Waiters has the strength, speed and athleticism to be a good perimeter defender, and Waiters is bound to improve on that end of the floor this season.

Waiters’ attitude has also come into question, as he has caused player-only meetings and apparently doesn’t get along with Kyrie Irving. While this is some people’s view of Waiters, he is a loved figure in the locker room, already gaining endorsements of Coach Blatt and LeBron James. Waiters’ attitude shouldn’t be a problem this season, but if he does get out of line, the veterans are bound to tell him about it.

As for the back-ups, Mike Miller will provide the Cavs with great shooting, solid rebounding at the 2 and he will be a veteran leader on the floor. If Miller can stay healthy like he did in Memphis last season, he will be a key piece off the bench for the Cavs this season. Rookie Joe Harris will get limited minutes and may spend some time in the D-League, but he has one of the prettiest jumpers in the league and could provide shooting when the Cavaliers need it.