Tristan Thompson has been “staying ready” during negotiations (Video)
October 24, 2015WFNY on WWE: Previewing Hell in a Cell
October 24, 2015Jared Cunningham, a 2012 first-round pick who has traveled all over the league in his brief NBA career, beat out undrafted free agent Quinn Cook for the 15th and final Cleveland Cavaliers roster spot to start the season. Cunningham, 24, showcased his athleticism during an impressive preseason.
On Friday, the Cavaliers waived Jack Cooley, Austin Daye, D.J. Stephens, and Dionte Christmas in their process of trimming down the roster from the offseason maximum of 20 down to the opening night maximum of 15. Cooley was expected to perhaps come close to a spot, based on his recent play with the Utah Jazz, but the Cavs must feel more confident about their frontcourt situation with the return of Tristan Thompson.
Cunningham — who was technically drafted by the Cavaliers in 2012 at No. 24, then traded in the draft-day deal for Tyler Zeller — has played for the Mavericks, Hawks, Kings, and Clippers so far in the NBA. In just 40 NBA games, he has 195 minutes and 77 points. In 66 D-League games, he’s averaged 17.2 points, 3.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals.
At Oregon State University, he was a blossoming athletic star who finished as Second-Team All-Pac-12 in 2011 and First-Team All-Pac-12 in 2012. After averages of 17.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and an impressive 2.5 steals, he left for the NBA Draft after his junior season. There’s certainly a chance that his pedigree could eventually shine in yet another NBA opportunity. But he’s struggled in limited opportunities thus far.
Cook, the point guard for the defending national champions at Duke, was a high priority undrafted free agent signing for the Cavs this offseason. However, he only received 12.9 minutes per game this preseason compared to 25.3 minutes for Cunningham, who also had a 31-point game against Philadelphia. So the writing was likely on the wall for this move, even though Cunningham is two years older and somewhat less of a well-known name nationally. It’s possible the Cavs could find a spot for Cook on their D-League affiliate, the Canton Charge.
The interesting effect could be on the point guard rotation for the Cavaliers. With Kyrie Irving perhaps out until January, the team will be relying on a rotation of Mo Williams, Matthew Dellavedova, and now Cunningham as opposed to the more traditional point guard Cook. Obviously, LeBron James plays a fair amount of point guard himself, so perhaps that wasn’t as significant of a debate.
Take a look at some Jared Cunningham highlights below. You might also enjoy this 2012 draft Mavs Moneyball profile from Tim Cato.
So Jared Cunningham is pretty athletic, eh? — http://t.co/hrJrutUg
— Sean Michael Meagher (@sean2m) December 16, 2011
Okay, Summer League has some awesome dunks: http://t.co/5pMyGf7j7T https://t.co/wjlkhaexLj
— SB Nation (@SBNation) July 18, 2015
Jared Cunningham with the 180 slam [GIF]: http://t.co/lpftkwd59Q
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) December 2, 2014
Jared Cunningham's 4-point play to end the first half (in real time) [GIF]: http://t.co/35VBuoCzgG
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) December 9, 2014
2 Comments
Nobody thought too highly of Russian journeyman Mozgov until he got on a court with the Cavs, now the prognosticators are calling him a max player. It’s amazing what this team can do for players. Cunningham is likely to benefit from this same effect, if he gets enough minutes (likely early in the season) to catch some of the rubb-off.
Mozgov was mentioned in Denver the problem was he was on a horrible team. Personally I don’t believe he’s a max player but after seeing what Tristan Thompson got paid I think almost every player (starter especially) is probably a max player these days.
Cunningham isn’t remotely in this category. This kid will be lucky to play at all. If he does play it will hopefully be in a mop up role. But I’m glad he made the 15 man roster. I like the way he attacks the basket.