What Cavs could be looking into with Chandler Vaudrin training camp deal

How could Vaudrin potentially help the Cavs?

It seems to me like the NBA is only getting bigger. When I say that I mean taller. Take a look at the Cavaliers this past season. A lot of their early success was due to their “tall” lineup, with sharpshooter Lauri Markkanen at the small forward.

With two small, yet great, backcourt players in Mitchell and Garland, being able to go to some size off the bench could be an advantage. On top of that, Vaudrin is a great ball-handler in pick-and-roll situations.

While he doesn’t have the quick first step that will blow you away, he uses his size to help him get around defenders. His mid-range game wasn’t a priority when he was in college, but his fundamentals and size against smaller guards, helps him create offensive advantages. For example, in this video, you can see Vaudrin backing down smaller opponents.

However, he’s not always looking to score. He always has his head up and looking for cutters, and open shooters. It would definitely be a completely different look offensively that could confuse opposing defenses.

I thought Vaudrin looked comfortable and in control during his time with the Cavaliers Summer League team. With that being said, his shooting could use a lot of work, and we will have to wait and see in regards to his knee. But, I really like the move for the Cavs, at least to give Vaudrin a look in training camp this go-round.

Vaudrin could very well end up playing for the Cleveland Charge for the majority of the year, but giving him a look in training camp is a good idea. Outside of Vaudrin, the Cavaliers also gave the aforementioned Pickett an invite to training camp. The 6-foot-9 Pickett went undrafted out of Georgetown in 2021, but did play for the Cavs during Summer League in July.

Overall, I think it’s a great idea to give Pickett and Vaudrin the chance to win the final roster spot during training camp. If neither player proves good enough to make the team, then the Cavaliers can look at all other options around the league.

However, considering the ultra-thin wing market in free agency, I have a feeling Vaudrin might make a lasting impact on the Cavalier roster.