Cavs Solidify Backup Point, Ink 12-Year Vet
There’s no question that the Wine & Gold are blessed with one of the most
spectacular point guards in the Association. But since Kyrie’s “Australian
brother” departed for Milwaukee after the 2016 season, the Cavaliers have been
searching for a consistent backup ever since.
At this point last year, it seemed like veteran Mo Williams might fill that
role. But after he unexpectedly announced his retirement just days before Camp
tipped off, Head Coach Tyronn Lue conducted one audition after another – with
Jordan McRae and DeAndre Liggins trying to fill the role until Kay Felder could
develop at the NBA level.
Both McRae and Liggins – neither of whom were pure point guards — struggled in
that spot. And Felder, while showing flashes of the player who led the NCAA in
assists the previous season, had some rough patches as an undersized rookie.
Deron Williams joined the squad after being waived by the Mavericks in
late-February. After getting back into game-shape, Williams closed out the
regular season strong and was effective off the bench to start the postseason
before falling on hard times in the Finals – going 2-of-16 from the floor in the
series.
Stability is a key component of the point guard position; as the “head of the
snake,” the offense depends on his ability to orchestrate. And this season, the
Wine & Gold didn’t want to head into Camp with any question marks.
Cue Monday’s signing of veteran lead-guard, Jose Calderon.
After spending the first seven-plus years of his career with the Toronto
Raptors, the two-time Silver medalist (2008, 2012) has been with five teams
before inking the deal with Cleveland on Monday. Photo by Andrew D.
Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
Calderon spent last season splitting time between the Lakers and Hawks – playing
in 41 games and starting 13. He had one of the toughest offensive regular
seasons of his career, but performed well for Atlanta in the postseason.
After a decorated pro career in Spain, the 36-year-old native of Villanueva de
la Serena joined the Raptors as a 24-year-old rookie in 2005.
Calderon struggled from the floor, but by his third season was averaging
double-figure scoring – doing so in five of the next six seasons – and routinely
finished among the league’s leaders in assists.
After spending the first seven-plus years of his career with the Toronto
Raptors, the two-time Silver medalist (2008, 2012) has been with five teams
before inking the deal with Cleveland this summer.
Calderon’s role with Cleveland could not be more cut-and-dried. He is not a
combo-guard, a 2-guard in a 1’s body or a defensive specialist who also happens
to play the point.
His numbers haven’t been flashy over the past few years and might not be again
with the Wine & Gold. But he is filling a vital role with a team with designs on
June basketball – and almost as importantly, he allows the team to head into
Training Camp without a question mark hovering over one of the roster’s most
critical spots.
Kyrie Irving reached his fourth All-Star Game last year and the best offseason
of his career. He was durable – playing in 72 games and averaging just over 35
minutes per.
But the Cavaliers need to have a playmaker on the floor when he gets a blow. Kay
Felder had his ups-and-downs as a rookie and is trying to make his bid for
backup this week in Las Vegas. He’s had some challenges shooting the ball –
going a combined 11-for-43 through the first three contests in the desert, but
he did lead Cleveland with six assists in Saturday’s win over Houston.
With more moves ahead, the Wine & Gold are shoring up for another run at the
Ring after falling short in their title trilogy with the Warriors.
Player: Kay Felder
Player: Kyrie Irving
Player: Deron Williams
Player: Jose Calderon
Media Content: http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/features/calderon-sign-170711
Media Keywords: NBA, Sports, Cleveland Cavaliers, Kay Felder, Kyrie Irving,
Deron Williams, Jose Calderon, Cleveland Cavaliers
Media Thumbnail:
http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/cavaliers/sites/default/files/calderon_170710.jpg
Taxonomy: Releases, Features, Joe Gabriele
Story Link: http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/features/calderon-sign-170711
