Cleveland Cavaliers Must Use Player Exception To Halt Ongoing Struggles
By Shane Phillips
@ShaneRantSports
Getty Images
A struggling Cleveland Cavaliers team received good news recently as the NBA granted them the injured player exception for Anderson Varejao, who ruptured his Achilles tendon. It wasn’t enough for the Cavs to pull themselves out of the current slump as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks, 96-80. LeBron James missed his second straight game with a knee injury and it was Cleveland’s third straight loss, dropping them to 18-14.
The string of losses comes at a time where it was reported that a rift existed between coach David Blatt and the players. Whether or not the reports are true or just ESPN hoopla is unknown, but a divided locker room is never a positive. But despite the loss and apparent drama, the Cavaliers now have an open roster spot to fill and plenty of ideas.
One way that Cleveland can go is to pick up a big man either from free agency or through a trade. They have some intriguing pieces to work with such as Dion Waiters, but if they didn’t want to give up anything, they could try and pick up Jermaine O’Neal or wait until Emeka Okafor is healthy, which should be sometime soon. O’Neal might actually be a helpful signing, as he will bring more leadership to the team and provide some stability in the post.
The other way that the Cavaliers can go is picking up a complimentary two-guard for Kyrie Irving. This scenario may have to be done through a trade, but we have seen Waiters and Irving struggle to co-exist, hence Waiters leading the second squad. I personally like the frontcourt plan, but either would upgrade a roster that is said to be in turmoil. Whether that is true, still expect Cleveland to be in the news for an addition.
Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
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