As the whirlwind of free agency slows to a crawl, and after the excitement of Las Vegas Summer League turns into highlight reels and desert-like temperatures spread around the county, there is not much for fans to do as the NBA world finally exhales.
Not much, however, is certainly different than nothing, and for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the speculation rests primarily on their final two roster spots. Will they use both, or try to leave one open for future flexibility? What kind of player are they targeting to fill out this team?
What sort of player should the Cavaliers sign?
The Cavaliers already have their rotation set; they aren’t shopping for a contributor to rely on this year. Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen project to start. Ty Jerome, Ricky Rubio, Isaac Okoro, Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, Dean Wade and Damian Jones will jostle on the bench.
Anyone the Cavs sign will be a bench piece, called upon only if they truly earn it, or if injuries dictate it. That gives them some flexibility as to what kind of player to sign. They could go with a proven veteran to help shepherd this team toward contention, someone like Danny Green.
Another option is to take a flier on a young player, such as one of the recent first-round picks jettisoned by the Houston Rockets who their current teams could waive; names like TyTy Washington, Usman Garuba and Josh Christopher. They could also move Isaiah Mobley to the roster after a dominant showing in Summer League.
Fans of the Cavaliers have also been closely monitoring the remnants of the free agency class, those few players who everyone predicted to sign for a solid amount but who appear headed for a minimum deal. Kelly Oubre Jr., Christian Wood and Terence Davis are potential options for a one-year prove-it deal.
Who else could the Cavs sign?