Cleveland Cavaliers: Stock Up, Stock Down Part Four – One Month In

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

It’s about one month into the season and the Cleveland Cavaliers have already fired a coach, had a former coach sue them and have dealt with reported internal turmoil. That being said, there have been a few (and only a few) bright spots.

Stock Up: David Nwaba

David Nwaba is beginning to see a little more consistent playing time over the last week or so, including playing 27 minutes in a win against the Charlotte Hornets. In the last three games, Nwaba is scoring 11.3 points a night on 59.1 percent shooting while averaging 1.3 steals, per NBA.com. Nwaba is shooting the three-ball at a surprisingly efficient 42.9 percent. Nwaba should continue to see consistent minutes.

Stock Up: Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton‘s inclusion in this column should be a welcomed revelation for Cavs fans. The rookie guard drew lots of criticism, from fans and teammates alike early on, but as we’ve noted here at KJG, it is important to note Sexton is still 19 and growing as a player. In the four games since George Hill went out with a reported shoulder sprain, Sexton is averaging 18.8 points on 48.4 percent from the field.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign is he’s shooting seven-of-10 from downtown during that brief stretch. Sexton is gaining confidence, and while he still needs to work on distributing the ball, he has shown signs of life.

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• Projecting how much Cavs’ 3 two-way signings might play this season
• 4 Cavaliers looking to make a name for themselves in training camp
• Mitchell’s numbers getting trimmed a bit wouldn’t be bad thing for Cavaliers

Stock Steady: Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson is nothing if not consistent. Since the last “Stock Up, Stock Down,” Thompson has done what he’s done his entire career: make layups and get rebounds. Thompson has averaged 13.2 points and 13.2 rebounds in the last six games, per NBA.com. In the next “Stock Up, Stock Down,” he will likely average similar numbers. Thompson does deserve credit for providing a veteran voice for the young players, and he will continue to be a solid role player.

Stock Down: Cedi Osman

Cedi Osman was one of the few bright spots in the first two weeks of the season but he has cooled off, especially from behind the arc. Since his 20-point performance in a win against the Atlanta Hawks, Osman is shooting a frigid 14.3 percent on threes and 34.1 percent overall. Osman has also struggled with turnovers this year, with three games of five or more turnovers.

Osman also committed a key turnover with under a minute left in a loss to the Orlando Magic, and then gave up the game-winning shot. He needs to make the smart decision when on the floor, even if it isn’t always the flashy pass. Currently, Osman is dealing with reported back spasms as well.

Keep an eye out for the next installation of “Stock Up, Stock Down,” in regards to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who next have the Detroit Pistons Monday night.