Cavs Searching For A Small Forward
Dec 8, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland (22) lines up along the free throw lane while the Atlanta Hawks shoot a free throw at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Atlanta defeats Indiana 108-92. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Copeland’s story is not unlike Fields’s, other than it is far more unlikely. Undrafted out of Colorado in 2006, Copeland spent the next six years playing in (mostly) lower-level European leagues before catching on with the New York Knicks after playing on their summer league team. When Copeland finally got his chance he made the most of it, proving to be a high efficiency scorer from all over the floor in both his rookie season with the Knicks and in limited time during his sophomore year with the Indiana Pacers.
Unfortunately, that’s where the magic ends. Despite being 6’8” Copeland is a poor rebounder for a forward, and that’s to say nothing of his defense, which is extremely poor by any standards. Copeland simply isn’t strong enough to guard power forwards or quick enough to guard small forwards. On a Pacers team in need of shooting, Copeland’s defense kept him off the floor, and it began to affect his offense last season, when he just 36% from the floor and 31% from three. Some team will take a chance on Copeland, but can the Cavaliers really afford to give minutes to another shaky defender.
Next: A Prince for the King, Conclusions