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What Larry Sanders Would Bring To The Cleveland Cavaliers

By Quenton S. Albertie

Nov 22, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) knocks the ball away from Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) knocks the ball away from Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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What Larry Sanders Brings To The Cleveland Cavaliers Defense

Nonetheless, defense is where Sanders will earn his NBA livelihood.

Sanders can still be one of the premier rim-protectors in the NBA because of his physical attributes of course but also because of his innate nature to be a shot-blocker. In an interview with Matt Moore of CBS Sports, Sanders had this to say about his understanding of what it takes to be a premier shot-blocker.

"“When it comes to blocking shots, it’s more about the angles of the player on offense. Whatever angle they’re taking to attack the rim, and whatever angle they’re attacking the backboard, or what angle they’re attacking the rim to dunk it. I try to adjust and meet them at that angle”"

He intuitively understands angles and with his quick feet, Sanders can get to the right place at the right time. More impressive than that is Sanders ability to play vertically.

According to NBA.com:

"“To be considered legal, a defender may come in contact with an opponent if that contact is made while the defender is jumping vertically in an attempt to defend the shot”."

Sanders fits in perfectly with the Cleveland Cavaliers second unit, even if he doesn’t play fifteen minutes per game on a regular basis, because he can anchor the bench’s defense. Sanders is going to always be around to provide help defense and with a perimeter group that allows a fair amount of perimeter penetration in the second unit, that’s important.

Derrick Williams, who hasn’t been re-signed to a second 10-day contract yet but should by Thursday’s game, and Channing Frye have been the second unit players responsible for defending the paint as of late. With Sanders involved, Frye can focus on using his length to keep players from foraying into the paint instead of playing outside of his natural skillset and trying to be a rim-protector. Williams can focus on guarding players 1-4 on switches, which is one of his specialties for this Cavaliers team.

Speaking of, Sanders will do just fine on switches and guarding on the perimeter himself. He won’t be locking down players on the perimeter but with his lateral agility and length he should force most ball-handlers to pass the ball.

Related Story: Point Guard Jarrett Jack Is Healthy, Ready

Would Larry Sanders be a fit for the Cleveland Cavaliers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.