Hitting on McKinnie’s overall play
McKinnie is not a player that’s going to be giving you a ton of scoring in most instances, but when he’s able to go, you know what you’re getting most of the time.
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It was really unfortunate when McKinnie, who initially was claimed off waivers and then was on the Cavs leading up to then eventually signing two 10-days and then ultimately that aforementioned multi-year deal, was getting coach’s decision DNP’s.
That happened far too often in the earlier part of this season in the John Beilein Cleveland head coaching days, and in a tough stretch for McKinnie post-All-Star after J.B. Bickerstaff took over the head coaching reigns, he missed eight games due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
Anyhow, going forward, the Cavaliers are mostly knowing what they’re getting when McKinnie is out there and able to go as a rotational forward option.
Defensively, he’s going to hold his own and be especially active in the team sense, and while he’s definitely not a floor spacer offensively, he’s a more than capable finisher and productive cutter/threat on the offensive boards.
McKinnie is a terrific teammate that seemingly works extremely hard, too, and to help out the young guys, and keep setting the right example, I’d like for the Wine and Gold to keep him around in the near future. He’s a pretty steady player, as evidenced by his grade below.
McKinnie’s overall grade thus far in 2019-20: B
McKinnie having an overall B grade thus far seems more than reasonable, considering he’s continually been pretty solid when healthy.
Going forward, I’d again like to see him keep getting minutes when applicable, as he is a defender that is plenty athletic enough to hang with opposing forwards.