Guard Donald Sloan is anything but flashy. He isn't one to grab headlines with 20-point performances. But he has been asked to run the offense and get the ball where it's supposed to go. He has been solid and gotten the job done.
In fact, many seem to think Sloan has a better chance of sticking on the roster next year than Lester Hudson.
Sloan has started the last 10 games and has averaged 9.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder has allowed just 2.0 turnovers in 32.5 minutes per game.
In the Cavs' 100-84 loss to Orlando on Sunday, Sloan recorded a career-high 15 points, four rebounds and five assists. Sloan had just six points and four assists Tuesday in the Cavs' 116-77 loss to Detroit.
The Cavs (20-41) love the fact that he doesn't make mistakes.
"I'm gradually getting better," Sloan said. "It stinks that we're close to the end of the season. I'm feeling a little more comfortable. It seems like it's going upward. I'm not taking any steps back.
"It's always good when you have more games to prove and show guys. We're at the end of the season. The only thing now is to finish strong."
Sloan, 24, has done what the coaches have asked. While Kyrie Irving was sidelined with a sprained right shoulder, Sloan solidified the position.
"I think I've done a good job so far," he said. "I don't know if I've done enough yet. There are seven or eight games left. Hopefully, after that, I'll have done enough to win a job."
Sloan has been so-so on the defensive end. The effort has been there, but the execution has been iffy.
"Some of the things we're asking (of him) on the defensive end, as far as applying pressure to some of these guys, obviously, leaves him vulnerable at times," coach Byron Scott said. "He does have to do a better job of keeping guys in front of him, and I think as he grows in this league, he will. I've been very happy with the way he's played."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think Donald has played well. I think he's getting adjusted to having to guard some of these first-tier point guards. He's a pretty bright young man. I think he'll learn as he goes along." - Cavs coach Byron Scott on how guard Donald Sloan has played.
