Do Larry Sanders And The Cleveland Cavaliers Have Mutual Interest?

Free agent center Larry Sanders is being courted. Is there a chance the Cleveland Cavaliers will sign him?

Larry Sanders wants to make a comeback in the NBA and has expressed interest in the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. Do the Cavs have mutual interest? They should because of the potential Sanders showed before he took a leave of absence from the NBA.

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Sanders was one of the most feared shot blockers in the NBA. After five seasons, Sanders was out of the league. Injuries, suspensions, legal issues, and mental health issues all but destroyed his career by 2015. Now, the 27-year old Sanders believes he’s overcome the depression and anxiety that led to him sitting out the 2015-2016 season.

Sanders is an incredible athlete. He’s also incredibly useful as a basketball player.

In his best NBA season, Sanders played 27.3 minutes per game and averaged 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds (3.2 offensive rebounds), 2.8 blocks per game. He also shot 63.3 percent out to three feet from the rim. He finished 7th in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

This is the Larry Sanders that wants to make a comeback. This is the Larry Sanders that teams want to see, the one they covet, in a league lacking athletic rim-protectors.

As the NBA transitions to perimeter-oriented rosters defined by speed, shooting, and positional versatility the best way to protect the rim is with an outstanding athlete who can defend the perimeter decently while being an elite shot-blocker. Quite frankly, there just aren’t many players who have that ability in the NBA.

If this year’s free agency trends continue, this is now the Larry Sanders Show.

Sanders’ name has the driving power to make him a coveted free agent because of his story, his talent and his potential. The charismatic center also has the personality and voice to draw in the masses.

Let the show begin with Sanders sending out a few tweets.

https://twitter.com/larrysanders/status/750026765771300864

Then, the free agent center sent out these.

The Warriors and a cavalier donning wine-colored attire. Meanwhile, in the NBA, both the Warriors and Cavaliers are currently searching for a rim protector.

It’s conceivable that Sanders is teasing fans with his upcoming free agency decision.

On the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sanders fits on the roster even if Chris Andersen is signed.

Conversely, Andersen and Sanders could work out as a shot-blocking tag team behind Tristan Thompson. Thompson’s athleticism, quickness, and size will allow him to guard forwards. Because of Kevin Love’s lack of a shot-blocking presence, he’s rarely placed in position to play center. This opens up plenty of minutes for both Andersen and Sanders at the center position.

Sanders, of the two, is the better rim protector and athlete. Andersen has the more efficient mid-range game, undoubtedly has the better stamina as Sanders will have to work himself into game shape, and his experience and intelligence are both trumps to Sanders. Andersen is also 38.

Sanders could have long-term value for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In order for the Cleveland Cavaliers to defend their title they’ll need to be able to protect the rim this season.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers To Sign Chris Andersen

Sanders and Cleveland could be a match for years to come if Sanders does indeed have interest in the Cleveland Cavaliers.