4 realistic bench guards Cavaliers should target in free agency

Kendrick Nunn, Washington Wizards

Following a knee injury that caused him to miss the 2021-22 season, Kendrick Nunn has faced challenges in returning to his previous role as a volume-scoring guard during his time with the Heat. This past season, Nunn struggled to find a defined role with the Los Angeles Lakers, playing only 39 games and averaging less than seven points per game in just 13 minutes of play.

After parting ways with the Lakers, Nunn joined the Washington Wizards for the remainder of the season, where he displayed glimpses of his former self. In the last seven games, Nunn played up to 26 minutes per game and scored in double figures in each of them. One of his most promising performances came against the Milwaukee Bucks, where he recorded 24 points, including five three-pointers, along with seven rebounds and six assists.

In his first two seasons in the league, Nunn maintained an average of around 15 points per game and attempted approximately six three-pointers per game, shooting above 35% from beyond the arc. He established himself as a proven scorer off the bench, receiving significant playing time on a team that reached the NBA Finals. Nunn’s somewhat limited size may pose limitations in certain playoff series’, but his scoring potential compensates for it.

While Nunn may not be guaranteed a spot in the rotation upon arrival, his ability to provide an offensive spark serves as a valuable insurance policy when the offense struggles. Similar to Lonnie Walker IV’s impact in the postseason, Nunn possesses the capability to score in bunches and influence a game in a similar manner. After experiencing difficulties last year, his price tag could potentially fit within the range for the Cavaliers to add some depth to their roster.