Cleveland Cavaliers: Stock Up, Stock Down Part 1 – Preseason

Note: the “stock up, stock down” doesn’t necessarily refer trade stock, but more of a way to review how the Cleveland Cavaliers’ players have been performing.

The performance of some Cleveland Cavaliers that project to be in the regular rotation have caught my eye so far in preseason action.

Stock Up: David Nwaba

The athletic guard reportedly turned down a multi-year deal from the Indiana Pacers to join the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason. David Nwaba played in one preseason game against the Boston Celtics and looked good in a very limited sample size.

He scored 12 points in 12 minutes, hit the only three-pointer he took, and overall shot four-of-five from the field, and added a nice finish at the rim. Nwaba figures to be a key defender for the Cavs and the biggest knock on him was his outside shooting, so hitting the only 3 he took was a nice touch.

Stock Up: Kevin Love

The veteran forward made a somewhat shocking move in signing a long-term extension with the club this summer and will provide a steadying presence for a young team. Kevin Love also figures to get more touches offensively with LeBron James‘ departure.

In the one game he’s played this preseason at the Celtics, K Love put up 17 points and 4 boards in about 17 minutes on the floor. He’ll be the focal point of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offense, and he looked the part this preseason.

Stock Up: Jordan Clarkson

The much-maligned combo guard struggled mightily last year to distribute the ball when playing as the primary ball-handler. It was refreshing to see Jordan Clarkson average 3.0 assists per game in 15.1 minutes per game. He also scored the ball efficiently at 56.3 percent from the field.

Simply put, the Cavs will need more out of him as he may anchor the second unit. He showed improvement this preseason and during the Asian Games this summer. Hopefully, this will be a sign of things to come.

Stock Steady: Collin Sexton

The eighth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft played reasonably well during three preseason appearances. Collin Sexton got a steady dose of minutes at 21.6 per game which will only bolster his growth as a player.

At times, he struggled shooting the ball from the floor, but he was effective from beyond the arc at 57.1 percent, per NBA.com, which is a good sign. He averaged a solid 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. It was not spectacular, but it was solid, nonetheless.

Stock Down: Rodney Hood

The forward signed a 1-year deal this offseason, as he is reportedly banking on a big year and earning a lucrative contract in the summer of ’19. Rodney Hood has looked a bit rusty and is shooting just 27.3 percent while dealing with ankle soreness (per Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon) this preseason.

He’s done little to show he is the player the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for at the 2018 NBA trade deadline. He will likely hit his stride sooner rather than later, but he’s not off to a great start.

Stock Down: Billy Preston

The undrafted free agent, who was originally slated to play for Kansas in college, hasn’t shown a ton during the preseason. Billy Preston‘s shot the ball poorly at 14.3 percent on 4.7 attempts per game, per NBA.com, and he’s yet to make a triple.

Billed as a versatile big man, Preston’s lackluster performance combined with a crowded roster makes him a sure candidate to play in the G League for a long while before getting called up for his two-way 45-day Cavaliers’ duties.

Check back in after the first week of the season for some updated stock up/stock down.