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5 free agents the Cavs should sign to fill out the roster

By Quenton S. Albertie

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 9: Richard Jefferson #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2017 NBA Finals on June 9, 2017 at The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 9: Richard Jefferson #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2017 NBA Finals on June 9, 2017 at The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Nigel Hayes #40 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Nigel Hayes #40 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Nigel Hayes

With the Cleveland Cavaliers returning to the “player development business,” 23-year-old combo forward Nigel Hayes is the type of developmental prospect that should have the team salivating.

Hayes is a strong, physically impressive, athletic and intelligent player whose footwork, prowess in the low-post and defensive acumen makes him look like a modern-day Gerald Wallace. The biggest question for Hayes is if he can be efficient from three-point range after shooting 25.0 percent from three as a rookie (16 total threes) and 33.2 percent from three-point range in four years at the University of Wisconsin.

His career free-throw percentage at Wisconsin (66.6 percent) would seem to highlight his problems as a standstill shooter. However, if there’s anything to say for his production in the NBA G-League, those concerns could be quickly alleviated.

In 43 games, Hayes averaged 15.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game on 44.4 percent shooting from the field, 43.4 percent shooting from three (5.5 three-point attempts per game) and 72.2 percent from the free-throw line (90 total attempts). If nothing else, the spikes in his efficiency speak to his work ethic.

Ideally, he’s a starting quality three-and-D forward with a nice post game and a high IQ. He would likely become Cleveland’s second-string power forward by season’s end.

The best part of signing Hayes over an older counterpart is the pace with he plays. That could give him the edge over signing a familiar face like Frye.

Nonetheless, like Frye, the Ohio-native will be able to bring fans to the stands. He’s also an astute and mature young man who could be a terrific complement to franchise point guard Collin Sexton in that regard.