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Cleveland Cavaliers: Larry Sanders Nearing Deal, Could Be Signed As Soon As Monday

By Quenton S. Albertie

Nov 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Brandon Bass (30) shoots the ball against Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Brandon Bass (30) shoots the ball against Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Larry Sanders is set to be the next signing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

According to basketball insider Sam Amico of Amico Hoops, the Cleveland Cavaliers are on the verge of signing former Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders.

One of those obstacles he’s speaking of are obvious, of course. The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to have to waive Andrew Bogut, who is out for the season, in order to create an available roster spot. After Bogut was signed last Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers had reached the roster limit of 15 players.

Another obstacle could be Sanders passing a physical, as he was reportedly underweight (article by TNT analyst David Aldridge) in a private workout he hosted at the beginning of February. With Sanders history of substance abuse, there could be a drug test he has to pass as well.

However, it’s unlikely the Cleveland Cavaliers would be on the verge of a deal with Sanders and that Sanders would be so open about his opportunity if there was a real concern of his passing those tests.

https://twitter.com/l8show_thegoat/status/840249868274741248

While Sanders has been away from the NBA since the 2014-15 season, and he’s going to need time to acclimate himself to the speed of the game, there are certain skills that players don’t lose if they were elite.

For instance, Steve Kerr is still a knockdown three-point shooter and he’s a 51-year-old head coach. Sanders is a 28-year-old player whose pictures make him look like he’s in a great condition physically. He’ll be able to get to the right spot on time. Sanders will just be working on getting his timing back right.

Sanders, who amassed a total of 428 blocks in his career in 4,622 minutes of playing time, can be said to be able to block a shot in every 10 minutes of on court time when doing simple math. His career average of 1.8 blocks per game in 19.8 minutes per game leads credence to that thought. In these two articles (here and here), I’ve examined what Sanders could bring to the team.

In sum, shot-blocking expertise, athleticism and offensive rebounding. Sanders, who has only averaged 1.0 turnover and 2.8 fouls per game in his career, is also adept at avoiding contact as he attempts to block shots and makes smart plays out of the double-team.

It looks like there will be a new shot-blocker in town.

Related Story: The Cleveland Cavaliers Need A Rim-Protector. Like, Now.

What do you think of the Cleveland Cavaliers signing Larry Sanders? Let us know in your comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.