2 under the radar veteran forwards that can help the Cavs bench scoring

Joe Ingles

For the first player, Cleveland should consider bringing in a former teammate of Donovan Mitchell. Joe Ingles is a veteran forward that could elevate the Cavs bench. Coming off of this last season with the Milwaukee Bucks – Ingles put up an average of 6.9 points per game, 3.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds as well. As a free agent this summer, Ingles could be an affordable target for the Cavs, and given how he’s not quite what he once was, seems to be still flying under the radar a bit.

Ingles would be a solid addition to Cleveland’s second unit, primarily due to his shooting, which is still something he does so well. In his entire career the forward managed to shoot 44.9 percent from the field as well as 40.9 percent from three, most notably. Just last year, his field goal shooting percentage looked like 43.5 percent, while his three-point percentage averaged to 40.9 percent.

Having a veteran presence like him coming off the bench in Cleveland would raise the Cavs’ ceiling. Losing Kevin Love last year was a detriment to the roster, so bringing in a seasoned player like Ingles could help to fill some gaps that Love’s departure created.

Despite his age, Ingles can still handle himself in high pressure situations on the court, as seen in this previous playoff matchup between the Miami Heat and the Bucks where the sharpshooter shot 53% on catch-and-shoot threes. Even with his previous ACL injury, Joe Ingles managed to have a decent season with the Bucks last year. Prior to his year with the Bucks, Ingles played a total of eight seasons for the Utah Jazz – five of which he played alongside Cleveland guard, Donovan Mitchell. With their previously established connection, Mitchell could potentially convince his former teammate to consider a run with the Cavs.

Just as Cleveland’s playoff aspirations were cut short by the New York Knicks, so too were Ingles’ by the Heat. It might be in both parties’ interest to explore a deal when free agency begins, and it’s not shocking that Ingles has been a rumored potential target for Cleveland.

Ingles could join another playoff-caliber team and provide his talents as a quality second unit scorer. Meanwhile, the Cavs would have one of their problems potentially solved by adding some depth and scoring to their bench.

While Ingles may not move the needle for the Cavaliers exceedingly on his own, he would be an affordable signing that can provide consistent shooting and depth to this Cavs’ roster. If Cleveland has a chance to sign Joe Ingles to a veteran minimum – they should take the opportunity. For context, he was a minimum player for Milwaukee last season.

Let’s move on to the next veteran – someone Cavs fans may recognize.