Around this time in the NBA season, teams use their open roster spots in one of two ways. The first is to sign veterans on the buyout market to stock up for a playoff run; that’s what the Cleveland Cavaliers did in signing Danny Green earlier this month.
The other method is to sign a younger player to a 10-day contract and get a close look at them in practice and the occasional game. Perhaps that player will be worth keeping around or even signing to a longer-term contract.
With Kevin Love agreeing to a buyout with Cleveland, the Cavs now have an open roster spot again. With a pair of two-way bigs and a paucity of wings available in the G League, it’s reasonable they could use that final spot on a guard. Here are three potential options playing well in the G League this season.
G League guards the Cavaliers can sign: Sharife Cooper
Sharife Cooper’s name has been linked to the Cavs for the entire season, as he spent time with Cleveland in training camp and has been balling out for the Cleveland Charge all season. The reality is that the former Auburn point guard has been one of the G League’s best players, full stop, and is worth a look as the Cavs’ third-string point guard leading into next season.
Cooper’s best skill is his pinpoint passing, but he has worked hard on his shot since coming into the NBA. It’s not a strength yet, but he is up to 36 percent in all of his G League games this season. He’s fast, dynamic with the ball in his hands, and a good defender. If the Cavs move on from Raul Neto this summer and want an inexpensive option behind Darius Garland and Ricky Rubio, Cooper seems like the obvious first choice.