Note: the “stock up, stock down” doesn’t necessarily refer to trade stock, but is a way to review how the Cleveland Cavaliers’ players have been performing.
We’ve reached the quarter mark this season already. The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a tough go of it, with Kevin Love only having played in four games and Tyronn Lue being fired after just six. In a season of mostly downs, there have been a few bright spots.
Stock Up: Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton has cooled down a bit since the most recent entry, but he’s still growing as a player and is only 19. He’s getting to his spots, and consistently knocking down his mid-range jumper. He’s scored in double digits in all 13 of his starts.
Out of all rookies, he’s fourth in both points and assists per game, per Basketball Reference. He still needs to work on setting up his teammates, but he has shown the necessary potential to be a key piece for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Stock Up: Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson‘s numbers are never going to jump out at you. He’s averaging 11.7 points a night and 11.5 rebounds while shooting 52.7 percent. Those numbers really won’t vary much throughout the year.
Thompson’s stock is up mainly because he’s taken on more of a leadership role.
As a veteran who’s played for the Cavs his entire career, TT’s voice is respected in the locker room and he’s emerged as a leader.
More from Cavs Analysis
- The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
- This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead
- 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: Rodney Hood
The ironic thing about tabbing Rodney Hood as being steady is that consistency has been his Achilles heel throughout this year.
He’s averaging 13.0 points, 2.1 boards, and 2.2 assists while shooting a respectable 44.0 percent from the field, but you’d like to see him take it to the basket more.
At face value, his numbers look good, but Hood needs to score the ball at a more consistent rate.
Stock Down: Ante Zizic
Ante Zizic was never really a serious part of the rotation and in limited minutes he’s showing why. He’s not quick or athletic enough to guard away from the basket and around the perimeter. Zizic is a back-to-the-basket player in a league that’s gone away from that style.
His minutes will most likely diminish.
Stay tuned for the next installation of Cleveland Cavaliers’ “Stock Up, Stock Down.”