The Cleveland Cavaliers have cut their roster to 15 players after the release of veteran swingman Dahntay Jones. The Cavaliers had until 5 p.m. Monday to make the final roster cuts and Jones was the final casualty. Jones, who was on a non-guaranteed contract, averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in just over 20 minutes per game in the preseason. DeAndre Liggins will get the Cavs’ final roster spot.
Reports indicate the Cavs were interested in keeping both Jones and Liggins, but Mo Williams having yet to formally file retirement papers likely threw a wrench in those plans.
Jones’ biggest contribution in a Cavalier uniform came in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. After the Warriors had cut a big Cavalier lead to 11 points just before halftime, Jones went on a personal 5-0 to balloon pad the lead. More importantly, perhaps, was the fact that Jones drew two fouls on Warriors power forward Draymond Green in the process.
His release comes as somewhat of a surprise for those who follow the Cavs, given the bond Jones gained with his teammates during time in Cleveland. Jones joined the team for offseason workouts in Los Angeles and was even part of a group of Cavaliers who took the field before the Cleveland Indians faced the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.
The Cavaliers’ waiving of Jones probably has plenty to do with wanting insurance at the point guard position. As of now, the Cavaliers’ backup point guard spot is a major question mark. Rookie Kay Felder figures to be in charge of those duties for the time-being. Keeping Liggins is likely Felder’s insurance policy, especially considering Felder’s concussion that will keep him out of the season-opener Tuesday against the New York Knicks.
Liggins, a 6-foot-6 point guard from Kentucky, has bounced around in the NBA. He was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 53rd overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft. Since then, he has bounced around in the NBA D-League and multiple teams overseas before signing with the Cavaliers in September.
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