Cleveland Cavaliers: Grading Their Free-Agent Moves
After another losing season, the Cleveland Cavaliers decided enough is enough: It’s time to start adding talent and locking up exciting free agents in order to make a playoff push. Many, including myself, believe that the moves made will lead to the Cavs returning to the playoffs for the first time since LeBron James upped and left for South Beach. So, let’s grade each of their free agent pickups.
Andrew Bynum is an injury risk but remains a talented center who is only 25 years old. (Photo Credit/Guitarzero/Flickr.com)
Andrew Bynum: C
It’s a low-risk, possible high-reward move. Having said that, the chances of reaching the high reward are almost none. Andrew Bynum’s knees are arthritic. He participated in one scrimmage last season. One.
I would be surprised if he lasts more than a few months in Cleveland. His NBA career is hanging by a thread. I won’t give it lower than a C because there is hardly any money guaranteed, but I seriously doubt he makes any significant contribution anytime soon.
Jarrett Jack: A-
Jarrett Jack was great for the Golden State Warriors last year; coming off the bench and taking pressure off of hot-shooting point guard Stephen Curry. Luckily for Cleveland, they also have a point guard that can shoot the lights out. This is a great move for all involved. Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters will learn under the tutelage of Jack, while the former Golden State Warrior will thrive in a new environment. A seriously good move on a decent contract. Four years for $25 million is just about right for someone of Jack’s talent.
Earl Clark: B
Earl Clark had a reasonable season last year — in the months of January and February he averaged more than 10 points and 8 rebounds — in his contract year. Shock. Sure, it’s a decent pickup on a short-term contract (two yr, $9 million), but you can’t help but feel they overpaid slightly. However, he can defend small forwards; something Cleveland struggled with. Clark’s length and athleticism will help the Cavs on both ends on the floor. A frontcourt of Bennett and Thompson at the 4 and 5 with Clark filling in at the 3 isn’t the worst idea in the world. I just don’t think it’s that good, either.
Kyrie Irving will lead the Cavs back to the playoffs.
Photo Credit: Erik Daniel Drost (Flickr.com)
Overall: B+
Cleveland told us one thing during the 2013 NBA free agency period: They want to win, now. This is going to be a welcome relief to the fans; they’ve had to endure three straight losing seasons. Will they make the playoffs? Maybe. But even if they don’t, it will be a hell of a lot more entertaining and competitive than what we’ve seen in the post-LeBron era so far.