Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 early season targets to keep an eye on

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AUBURN HILLS, MI – NOVEMBER 10: Marco Belinelli #3 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on November 10, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Target #2: Marco Belinelli — the Hawks’ sniper

The Atlanta Hawks are one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. Throughout their first fifteen games, the Hawks are 3-12 and will be a lottery team this season. That said, there is no reason they need to hang onto sharpshooter Marco Belinelli.

While Belinelli is a shooter, he has a different dynamic than other Cavalier sharpshooters like Channing Frye, Kyle Korver, and JR Smith. Korver has found his niche running off screens. Smith is similar to Korver in the way that he needs others to get him open shots in order to succeed. All three of the Cavaliers’ sharpshooters mentioned cannot create their own shot with any type of sustainable success.

While the vast majority of Belinelli’s shots come when he doesn’t even take a dribble, Belinelli is more accurate after putting the ball on the ground at least one time. The Cavaliers, who traded away Kyrie Irving (one of the league’s best playmakers) this summer, could use another consistent threat off their bench.

Just like for the others, the price will be an important factor. The Cavaliers might be willing to give up a second-round pick, but Belinelli, whose contract ends following this season, would be a perfect acquisition for the Cleveland Cavaliers if the price is right. The Hawks have their future in John Collins; therefore, there’s no point in keeping the 31-year-old Belinelli bottled up on a lottery team.