National Basketball Association

Player Watch: Jordan McRae's Upcoming Milestones to Look For in 2016-2017

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

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Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan McRae (12) reacts after missing two of three free throws late in a 112-110 overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

We’re all eagerly anticipating the start of the 2016-17 NBA season. While we wait, we’re looking at the milestones to watch for Jordan McRae this upcoming 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 title in more than 50 years.

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. Jordan McRae is up first, one of the Cavs who has a bright future in store.

Mar 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan McRae (12) Washington Wizards guard Ramon Sessions (7) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

400 Minutes Played and 200 Minutes with the Cavs

McRae only played 15 games with the Cavs last year. During that time, he was impressive enough that the Cavs made sure to keep him on the team, picking up his player option shortly after the Finals ended.

He was spectacular in the 2016 summer league, averaging 24.3 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game and 2.0 assists per game. He also had a +17.00 PIE (defined by NBA stats as a metric used to indicate performance at the team and player level; shows what percentage of game events a player or team achieved).

In his 15 games with the Cavs, McRae played 113 minutes with an average of 7.5 minutes per game. At this rate, McRae is set to reach 200 minutes with the Cavs in the next season. In his career, McRae has already played 195 and with his career averages, he may even reach 400 minutes played.

Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan McRae (12) drives against Detroit Pistons guard Steve Blake (22) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

50 Assists and 30 Assists with the Cavs

McRae can play both the point and shooting guard, meaning he his role on the Cavs is flexible. Because of this, he is primed for assisting and scoring. He had15 assists in 15 games with the Cavs last year and has a total of 25 assists in the NBA.

His career average for assists is 1.1 per game over 22 games and at that rate, he could reach 50 assists. And with an average of one assist per game with the Cavs, he can reach 30 assists with Cleveland specifically.

Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) and guard Jordan McRae (12) defend a shot by Detroit Pistons guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

40 Total Rebounds and 30 Defensive Rebounds

While McRae is not the rebounding machine that Tristan Thompson is (but then again, who is), he does contribute on the boards. He had a total of 12 rebounds, two offensive and 10 defensive, in the regular season last year and a 35 rebounds, 10 offensive and 25 defensive, in Summer League.

Over his career, McRae has averaged 0.9 rebounds (0.2 offensive and 0.7 defensive) per game. At that rate, we may see McRae reach 40 total rebounds and 30 defensive.

Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan McRae (12) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Aron Baynes (12) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

60 Field Goals Made

It’s quite evident when watching McRae play that he is a scorer and a versatile one at that. At 6-foot-6, 185 pounds, McRae has good handles, which allows him to successfully drive to the basket and finish at the rim. He also has a great mid-range game and can make three pointers.

He currently has a total of 34 field goals made in the NBA, with 10 threes and 25 two pointers. He averages 1.5 field goals per game in his career, which means if he continues at that rate, he will be able to reach 60 made field goals this year. Of those field goals, he could reach 20 threes and 40 two-pointers given his career averages.

Apr 13, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan McRae (12) shoots against Detroit Pistons forward Darrun Hilliard (6) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

100 Points