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2017 NBA free agency grades: Jose Calderon to sign with Cavaliers

By Bernie Dailleboust

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 24: Jose Calderon #13 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 24, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 24: Jose Calderon #13 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 24, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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Jose Calderon has reportedly agreed to a one-year veteran’s minimum contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here’s a grade for the transaction and how it affects the Cavaliers.

The Vertical‘s Shams Charania has reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers and free agent point guard Jose Calderon have agreed to a veteran’s minimum contract for the 2017-18 season.

The deal will secure a reserve spot on the Cavaliers bench for the NBA journeyman. Calderon brings veteran leadership and international experience to the table, but at 35 years old, he does not make the Cavaliers younger or more athletic. Calderon does come at a discounted price though, and might be able to contribute to the bench.

The 2017 NBA Finals made some glaring holes apparent in the Cavs’ roster construction. Bench scoring, length and two-way playing capability are areas that the Cavaliers need to address this offseason. Signing Calderon does not help accomplish these objectives, but is extremely low-risk.

Cleveland could afford to waive Jose Calderon during the season due to either injury or performance. That roster move would make the necessary space to sign a veteran who reaches a buyout near the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline in February.

The signing of Jose Calderon likely means that Deron Williams will not be returning for the 2017-18 season. The Cavaliers hoped that Williams would provide more consistent scoring for them off the bench. Unfortunately, age and lingering injuries hampered his production. By adding Jose Calderon to the team, the Cavaliers did not make any significant improvements over Williams.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers /

Cleveland Cavaliers

Due to injuries and fluctuating rotational minutes, Calderon has not averaged double-digit scoring since the 2014 season. He was subjected to playing for the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers during this time, which could help explain some of the drop in his production. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers will need to continue their search for offensive scoring help.

Creating assists while avoiding turnovers is one area that Jose Calderon has excelled in throughout his career. The veteran point guard has a career assist-turnover average of 3.9.  By comparison, last season, Chris Paul had a ratio of 3.8. While no one will mistake him for Paul, this is one area that Calderon excels in. Given the right set of players around him, he could help create easy shots for teammates.

On the defensive end, Calderon has never been known for being particularly quick or for being a lockdown defender. He does bring a tenacity and a passion for defense though, both of which help to frustrate his opponents. The Cavs must upgrade their second unit defensive efficiencies and Jose Calderon will not help in that area.

The Cleveland Cavaliers needed to start finalizing the members of their bench and Jose Calderon brings experience and leadership. The contract that Calderon agreed to is low-risk and is for minimum salary. However, he does not address the needs that the Cavaliers must solve this offseason.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Other than needing to fill a roster spot and wanting more veteran presence on the team, it is hard to determine why the Cavaliers would be interested in signing an aging point guard with limited scoring ability. They will not rely on Calderon to supply heavy minutes or large chunks of points next year, but the Cavaliers are also no closer to reclaiming the NBA championship.

Grade: D+

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