Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part series looking back, and ahead, at the Cavaliers.
I’m not really sure what to make of the Cavs. They’re as big of an unknown as they were at the beginning of the year, maybe more.
Except for this: I like it.
I’m good with what general manager Chris Grant continuously refers to as a “process.” It’s the right word to use. It’s ongoing, and if you ask me, it’s headed in the right direction.
Remember last summer, when Grant promised the Cavs would have two really good rookies in Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson, the right coach in Byron Scott, and lots of salary-cap room this offseason?
Well, guess what? The GM was right.
Grant never takes any credit himself, but he could have thrown in his knack for plucking talent from the D-League, too. That may not seem like much, but it’s important — as teams suffer injuries and need quick stop-gaps every year.
You also have to applaud Grant and his scouting staff for their work in the draft. Irving is everyone’s pick for Rookie of the Year and a future All-Star point guard. Thompson may not ever be a star, but he put together the best first season of any big man in his rookie class.
So that right there is a good start — Irving, Thompson and Scott.
Then there’s the matter of the salary cap.
Antawn Jamison, as valuable as he could be, won’t return. His contract of $15 million comes off the books. Veteran guard Anthony Parker also has an expiring deal ($2.25 million).
Now, those guys were starters, and while they occasionally drove fans bananas, they had their moments. That’s especially true of Jamison, whose 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds must be replaced. But at this point, the money he and Parker leave behind will be considerably more valuable.
Roster Redo
We know Irving and Thompson will be back. We’re pretty certain about Anderson Varejao, the forever-hustling big man who can change a game with his energy. Small forward Alonzo Gee is also likely to be retained.
As for everyone else, well, I’m doubtful even the Cavs know.
Scott said the final few weeks of the season would be used as an audition for next year. Not sure what the coach and GM are thinking, but I sure didn’t see anyone who stood out.
That’s not intended to rip on guys, because everyone from Donald Sloan to Samardo Samuels to Manny Harris to Luke Harangody showed potential. But other than Sloan, it’s hard to find a young reserve who gave the Cavs what they wanted on a consistent basis.
Also, the status of Daniel Gibson is up in the air, as the team has an option (about $4.8 million) on his contract this summer.
As you know, the Cavs also have another lottery pick, tying New Orleans for the third-worst record in the league. Better yet, they get sole possession of the third slot entering the lottery by virtue of a coin flip. On top of that, the Cavs also receive the No. 24 pick from the L.A. Lakers (via the Ramon Sessions trade), and two high second-round selections (Nos. 33 and 34).
Much of how the rest of their offseason unfolds will depend on what happens in the lottery. So when fans ask about free-agent targets, potential trades and roster moves, there are no answers. Not yet.
Decisions will need to be made not just on Gibson, but Gee, a restricted free agent — as well as Semih Erden (restricted), Harris, Samuels, Harangody, Sloan and even late-signee D.J. Kennedy. Also, the contracts of Omri Casspi and Luke Walton expire at the end of next season. That makes both of them movable pieces.
So what happens next? I don’t know, you don’t know, and the Cavs have yet to decide themselves.
All of it makes this another offseason worthy of our attention. Just like last offseason. And for the Cavs, things could be worse. Because today, there is still a buzz surrounding the team. There is still hope.
Follow Sam Amico on Twitter @SamAmicoFSO
