Ricky Rubio‘s decision to take time away from basketball and focus on his mental health leaves the Cavaliers with an uncertain situation at backup point guard, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com writes in a mailbag column. Rubio didn’t offer any indication of how long he might be inactive, so there’s no way of knowing if he’ll be available when training camp opens in seven weeks or when the season starts in late October.
There’s no urgency for Cleveland to make a roster move, Fedor adds. The Cavs signed free agent Ty Jerome in the belief that he can handle a larger role than he had with Golden State, and Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert and two-way player Craig Porter Jr. are all capable of running the offense for short stretches. Fedor points out that there aren’t any strong options remaining in free agency, but Kendrick Nunn, Michael Carter-Williams, George Hill, Ish Smith, and D.J. Augustin are among the players still available.
General manager Mike Gansey scheduled a trip to Malaga, Spain, this summer to visit with Rubio and watch the Spanish World Cup team in action, according to Fedor. However, Rubio left training camp before Gansey arrived, so he devoted the trip to scouting instead.
There’s more from the Central Division:
- The Cavaliers have expressed interest in P.J. Washington and may be “lurking” as his standoff with the Hornets continues, Fedor adds. He notes that Cleveland was able to take advantage of a similar situation in a sign-and-trade with Lauri Markkanen two years ago by offering a contract beyond what the Bulls were willing to pay. Fedor states that Rubio and Dean Wade would be enough to match salary if Washington would accept about $15MM per year, but he’s not sure if that and a few second-round picks would satisfy Charlotte.
- Cade Cunningham is the only untouchable player on the Pistons‘ roster, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic writes in his annual evaluation of the team’s most valuable assets. Even though he missed most of last season after shin surgery, Cunningham is still viewed around the league as a potential superstar, according to Edwards. Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren and rookie Ausar Thompson follow Cunningham on Edwards’ list.
- Overtime Elite general manager Gerald Wilkins believes Thompson has a bright NBA future, per Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press. Wilkins offered a glowing recommendation to Jarrett Jack, a new member of the Pistons‘ coaching staff under Monty Williams. “He would ask me things like what are his strengths, what are his weaknesses, how can I get him the ball,” Wilkins said. “I would just tell him, ‘Just put him on the floor. Just put him in the game. They are basketball players, Ausar and Amen. They’re basketball players. You put him on the floor and a lot of good things are going to happen.’”
I hate guys doing coach speak instead of actually speaking like a real coach. With Gerald Wilkins and OTE.
This is how it should have been.
Monty:
“He would ask me things like what are his strengths, what are his weaknesses, how can I get him the ball,”
GW: How about not using him as a point of attack defender all the time and instead a weak side defender against the 2nd or reset option. That way he gets in the passing lanes, weak side blocks and is free to rebound and push the ball off the break. That way he gets to push an offense but it isn’t in a forced way on half court when you would rather Cade have the ball during half courts sets.
Or
Duran is a defensive rebound goblin so have him look for instant outlets to Ivey and Thompson so you could get into early offense and force full transition from non traditional transition or semi transition.
Do that instead of letting Cade walk the ball up slow motion every possession because your points per possession will be higher even in forced transition vs half court offense because remember your the Pistons.
Tl:dr
The Cavaliers will be fine during Rubio’s absence. The potential exists for this time to be beneficial to the team. It’s likely to speed the development of both Ty Jerome and Craig Porter Jr. Either of which could become a long-term backup to Garland. Perhaps even a replacement if something should happen to Garland. Rubio is less likely to fulfill this role because of his age and shooting woes. On a different subject the Cavaliers should make a substantial offer for PJ Washington. Dean Wade and Rubio will not tempt Charlotte. Nor will 15 million per season .Add Isaac Okoro to the deal and it might move the needle. It would allow Cleveland to offer 20 million for Washington. More importantly Charlotte has time to wait for this defensive stopper to develop his offensive game. He now hits shots from deep but needs to be more aggressive both outside and inside the arc. That said he’s 22. In Charlotte he wouldn’t be the 5th option when on the floor. Deal Rubio, Wade and Okoro plus a 2nd rounder and the deal gets done. Cleveland then becomes the favorite to win the Eastern Conference .Just do it.