Cavs update their training camp roster

The Cleveland Cavaliers have updated their training camp roster.

In a string of related moves, the Cleveland Cavaliers have waived recently guards Isaac Hamilton and Scoochie Smith (per Def Pen’s JD Shaw) in order to create the roster spots that allow them to sign guard Kobi Simmons and forward JaCorey Williams (per RealGM’s Keith Smith).

With their 14 guaranteed contracts, Isaiah Taylor (who is on a non-guaranteed contract), two two-way signings (guard John Holland and big man Billy Preston) and training camp deals for Simmons, Williams and power forward Bonzie Colson, the Cleveland Cavaliers will bring 20 players to training camp.

Hamilton and Smith signed Exhibit 10 deals with the Cavs and must report to the Canton Charge within three days in order to receive the $50,000 bonus that became available once they were waived.

Simmons was reported to have signed with the Cavs on Friday.

What this likely means is that Simmons and Taylor, two excellent athletes at the point guard position, will battle it out with each other in camp to be the third point guard on the roster.

Williams and Colson, like Simmons, could be a candidate for a two-way roster spot. However, the Cavs seem to really be intrigued by Preston’s potential and Holland was often dependable when called-up from the Charge last season. As a result, it’s likely that both will be battling with Sam Dekker for the third power (or small) forward spot.

I’ve detailed some of the strengths of Colson, a 6-foot-6 power forward who went undrafted in 2018 after stellar junior and senior seasons at the University of Notre Dame. A high-motor player with a solid post game, potential as a stretch-four, a great feel for the game and a basketball IQ that only enhances his abilities.

The 6-foot-9 Dekker, a smooth athlete who excels at cutting to the basket, was acquired by the Cavs in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers last month.

Williams burst onto the college scene in 2016-2017, as a senior, after transferring to Middle Tennessee State. Williams averaged 17.3 points (53.3 percent shooting from the field, 13.3 percent shooting from three), 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game that season, using his motor and physical tools to propel his team’s success.

Williams would earn various awards with Conference USA that season, including Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year.

Last offseason, he was signed by the Cavs on September 26th and waived the next day before he signed with the Canton Charge. A situation not all too unlike what’s expected to happen with Hamilton and Smith.

Williams averaged 15.6 points (54.5 percent shooting from the field, 26.7 percent shooting from three), 7.7 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game for the Charge last season.

Not a highly-skilled player, Williams’ game will remind Cavs fans of Jeff Green. Like Green, Williams will attack the rim whether it’s in transition, straight-line drives in the halfcourt or him finishing off a bunny around the hoop. Though Williams isn’t a masterful ball-handler, he’s able to bring the ball upcourt because players don’t want to play too close up on him.

Green was a favorite of Lue’s so there’s a solid chance that Williams beats out Colson and Dekker.

In my estimation, Simmons will beat Taylor out and Colson will win out for the third roster spot.

*All stats gathered from www.sports-reference.com/cbb and www.basketball-reference.com/gleague