Despite Not Playing in Summer League, Cleveland Cavaliers Banking on Rookie Sergey Karasev

The Cleveland Cavaliers had two selections in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft. However, neither Anthony Bennett nor Sergey Karasev were a part of the Cavs’ squad that they sent to Las Vegas for Summer League. What that doesn’t change is how important these two rookies are going to be for Cleveland as they try to make a push for the postseason.

Bennett, the number-one overall pick in the 2013 draft, will be a big factor in the Cavs frontcourt once he fully recovers from the shoulder injury that kept him out of Summer League. Playing behind another young player in Tristan Thompson, Bennett could be a huge contributor off of the bench. However, Karasev, the 19^th overall pick, could end up having a bigger impact on Cleveland.

Alonzo Gee started all 82 games for the Cavs last season and didn’t inspire a ton of confidence. He averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 31 minutes per game while shooting just 41 percent from the field and only 31.5 percent from long-range.

Moreover, the Cavs really struggled to get consistent production from the small forward position. Last season opposing small forwards outscored Cleveland’s small forwards by just 0.1 points per game, but had an effective field goal percentage five percent higher than the Cavs, averaged one more rebound and 1.1 more assists per game and had a PER 2.7 points higher than Cleveland’s small forwards.

Though Karasev isn’t projected to be a game-changer on the defensive end of the floor, he has much more offensive potency than Gee. Scouts have been raving about Karasev’s shooting ability for over a year now. He has tremendous range on his jumper and has the potential, especially considering that he’s just 19 years old, to be a great scorer on the wings. With Kyrie Irving’s ability to penetrate into the lane, Karasev will have open opportunities on kick-outs.

If Karasev is able to consistently knock down jump shots in the NBA, he will be a masterful addition to the Cavs. He will give them another player that has ability to affect the game with his scoring, which will help the Cavs on the scoreboard and will open up the floor for the rest of the team. If he’s not able to do so, Cleveland may struggle with their plight of trying to make the playoffs.

Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20, add him on Google+ and like his Facebook page.