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The Cleveland Cavaliers have been playing well this season, but not to their full potential. They have had some injuries, most notably J.R. Smith (likely out for the regular season), and they have struggled some with bench play. Most recently, they traded for veteran sharpshooter, Kyle Korver, and that is exactly what LeBron James wanted right? Well, yes and no. LeBron will be excited about getting yet another shooter for him to drive and kick to, but there is one position that has been on his post-Christmas wish list for a while now.
When Kyrie Irving comes off the court, you can see that there isn’t a player that can hold down the fort until he gets back, and that is a huge problem. After the Cavs brought in Korver, LeBron was asked if this move was a championship move, and he quickly shifted his thoughts to another area the Cavs needed to focus on.
“We still got a couple more things we need to do," James said Friday, when asked if Cleveland's pending trade with Atlanta for Korver was a "championship move."
"We gotta get a point guard," James said. "It's my last time saying it. We need a point guard."James also said he'd like the Cavs to add another big man, but "there's not many bigs out there ... we'll see what happens.” (via cbssports.com)
I can imagine if/when the Cavs decide to fulfill the King’s wish of getting that backup point guard, he will have one of those moments like when he won his first title with the Miami Heat, “It’s about damn time”.
The Cavs can go about getting a point guard in a couple of ways, they can sign a free-agent, or they can try and talk to another team and get a trade done. There are some guys in the league and on the free-agent list that I would like to see the Cavs try and bring in.
Mario Chalmers
A player that LeBron James is very familiar with is Mario Chalmers. The two played on the Miami Heat championship team and Chalmers was a huge part, running the point really well. The year is now 2017 and Chalmers is a free-agent, most recently let go by the Memphis Grizzlies because of an injury. In his career, he is averaging 9 points and 3.8 assists , but his last season with the Grizzlies was a little better, 10 points and 3.8 assists per game. The risk here is bringing in a guard who hasn’t played all season and has had a long list of injuries. The upside? Well, he knows what LeBron James’ likes and how he likes to play, he’s experienced, and he is a free agent which makes it easier to pick him up. Just like the other players on the list, the Cavs will have to decide if he is worth the money to backup Kyrie.
Ramon Sessions
Ramon Sessions stats won’t jump off the page at you, but people around the NBA know that this guy is a veteran and can get the ball where it needs to be. He is currently averaging 6.5 points and 2.8 assists per game, but both are higher than the Cavaliers backup option right now, Kay Felder (4.8 points & 1.6 assists). He has played with the Cavaliers before, yes it was a different team back in 2011, so just having time in the franchise will give him an edge in the mind of LeBron James’ and the Cavaliers, when it comes time to select their favorite option. Sessions is currently playing on the Charlotte Hornets, so they will have to make a trade if they want to get this veteran point guard. If the Cavs think this is a decent option, expect them to make it happen and bring in Sessions to backup Kyrie.
Goran Dragic
Much nicer stats from this man. Goran Dragic would be considered a backup point guard on the Cavs and he would have to decide if coming off the bench would suit his game, but he could get a ring out of it. At 19.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 42 percent from the 3-point line. Really nice stats, but if he came to Cavs he wouldn’t have to average those. He can get the ball to right spot, he has played in the league for eight years, but the problem about Dragic would be getting a trade done to bring him to Cleveland. Would the Heat even give him up? How much would the Cavs be willing to give up to get Dragic, and would it be worth it?
Norris Cole
Another player that LeBron knows very well is Norris Cole. He was also on the Miami Heat when they won their two most recent NBA titles. His career numbers aren’t outstanding, 7.1 points and 2.8 assists per game, but he has experience in the league and with LeBron. Plus, he can score and pass when needed, and he is also a free-agent. He played last season for the New Orleans Pelicans and had a pretty good season, 10.6 points and 3.7 assists per game. This is my favorite option on the list. There is a ton of upside if the Cavs brought in Cole. He is lightning fast, doesn’t turn the ball over much, and he wouldn’t cost too much to bring in. He is also a great spark off the bench. When he was on the Heat, whenever they needed a jumpstart from the bench, Cole seemed to be that guy more often than any other player. The only downside that I can see with bringing him in is the lack of shooting, specifically from the 3-point line. Only averaging 33 percent in his career, those are far from great numbers, but I would assume LeBron would be happy with the Cavs bringing in a backup point guard, especially one with Cole’s skills.
It’s not a very long list of potential options for the Cavs backup point guard, but there are definitely some choices to be made. I’m curious to see who has more power in this move; is it LeBron James or the Cavs front office? LeBron has voiced his opinion already, but you have to wonder how much he does behind the scenes. It’s feeling like he is trying to be a player-GM and I’m curious if that helps or hurts the Cavs team morale. The one thing you can’t deny is the fact that he has earned the right to have a big impact in which players the team chases after. Sit back and see if the Cavaliers decide to fulfil the King’s wish.
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*Stats via basketballreference.com