Central Notes: Rubio, Sumner, Bucks, Jordan

Ricky Rubio knows he must take a leadership and mentoring role with the Cavaliers, as Kelsey Russo of The Athletic notes. Rubio was acquired from the Timberwolves to provide stability to the Cavs’ backcourt.

“I know Cleveland has a young roster,” Rubio said of the Cavaliers. “I’m probably not a good collaboration on that because I’m already in my 30s. But I think there’s a lot of talent. But that doesn’t make a good team. What makes a good team is putting the pieces together and make it work. So we will see how everything works out. And as a veteran, it’s part of my job to really make that work.”

We have more from the Central Division:

• Pacers guard Edmond Sumner is taking a positive approach in the aftermath of his devastating Achilles injury. Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files relays a social media post from Sumner which states in part, “Hit me at all at once like a train. Just adding to this crazy journey of mine.  … Victory comes through your adversity.”
• The Bucks still have to figure out what they’ll do with the remaining spots on the roster, Eric Nehm of The Athletic writes. They also have to decide whether to carry 14 or a full 15-player roster. The other remaining mystery is which players will be first off the bench this coming season.
• The Pistons’ dead money cap hits for DeAndre Jordan will be $7,875,533 in the upcoming season, instead of $9,881,598, and $7,827,907, instead of $9,821,842, in 2022/23, Keith Smith of Spotrac tweets. Jordan gave up $4MM in his buyout agreement after being traded from the Nets and signed with the Lakers after clearing waivers.