National Basketball Association

Cleveland Cavaliers Player Watch: Mike Dunleavy's Milestones to Look For in 2016-17

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy (34) is defended by Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

We’re all eagerly awaiting the start of the 2016-17 NBA season. Here are milestones to look for Cleveland Cavaliers new addition Mike Dunleavy this season.

Last year was an incredible season for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They had their ups and downs, from Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert‘s injuries to chemistry issues later on in the regular season and a 3-1 deficit in the Finals.

Despite the rocky road, the Cavs came out on top. They united and prevailed, giving the franchise its first ever NBA championship and giving Cleveland its first major sports title in 52 years.

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While last season was a dream for Clevelanders and Cavs fans everywhere, it ended more than two months ago. And now we’re ready for some more basketball and counting down the days until the 2016-17 NBA season begins.

In the meantime, we’re taking a look at all the milestones that various Cavs players can reach this upcoming season. Now we’re looking at another Cavs’ addition, Mike Dunleavy. At the age of 36 and with 14 seasons under his belt, Dunleavy has many milestones to look out for.

Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy (34) is defended by Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

1,000th Game

Mike Dunleavy started his NBA career in 2002. Because of some injury issues over the years, Dunleavy has had a few seasons where he missed some games. He currently has played 933 games over 14 years, so he averages 66.6 games per year. If he can play that career average number of games this coming season, he’ll wind up with either 999 or (what we’re hoping for) 1,000.

Nov 13, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy (34) dribbles the ball past Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the first quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

28,000th Minute Played

With 933 games played and a career average of 28.4 minutes per game, Dunleavy has quite a few minutes under his belt. He’s currently played 26,499, so he’ll definitely hit the 26,500th minute mark. But he can reach even more if he plays his career average of minutes and over his career average of 66 games per year. At that rate, Dunleavy can reach 28,000 minutes and specifically, he can reach over 28,300 minutes. And with Dunleavy’s versatility, the Cavs are sure to use him as much as they can (with his health permitting).

Apr 5, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) has the ball kncoked loose while driving against Chicago Bulls guard Mike Dunleavy (34) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

750th Steal

In his 14-year NBA career, Dunleavy has recorded a total of 704 steals, which is not too shabby for a small forward who has played a little over 900 games. He hit the 700 mark last year and this year he can add to it. Dunleavy averages 0.8 steals per game, so if he can get that and play his career average of 66 games per season, he can get over 50 steals this year. That means we may see Dunleavy reach the 750th steal milestone.

Feb 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Mike Dunleavy (34) passes the ball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Noah Vonleh (21) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

2,200th Assist

Dunleavy is a small forward with a specialty for shooting and defense, but he also knows how to pass. He currently has over 2,000 assists (specifically 2,135) and he averages 2.3 assists per game. If he can continue at that average and play his career average 66 games per season, he’ll dish out over 150 assists this year. That would amount to at least 2,285 assists this season, easily hitting the 2,200th assist mark.

Apr 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) and forward Mike Dunleavy (34) battle for the rebound against Milwaukee Bucks center Zaza Pachulia (27) in game five of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

4,300th Total Rebound

Dunleavy is also good on the boards, especially defensively. He recently reached the 4,000 rebound milestone, as he currently has 4,096. He averages 4.4 total rebounds per game, so at that rate over his career average of 66 games, Dunleavy can get 4,300 rebounds and change.

Dunleavy is better at grabbing defensive rebounds over offensive ones, as he has a total of 3,416 defensive rebounds and averages 3.7 per game. If he grabs his average over 66 games, he can grab 244 rebounds. This would mean that Dunleavy can reach 3,600 defensive rebounds.

On the other side of the court, Dunleavy averages 0.7 offensive rebounds. If he continues to get 0.7 per game, over his career average of 66 games per season, he’ll get 46 offensive rebounds. Adding that to his current total of 680, means Dunleavy can get over 700 offensive rebounds.

Nov 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy (34) is fouled by Philadelphia 76ers forward Chris Johnson (16) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Bulls won the game 118-115. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

1,900th FT (1,970 per averages)

As a flexible small forward who can shoot threes and drive to the basket, it’s no surprise that Dunleavy can get to the free throw line. Over his 933 games, Dunleavy has shot over 1,800 free throws. He averages two free throws per game, so at that rate over his career average of 66 games played per season, he can shoot around 130 free throws. Adding that to his current 1,838 means that Dunleavy can end up shooting his 1,900th career free throw and more.

Dec 2, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy (34) shoots the ball in front of Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) and forward Brandan Wright (34) during the second half at the United Center. The Mavericks won 132- 129 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

4,000th FG

After 14 years in the NBA with shooting skills, it makes sense that one of Dunleavy’s upcoming milestones is number of field goals. With a total of 3,842, Dunleavy is nearly 150 field goals away from hitting 4,000. He’ll likely get there and beyond, given he averages 4.1 field goals per game. If he gets that number and plays his career average of 66 games per season, Dunleavy can get 270 field goals. That means he can wind up with over 4,100 field goals.

More specifically, Dunleavy, who can shoot both two pointers and threes, can reach milestones in both of those areas. He averages 2.8 two pointers per game and has recorded a total 2,591 two-point field goals. If he gets those 2.8 twos over his career average 66 games this year, he can reach 2,775 two pointers.

In addition, as a sharp shooter that can hit the three, Dunleavy can also reach a milestone of 1,300 three point field goals. He has a total of 1,251 right now and averages 1.3 per game. Over 66 games, that would come out to 86 threes for the year. Adding that to his 1,251 means Dunleavy would hit 1,300 and more.

Dec 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy (34) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half at the United Center. The Warriors won 112-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

11,500th Point

With so many field goals, comes so many points. Dunleavy currently has over 3,800 field goals (2,500 two pointers and 1,200 threes), which amounts to 10,773 points. Over his 14 years in the NBA, he has a nice average of 11.5 points per game for his career. So if he can get that number of points per game and play his career average 66 games per season, he can come out with 759 points for the year. Adding that to his current total would amount to 11,532 points, which is a comfortable bit over the 11,500th point milestone.

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