Cavs Searching For A Small Forward

Mar 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Luigi Datome (70) battles for the ball with Miami Heat forward Henry Walker (5) during the second half of the Miami Heat

Luigi Datome

An intriguing possibility here. Datome, a former Italian League MVP first came over to the NBA before the 2013-2014 season after signing a two-year deal with the Detroit Pistons. Expected to help space the floor after shooting forty percent from three during his ten-year career in Europe, Datome fell flat on his face with the Pistons, shooting an abysmal 18% from deep his rookie year, and an extremely poor 25% while appearing in just three games before his trade to the Boston Celtics last season.

Once in Boston, Datome seemed to finally find his stride, shooting a blistering 47% from deep in eighteen games with the Celtics. At 6’8” with good length and mobility, Datome is a decent defender and rebounder, and while he has some ability to create offense, that is not his game at the NBA level. The question is whether or not Datome would prefer to stay in the NBA or return to playing basketball overseas.

If he decides to stay, a minimum contract with an opportunity to showcase his skills for another shot a free agency may work. However, given his reputation overseas, Datome could likely earn more money with a return to Italy. Cavaliers coach David Blatt did coach in the Italian League from 2005 to 2007 and likely has some idea on whether or not Datome would be a good fit in Cleveland.

Update: Datome is returning to Europe after agreeing to a multi-year deal with Turkish club Fenerbahce.

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