Cavs: Ranking the roster from least to most untouchable

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Lamar Stevens, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images /

Cavs: Ranking the roster from least to most untouchable – Players on non-guaranteed deals

Mfiondu Kabengele, Tacko Fall

Mfiondue Kabengele and Tacko Fall are likely fighting for the same roster spot in training camp. Kabengele has the greater draft pedigree, going in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, while Fall went undrafted in the same class. Even so, neither have proven much at the NBA level and could both easily be waived if the team sees a better option for their third center.

Denzel Valentine

The Cavs made their latest signing somewhat out of the blue, waiving Damyean Dotson to sign Denzel Valentine to a partially guaranteed two-year deal. The former Michigan State star has largely been a flop in the NBA, with a 3-point shot that never arrived and defense that never even bought the ticket. He’s a low-cost flier, but one that probably never pans out.

Kevin Pangos

The former Gonzaga Bulldog was signed to a two-year contract with the first season fully guaranteed, which makes him stand out among this group. Even so, he is currently lined up to be the third point guard behind Darius Garland and Ricky Rubio. Factor in that Collin Sexton might get a few minutes at the point, and the Cavs could cut or dump Pangos to add another wing if the opportunity arises. The best-case scenario is that he plays very well and is their backup 1 of the future.

Dean Wade

Dean Wade played very well for the Cavs last season, proving himself worthy of a spot on an NBA roster. He attacks the glass, will shoot if he is open, and largely executes the game plan on defense. If the team had a need at power forward he would be slightly more valuable as a guy who can step into a game and play hard. Given the glut of players already at the 4, Wade should mostly be an afterthought this year.

Lamar Stevens

With Larry Nance now in the Pacific Northwest, the Cleveland Cavaliers have only one combo forward remaining on the roster who can defend fellow “big wings” and that is Lamar Stevens. His defensive abilities are likely overrated by the small sample size of his career, but he fills a need for this team. The offense is a significant liability, however, and holds him back from being a surefire rotation player.