Back in May, 2008, we featured a little series called “Re-Sign or Release” where we went through every player on the Cavaliers roster and turned to the readers to see what they would do if they were the general manager of the Wine and Gold and – hypothetically, of course – all of the players were up to have their respective contracts renewed.
Same hypothetical this time around: We’re looking to build for the future; all players are restricted free agents, likely requiring a bit of a pay raise from last season. Do you re-sign them? Andrew has already laid out the roadblocks currently facing the Cavaliers in 2011; now it’s your turn. Vote below and leave your support in the comments.
Continuing on with our backcourt theme… Today, we take a look at a player who had his fair share of highlights to go with a few rookie-related head scratchers. Everyone’s favorite Congloese swingman, Christian Eyenga.
*****
2010-11 Salary: $1,020,960
2010-11 Statistics:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | TO | eFG% | TS% | PER | USG | WS |
| 6.9 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 46.6 | 47.6 | 9.0 | 17.5 | -0.3 |
2010-11 Recap: Rife with mystique, the Cavaliers’ 2009 first-round draft selection was a part of the Wine and Gold’s 15-man roster right out of the gate in 2010. After spending some quality time with “Coach Jay” in Erie, the Cavs decided to call Christian Eyenga up to the NBA where he would have a chance to not only display his incredible athleticism, but also work on attacking the rim as well as his off-the-ball defense.
A fan favorite due to his above-the-rim game and Stepien Rules-coined nickname of “Skyenga,” the 21-year old surely had his ups and downs during his rookie campaign. His overall statistics left a lot to be desired, as did the way he finished up the season – a stretech where the Cavaliers actually played competitive basketball – in Byron Scott’s doghouse due to his inability to play consistent defense. Technically, Eyenga cost the Cavs a third of a win this season mostly inhibited by the fact that he provided the Cavaliers 90 points per 100 possessions.
Be that as it may, Eyenga is only 21-years old; he’s shown flashes of brilliance, an ability to attack the rim, and Pau Gasol’s career may never be the same. His penchant for settling for mid-to-long-range jump shots will likely decrease with time and experience, and the front office continues to applaud how far he came this season. A former first-rounder under club control for a few more seasons, what would you – the GM – do if this was Christian’s re-up year?
Re-Sign or Release: Anthony Parker (76 percent say release)
Re-Sign and Release: Ramon Sessions (87 percent say re-sign)
Re-Sign or Release: Manny Harris (68 percent say re-sign)
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Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images
