The Cleveland Cavaliers lost again last night to the Miami Heat to fall to 17 – 11. Dion Waiters has oft been the object of scorn this season from fans and analysts as the team with high expectations has failed to live up to them. Now with Anderson Varejao out for the season the focus turns to the bigger (literally) issue that has been haunting the team this season: Rim protection.
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Waiters gets thrown into this conversation as well, being one of the few on floor talents that the Cavs may be willing to trade that actually has value. Before the Varejao injury GM David Griffin seemed to be cautiously approaching the trade market, given the few trade assets the Cavs actually have to use.
Now with their lone rotational center out for the season, Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love are not centers and Brendan Haywood hasn’t been in the rotation, Griff could be far more aggressive. In season the Cavs only have Waiters, the Memphis Grizzlies protected pick (likely to be a Lottery selection next season if Marc Gasol leaves) and the Keith Bogans trade exception. They also could get an Disabled Player Exception for Varejao, that can only be used to trade for an expiring contract or to sign a player this season.
Which brings us back to the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Dion Waiters. An athletic player, with aggressive tendencies and an ability to attract both praise and criticism. Last night’s game against the Heat was a great example of the interesting character of Waiters.
In 28 minutes on the floor Waiters had the best +/- of any Cavalier, a -1, contributing 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. He played some tenacious defense on Dwayne Wade in the second half, including a great steal and outlet pass to LeBron James for a dunk. His overall contributions are evident in some big plays and in his stats in so many categories.
The Hyde version of Waiters included 3 turnovers and a continued penchant for holding the basketball and a love for step back 2 point jumpers, also considered the most inefficient shot in the world. Waiters either jabbed stepped, reset the offense or made a neutral pass around the perimeter when he received a pass. Instead of being in the triple threat position, ready to shoot, pass or dribble drive immediately, Waiters triple threat is far less concerning and allows the defense time to setup.
He also shot poorly again: 3 – 8 from the field including a horrible 1 – 4 from the three point line. The Cavs need for a shooting guard who is ready to catch and shoot is clear with LeBron and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So much so that Mike Miller, the aging, injury prone guard, is now starting for the Cavs.
On paper it is often noted that Waiters could be a perfect off the bench offensive producer. This is cited as his value in not starting, the issue is that Waiters is still on the floor most of the time with 2 of the Big 3 of James, Irving and Kevin Love. With two of those three Waiters is still needed as a catch and shoot guy. Not a role he has embraced nor seems comfortable with.
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Yet Waiters is obviously talented. His ability, or inability, to harness those skills will go a long way toward deciding whether that talent blossoms in Cleveland or another location. For both Waiters and the Cavs the best scenario is that he plays well enough to help the Cavs win big this season, or until the trade deadline.
A successful stint could lead another team to seek him out to be one of their core players, thus trading value to the Cavs, or convince the Cavs to sign up long term for the Waiters train. Either way it becomes a Win-Win for the team and the player.
Waiters is a Jekyll and Hyde character, on a Jekyll and Hyde team. Sometimes the Cavs need a little out of control, aggressive play but within some limits. If Waiters can harness himself into Dr. Jekyll for a majority of games, the Cavs could have their long term answer at the 2 guard spot. If Mr. Hyde is more present the Cavs are likely to look to move on from Waiters sooner rather than later.
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What do you think the future of Dion Waiters holds?