Cavs: KJG Roundtable for post-deadline and All-Star weekend
By Dan Gilinsky
#1: Which near-trade deadline acquisition could make an impact in the short-term and/or coming years?
Eli Mooneyham:
I think Marquese Chriss is the most likely to have the biggest impact for the Cleveland Cavaliers for a number of reasons. For one, he could separate himself from the back end of the bigs and get involved as one of the four main bigs on the roster, as it seems to be happening right now.
Secondly, he’s only a 21-year-old. He’s got the age advantage on both Brandon Knight and Nik Stauskas.
Josh Friedman:
Chriss will have the most impact going forward with the Cavs. He’s still only 21, and has shown he can knock down perimeter shots.
He’s a former lottery pick and if given time, he can develop into a solid player.
Marcus Grey:
I would say none of them will make an impact. If I had to pick one, though, I would go with Chriss.
He’s still really young but he’s running out of time. Knight is owed a lot of money (over $15 million, per Spotrac) next season and he hasn’t been an impact player in a couple of years.
I wouldn’t bet my life that he’ll be the same player again. I don’t think Nik Stauskas is going to stay with the Cavs next year, and I think he’ll help Cleveland tank.
Robbie DiPaola:
Personally, I think Chriss has the best chance to make an impact on the Cavaliers for not only this season, but also for years to come. Just look at his game against Brooklyn this past week.
Chriss scored 23 points, grabbed seven rebounds and even hit three three-point shots (per ESPN).
The biggest knock on Christ seems to have been his attitude, but if he can keep his head on straight, this former eighth overall pick has the talent to remain an impact player in Cleveland for the foreseeable future.