The Cleveland Cavaliers have a lot of talent on their roster but Joe Harris could be a key component for them long term, and maybe even short term. Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and Kevin Love are on the team for a long time to come. Same with Iman Shumpert but he doesn’t belong in the same category with the Cavs Big 3.
The Cavs, and their fans, hope that big men Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mozgov will also be a part of the team’s future. Three other regulars from last season, James Jones, Matthew Dellavedova and J.R. Smith, also could be on their way out after this season as well.
That’s where Harris comes in to play. The 2nd year pro out of Virginia got very little time last year for the Cavs. His Summer League play was less than impressive as well, as Luke wrote about following the completion of play this year.
Given all that, why could Harris be a key for the Cavs long term?
Shooting! (and size).
Starting with his size, Harris at 6’6″ and 225 pounds provides a sturdy player at the off-guard position. His size allows him to body up other guards and limit their path to the bucket. He also provides a good target for passes, think catch radius in the NFL, as a catch and shoot player in the Cavs offense. If he can show improvement on the defensive end, he could lessen the blow of losing the 6’4″, 200 pound Dellavedova.
Yet it is his shooting that will really be important for the Cavs moving forward. His smooth stroke, which is picture perfect and getting quicker, is what led the Cavs to draft him high in the 2nd round in 2014. Last year he shot a respectable 37% from behind the 3 point arc, on 1.6 attempts per game. In college he averaged 41% for his career with an impressive 43% his Junior season.
James Jones is the old man on the team and his future is uncertain. He gives Irving and James someone they can rely on when the drive to the hole. Smith provided a similar outlet for the Cavs last season and holds a player option for next year. Who knows what free agency will hold next year for Smith, or anyone for that matter.
That is why Harris’ shooting development will be huge for the team. If Jones retires and Smith moves on, the Cavs will be in desperate need of shooting from the guard spot.
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Harris might get a chance to show what he can do beside LeBron and Love while Irving is out early in the season. Kyrie’s shooting off the ball is huge and will be missed, even though Mo Williams should step in nicely there. Perhaps Harris sees a little more time as the Cavs “PG” with LeBron handling the rock while Irving is out and Williams gets a breather.
If Harris isn’t able to show that he can be counted on this season, he might key another move. The Cavs have two Traded Player Exceptions that they can use to bring in talent. If Harris struggles, with Smith and Jones’ future with the team in doubt, the Cavs may make a move to bring in a guard on a longer term deal, instead of fortifying their big man rotation.
While Joe Harris may not play a ton this season, his impact on the long term future of the Cavs could be huge. Hopefully he can step up and provide the Cavs with some comfort with their shooting beyond this season.
What do you think Joe Harris’ role with the Cavs long term is?