Top Five Cavs Free Agent Signings Of The Gund/Q Era

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Mar 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown reacts during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 90-76. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

#3. Larry Hughes, G, 2005

Stats with Cavs: 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 12.5 PER, 146 games

Depending on your opinion of Hughes, he was either one of the best of worst free agent signings in franchise history.

Based on his competition, there’s no reason why he can’t be both.

Hughes was the Cavaliers’ bronze medal in the summer of 2005. After failing to sign both Michael Redd and Ray Allen, Cleveland was desperate for someone to share the scoring load with James. Hughes was coming off a career-year, putting up 22.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists while leading the NBA with 2.9 steals per game.

A five-year, $65 million contract was painful but necessary to offer Hughes, as the best remaining options were Bobby Simmons, Cuttino Mobley and Latrell Sprewell at shooting guard.

Now, was Hughes particularly good in Cleveland? If one measures greatness in volume shooting at low percentages, Hughes was damn near Jordan-esque. He regularly missed games with various injuries and was eventually traded to the Bulls that ridded them of Ben Wallace‘s equally bad contract.

For one magical stretch in 2007, however, the 6’5″ Hughes was moved to point guard that gave Cleveland a big, defensive lineup (Defensive minded HC Mike Brown, pictured, appreciated him too) that would eventually lead them to the NBA Finals.

For that Larry, we thank you.

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