SEPTEMBER 6: The Cavaliers worked out a few more free agents today, according to Michael Scotto of The Athletic, who tweets that Kobi Simmons, Brandon Paul, and Rodney Purvis all earned a look from Cleveland as well. Simmons, Paul, and Purvis played for the Grizzlies, Spurs, and Magic, respectively, in 2017/18.
SEPTEMBER 5: A group of veteran free agents worked out for the Cavaliers today, sources tell Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype (Twitter link). According to Kennedy, Tyler Ulis, Alan Williams, JaKarr Sampson, and Marcus Georges-Hunt were among the players to participate in the audition.
It’s not clear if the Cavaliers are seeking depth at a particular position and looking to fill out their 15-man regular season roster, or if they’re simply familiarizing themselves with the various options remaining on the free agent market.
Cleveland only has 12 players on guaranteed contracts, but has a reported agreement in place with David Nwaba and seems likely to eventually re-sign Rodney Hood too, so there may not be more than a single open spot available on the regular season roster.
All four players named by Kennedy appeared in NBA games last season. Ulis played 71 games (43 starts) for the Suns before being waived in June; Sampson appeared in 22 contests for the Kings on a two-way contract; Williams returned from a knee injury to play five games at the end of the season for the Suns before being cut in July; and Georges-Hunt saw limited minutes off the bench in 42 games for the Timberwolves.
What’s the wait on making the Hood signing official? Whether to use mini mid-level or BAE on him?
I would guess (assuming you mean Nwaba) that it must be linked to Hood’s situation somehow. Depending on how Hood’s RFA is resolved, maybe the Cavs are willing to give Nwaba more or less money (and he’s presumably okay with the “less” part, but willing to wait in hopes of “more”).
Whoa over here calling him your bae this just go serious
Hood says the Cavs offer to him isn’t good enough. He’s doing what Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith did too.
I remember Ulis was SEC defensive player of the year his last season at Kentucky. I was hoping because of his size he’d make it in the NBA.
Ulis has been plenty capable in the NBA. The Suns were a dumpster fire last year. And not sure what they r doing at the Point still. They have like 6 starting 2-3s and zero starting point guards still. Ulis will b on a nba roster this year
Suns be drinking Red Bull. They got wings.
How many times have I said the Cavs should get Williams.
Jakar Sampson would be a good pickup too. He looks a bit like like a skinnier Lebron and he was born in Cleveland, hmm.
The Cavs may only get one between Hood and Nwaba, I like both so whatever.
They’ve already had Brandon Paul… or at least Canton did… I remenber being nervous when Popovich scooped him up.
Agree I think Paul or Sampson would be good low cost high reward moves. I think Sampson he looked good at times last year and they should/will eventually sign both Hood and Nwaba. I think it comes down to money like Luke said. Either DN gets more dough if Hood leaves more on the table or he gets less to fit his and Hoods salary.
Okay, Cavs waiting on Nwaba waiting Hood waiting on… anyone? Or is Hood taking the opportunity to stick it to the man by extending his “holdout”.
Cavs already picked up a Sampson type in Billy Preston, but it would not hurt to set up some motivating competition!
I honestly think all these guys r low key pick ups for the Cavs. They r a lottery bound team anyways. They r trying to stay relevant by extending love. Which is a huge mistake. They need a youth movement in the worst way
They are loaded with youth already that needs to play out enough to know what they have.
~ ages: Sexton 19, Osman 23, Zizic 25, Clarkson 26, Nance 25, Dekker 24. Also I expect a comeback by TristanT, still only 27. At least 3 of these will get starter PT. (If Hill and Smith wind up being the starting guards, ugh.) Lets see who steps up absent Lebron!
Also Nwaba & prob Hood