With Mo Williams announcing his retirement earlier today, the only true point guard on the Cavaliers’ roster to back up Kyrie Irving is rookie Kay Felder. Despite GM David Griffin saying that the team is “comfortable” with the point guard spot, Cleveland is seeking to bolster the position via free agency, Joe Vardon of The Northeast Ohio Media Group reports. To that end, the Cavs have been in contact with Norris Cole, Mario Chalmers, and Kirk Hinrich, Vardon adds.
“We feel very comfortable with where we are at the point guard position, the versatility that we have to absorb that,” Griffin told the media. “We have other people that can guard the position. Because of LeBron James, we have additional people that can also play the position offensively, and frankly we’re really excited about finding out what some of the younger players on our roster can do. This is a training camp that for the first time since I’ve been here I think will be incredibly competitive, relative to roster spots themselves, and we’re really excited about the guys that we have in camp who have a chance to earn a job.”
The Cavs have been in contact with all three of the players mentioned above, anticipating Williams hanging up his sneakers and retiring, a source told Vardon. But the team appears to be in no rush to sign anyone, preferring to let Felder get some experience in training camp and to see if coach Tyronn Lue can make his rotation work without adding a new player to the mix, Vardon relays.
Cole has also drawn interest from the Sixers and Nuggets, Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net relays (via Twitter). The 27-year-old made 45 appearances for the Pelicans last season, averaging 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 26.6 minutes per outing. His shooting line was .405/.324/.800.
Chalmers was James’ teammate when LeBron was a member of the Heat. The 30-year-old made 55 appearances for the Grizzlies last season prior to tearing his Achilles in March. He was subsequently waived by the team. Chalmers notched averages of 10.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 22.8 minutes per night. His slash line was .417/.326/.827
The 35-year-old Hinrich is the oldest of the trio mentioned. He split time between the Bulls and Hawks in 2015/16, making a combine 46 appearances and averaging 3.0 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 13.7 minutes per night. His shooting numbers were .380/.387/.938.
No faith in Quinn Cook I guess?
Considering he signed with the Pelicans, I don`t think it matters does it?
link to hoopsrumors.com
I don’t know why Toney Douglas not on this list . He great defender , average 9 points , shot 40 percent from 3 this past season . When people was injured in New Orleans he started 19 games . His averages was 15.6 ppg , 5 assist , 1.7 steals a game .
I think the Cavs are only considering veterans. Plus, Douglas isn’t that good of a one-on-one defender based on his body of work in the league thus far and he’s more of a combo guard than a true pg. Just my take, not the official word out of Cleveland.
I agree Toney Douglas is still on the market . The guy can play both ends on the floor . Plus he is a proven 7 year veteran .
You crazy Toney Douglas is one of the best on ball defenders in the NBA @ pressuring the ball . He can play point guard & 2 guard . He showed that especially this season . His numbers and effiecency was great .
They’re going to regret not matching that offer sheet to retain Delly.
f Delly I. Hated when he shot the ball no offensive game! And definitely not worth the money
If Kyrie gets hurt you’ll see you couldn’t be more wrong.