In an offseason where Raul Neto and Caris LeVert are free agents, playmaking aside from Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland is a hole the Cleveland Cavaliers will need to fill. The New York Knicks’ series emphasized the need for other reliable playmakers and shooters on the roster to alleviate the pressure from the backcourt stars.
Admittedly, Mitchell and Garland need to be better in their decision-making off the pick-and-roll, but the constant pressure from multiple defenders makes those decisions even more challenging. Getting some reliable guard play off the bench could add playmaking and shooting to ease some of the load off their shoulders.
Ricky Rubio never seemed to find his footing this past season while recovering from his ACL injury. While it’s entirely possible Rubio can regain his rhythm this next season and resemble his 2021 self, it’s in the Cavs’ best interest to ensure they have coverage in bench playmaking, regardless of Rubio’s performance. A to-be 33-year-old coming off multiple ACL injuries isn’t the most promising situation, and keeping him fresh for a playoff run could benefit everyone involved.
Bench players stepped up in the postseason, and the Cavaliers could assuredly use reserve guard reinforcements.
While elite play from star players is the first step in making a deep playoff run, right behind it is having great contributions from multiple role players. Players like Bruce Brown, Caleb Martin, Rui Hachimura, Derrick White, and others had multiple games where their efforts were instrumental in their team’s victories. The Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals because they could rely on eight or more players to contribute on any given night.
While the Cavs may not have the financial capacity to sign a proven sixth man like Jordan Clarkson or a young backup like Tre Jones to a significant deal, there are potential targets who could fulfill their needs at a more affordable price tag.
Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons
The 12-year NBA veteran continues to be an underrated scorer who can come off the bench and have a significant impact on the game. In the most recent season, Alec Burks averaged almost 13 points per game in just 22 minutes, shooting over 40 percent from three-point range on nearly five attempts per game.
Since the beginning of the 2019 season, Burks has consistently attempted at least four three-pointers per game, despite not receiving more than 25 minutes of playing time. These statistics epitomize the profile of a microwave bench player, and Burks has been fulfilling that role for some time now.
During the last season, Burks operated as the primary ball handler in pick-and-roll plays almost 40 percent of the time. While his career average of 2 assists in limited minutes suggests that he isn’t an exceptionally dynamic playmaker, he has shown capability in short bursts. Standing at 6’6″, Burks possesses a solid frame and performs well on the defensive end. Although he may struggle to navigate screens and can be susceptible to being beaten by extremely quick guards, he doesn’t have a negative impact on the defensive side of the floor.
The 2021 postseason series with the Knicks highlighted how Burks can help the Cavs make a deeper playoff run. During that series, he played an average of 25 minutes per game and scored 14 points while attempting almost five three-pointers per game.
After a season with the rebuilding Detroit Pistons, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Burks pursue a role on a championship-contending team. If the price is right, Cleveland should certainly consider adding Burks to their bench.
Now as an added note, this would be in the event Detroit does not pick up Burks’ $10.5 million team option for next season.
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.
Austin Rivers, Minnesota Timberwolves
While Austin Rivers may not possess the same level of instant scoring impact as Nunn and Burks, he can still serve as a valuable depth piece for a playoff team. As an 11-year NBA veteran, Rivers has played a significant amount of high-level basketball and has excelled in his various roles.
Throughout his career, Rivers has maintained an average of nearly 35% shooting from three-point range on approximately three attempts per game. He has experience playing alongside ball-dominant players like James Harden and Chris Paul, understanding how to contribute to games even without the ball in his hands. Rivers brings a wealth of playoff experience, having played numerous postseason games while maintaining his shooting efficiency.
Most notably, Rivers’ 6’4″ height provides valuable defensive versatility, particularly against larger teams. Given the smaller backcourt of Garland and Mitchell, Rivers offers a viable alternative option against opponents with a significant size advantage. Although Rivers may have the lowest likelihood of becoming a consistent rotational player among the players mentioned, his experience and versatility make him a valuable chess piece in postseason matchups.
Considering his limited playing time with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the previous season, it is likely that Rivers can be acquired for the minimum salary. Compared to Raul Neto’s performance this past season, Rivers presents a better option due to the additional dimension he brings. While Neto performed adequately, his style of play closely resembled that of Rubio, which limited the lineup’s creativity, a crucial factor for making deep playoff runs.
Seth Curry, Brooklyn Nets
Another player with over 10 years of NBA experience, Seth Curry is coming off a season where he played his fewest minutes since 2018-19. Similar to his brother, Seth Curry is an elite three-point shooter in the league. He has had two seasons where he attempted more than five threes per game and boasts a career shooting percentage of 43% from deep. The attention that defenses have to give Curry can greatly benefit the rest of the Cavaliers’ core and make their lives easier.
Seth Curry has also showcased his ability as a capable ball handler. During the 2021-22 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Curry generated over four points per game in pick-and-roll situations, accounting for more than 33% of his playing time. He can provide reliable shooting and playmaking off the bench and has demonstrated effectiveness both with and without the ball.
Standing at just 6’1,” there may be instances where Curry’s defensive contributions are limited due to his size. While Curry does not bring the desired size to the Cavs’ backcourt, there aren’t many options available who possess the combination of shooting and playmaking that he does. Additionally, Curry’s performance during the 2021 playoffs exemplifies his ability to rise to the occasion. Averaging nearly 19 points per game while shooting 50% from beyond the arc, Curry’s contributions would be exactly what the Cavs could utilize off the bench during the next playoff run.
Overall, the direction the Cavs take in free agency will depend on whether they choose to retain Caris LeVert or not. However, regardless of that decision, adding diversity to the roster with the final spots can provide flexibility in lineups and enable the team to match up effectively against any opponent. Making the right moves on the backend can be vital in achieving greater success in the postseason.