Cleveland Cavaliers: How the Bench Has Fared So Far

The Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten off to an underwhelming start. They’re 2-3, haven’t won on the road, and have struggled offensively, averaging the fifth fewest points per game (PPG) in the NBA. The starting five, which has logged an average of 14.6 minutes together each game, averages 93.6 points per 48 minutes together. However, the next most frequently used lineup, consisting of Jarrett Jack, Alonzo Gee, C.J. Miles, Andrew Bynum, and Anthony Bennett, average 102 points per 48 minutes when playing together. Here’s a look at how those five have faired off the bench individually, five games into this season.

Jarrett Jack

Jack came over to Cleveland after playing a key role in Golden State’s unlikely run to the conference semifinals last season. So far, Jack is averaging 24.1 minutes per game (MPG), which below his career average of 27.9 mpg. Due to this, many of his per game stats have dipped compared to recent years.

When on the court, Jack has not made much of an impact. He’s averaging 8.6 PPG and 3.2 assists per game (APG). Furthermore, his player efficiency rating (PER) is an unimpressive 8.9 after five games. Jack still plays a large role in running the offensive on the court, but he’s lacked the same explosiveness that he’s displayed in the past. Jack does have to adjust to a new offense and build a repertoire with his teammates, and based off recent seasons, Jack will surely smooth out his game soon and return to the spark of the bench he’s been in the past.

Alonzo Gee

This season marks Gee’s fourth with the team. Despite this, he’s adjusting to a new role; after starting all 82 games last season, Mike Brown has shifted Gee to a role off the bench. In 23.8 MPG, Gee has averaged 5.2 points and 3.6 rebounds. Gee has had success when the Cavs have given him significant minutes. Against Minnesota, Gee logged 34 minutes and scored nine points on 4-7 shooting, instrumental in sealing a win against the undefeated-at-the-time Timberwolves. The small forward position is pretty crowded, so Gee will have to capitalize when on the court to see his minutes rise.

C.J. Miles

(Flickr.com photo/Eric Daniel Drost)

Miles may be the biggest surprise of the new season so far for the Cavs. I wrote about his hot start in my weekly roundup, naming him the MVP of the week, but it’s worth reexamining his success. Miles averages only the seventh most minutes on the Cavs, but is second in scoring, trailing only Irving.

Last season, Miles averaged 21 MPG for the Cavs, and this year he’s averaging nearly the same amount. His increased success can be attributed to shooting more efficiently. Miles leads the team with a true shooting percentage of 63.8% and effective field goal percentage of 61.8%. Obviously, Miles will come back to earth. He won’t keep up a PER of 27.7. But now, Miles has been the biggest bright spot for the Cavs to start the season.

Andrew Bynum

Bynum has played!!! That alone should make every Cavaliers fan happy. Bynum works towards a bigger role each game, playing double-digit minutes in back-to-back games. He’s planning on playing tonight in Philadelphia (I imagine he wants to play to relive all the fond memories he made last year), then sitting Saturday when the Sixers come to Cleveland. Bynum, assuming he stays healthy, should eventually find himself in the starting lineup, but for now he’ll continue to contribute off the bench as he shakes off rust.

Bynum’s only averaged 12.3 MPG in the four games he’s played, so it’s more useful to look at his per 36 minutes stats. He’s averaged 15.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per 36 minutes. The blocks are higher than his career average, while his points and rebounds are just below the norm. All this after not playing since May 2012. Bynum’s been decent so far, regaining his feel for the game and adjusting to new teammates. Pretty soon, he’ll be great again.

Anthony Bennett

After four games without a field goal, Bennett finally scored his first basket in the NBA against the Bucks on Wednesday, knocking down a three pointer. The number one overall pick has had a rough start to his pro career, but he will eventually work out the kinks. Not only is he a rookie, but Bennett also underwent shoulder surgery this offseason; he’s still getting into playing shape after spending the offseason mostly inactive. Once Bennett is fully healthy and physically fit, he’ll have an easier time finding his role in the Cavs’ rotation. He provides some flexibility since he can play both the three and the four and should see his minutes increase once he proves he can handle the NBA level of play.

[slider_pro id=”6″]