Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland says fellow guard Caris LeVert was never fully healthy after Cleveland acquired him in a deal with Indiana last season, but he’s turning some heads in training camp, as Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com relays (via Twitter).
“Caris is on a tear right now. He’s scoring the ball really well, he’s playing both sides of the ball, he’s defending really hard. We just have that attack mentality right now. He’s looking really good,” Garland said.
LeVert has plenty of financial incentive to have a big season in 2022/23. The 28-year-old is extension-eligible as he enters the final season of his $18.8MM contract. He averaged 13.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 3.9 APG on .435/.313/.745 shooting in 19 games (10 starts, 29.8 MPG) with the Cavs in ’21/22.
Here’s more from the Central:
- In an article about Cleveland’s roster battle to determine the starting small forward, Joe Vardon of The Athletic suggests the Cavs might have interest in Suns forward Jae Crowder, who is sitting out training camp as Phoenix looks to find a deal for the veteran. Crowder’s first stint in Cleveland (back in ’17/18) did not go well, but the circumstances were rough — his mother had just passed away and his former team (Boston) had just lost to the Cavs in the Eastern Conference finals the prior season.
- Myles Turner‘s days with the Pacers are numbered and they would be wise to move him sooner rather than later, argues Bob Kravitz of The Athletic. Turner has been a consummate professional during his time in Indiana and he deserves credit for the way he’s handled trade rumors over the years, but he’s on an expiring contract, the team is rebuilding, and having him on the roster would prevent younger players from receiving more playing time, Kravitz writes.
- Fatigue played a factor in slowing down Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu in the second half of last season, so he was focused on improving his stamina entering year two, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. “I want to be able to go up and down four or five times without getting tired. (Wednesday), I think I did a good job with that. I was picking up fullcourt and I really didn’t get tired,” Dosunmu said, referencing practice scrimmages. “With us playing faster and getting out in transition and playing a more open, free game, I would say me not getting tired would be a huge plus for me and the team because I can use my speed, make plays, get downhill and do what I do.”
Pacers should not only keep Myles, they should give him a 3-4yr deal & feature him more offensively this yr… Crowder to Cleveland for Cedi, Dylan Windler & a 1st could work, not sure how many 1sts Cleveland can still trade tho
They should keep him for 3-4 more years? He’s about to be 27 he doesn’t fit their timeline. I love Turner so much and think he’s one of the most underrated players in the league but Pacers should let him walk next off-season honestly.
He definitely fits their timeline. Tyrese Haliburton could be an All-Star level pg as soon as this season. Their young wings will be ready to contribute to a contender as soon as next season. This is a tank season for them but they’re not gonna lose on purpose for the next 5yrs smh. They’re gonna need a 5 like Myles & they just found out 1st hand how hard it is to acquire a guy like that this summer with their failed pursuit of Ayton. Goga clearly ain’t their starting 5 of the future. Makes zero sense to just let an elite rim protector who can also knock down treys go for nothing in free agency. Especially when you have no way to replace him
I could see a universe where Turner stays. But especially if they can get Wembanyana, I don’t see them trying to keep him.
And if they don’t get Wembanyama, which they prob wont, they should keep Myles. Prob should keep him either way tbh
Goga isn’t the answer but Isiah Washington and Jalen Smith need minutes.
LOL overpay
Contract years do wonders for a player’s mentality.
Ayo was a revelation last year. I knew he was good because I watched him at Illinois for those years and was totally amazed he lasted until the 2nd round. Playing 30 college games and 82 NBA games are 2 totally different animals. I’m sure he’s bulked up a little and increased his stamina which would help but I’m more curious to see if he’s improved his 3 point game this year at all. If he does improve it he could be a starting point guard in this league for a long time.
Bulls need Turner, Vuc and a pick should do it.