The Houston Rockets released Tarik Black to make room for Josh Smith:
The Rockets have waived Tarik Black to clear a roster spot for Josh Smith, league source tells Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 26, 2014
Black is a big 6’11” rookie out of Kansas who went undrafted this year. He made the Rockets out of camp and has contributed, including starting 12 games for the Western conference competitors. On the season he is averaging 4.2 points and 5.1 rebounds on the season. He has a paltry 0.1 blocks per game, a very low number for an almost 7 footer.
The Rockets had a good problem: Too many talented big men. Black was the odd man out but they were unable to work out a trade for the young big man. Now that he has been waived he has 48 hours until he can be claimed. ESPN’s #HateHard master gave us a quick breakdown of the NBA Waiver process:
If another team claims player within 48 hrs, they assume cap hit & obligation RT @JaredKMueller: @AminESPN Quick NBA Waivers explanation?
— Chillin in my Bacta (@DarthAmin) December 26, 2014
He makes minimum so anyone can RT @JaredKMueller: @AminESPN Waiver order same as other leagues. Have to have cap space tho correct? Cavs?
— Chillin in my Bacta (@DarthAmin) December 26, 2014
So 48 hours from when Black is officially released we will know for sure who has claimed him. With his minimum salary, size and youth expect him to be claimed. The waiver order, like other sports and fantasy sports, is based on records. Currently the Cleveland Cavaliers would be 20th on the waiver claim order meaning it would be unlikely for the Cavs to get Black. At worst a team like the 76ers could claim Black looking to trade him in the future.
If they were able to, the Cavs would have helped their interior need with the addition of Black. They have a roster spot available after Anderson Varejao‘s season ending injury, and a need for a big man or three. In their first game without Varejao they started Kevin Love at center and put Shawn Marion in as the starting power forward.
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Black may not be the typical starting center but would be a much better option coming off the bench, allowing Tristan Thompson to slide into the starting spot. Black rebounds at a high rate, he averages his 5.1 rebounds per game in just over 15 minutes a game. While not the shot blocker, that still needs to be addressed, he could adequately fill the Varejao role on defense. He is limited on offense but not much offense is needed with this team.
The Cavs are unlikely to get a chance at claiming Black but should/will if they get a chance to. Black would quickly join the rotation and give GM David Griffin a chance to take his time looking for the rim protector that is still missing from the roster.
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What would you think if the Cavs were able to claim Tarik Black?