Three Fixes for the Backup Point Guard Position

Ever since the Cavs lost Matthew Dellavedova over the summer, they have been in need of a backup point guard. It seems odd that just a couple of years ago fans were complaining about the fact that he was wasting a roster spot, but he worked and hustled his way into having a key role on a team that went to back-to-back NBA Finals. Now his absence seems to be the biggest weakness in the lineup of the defending NBA Champions.

Now that he is gone, the team has been missing his leadership, facilitation, hustle, and defense with the second unit. This is an issue that has been talked about from the beginning of the season. Never has the Matthew-Dellavedova-shaped hole in the second unit been more apparent than it was in games against the Bucks and Clippers. The second unit has not played well and the whole team has played without much passion or energy. I’m not ready to hit the panic button over a few sloppy losses early in the season, but this is definitely a problem that needs to be addressed.

The way I see it, there are three ways to address the problem:

1. Hope that someone from within steps up or grows into the role.

To me, this is not a very appealing option because it is what I have been frustrated with over the last few games. Hoping Iman Shumpert, Jordan McRae or Kay Felder can fill the role of backup point guard is wishful thinking at this point. Shumpert is not a true point guard and really has not panned out to be the player the Cavs thought they were getting in that trade with the Knicks two years ago. He’s fought through some injuries and shined at times, but he hasn’t been consistent and is not much of an offensive threat or facilitator. Truthfully, JR Smith has been the better part of that trade so far. McCrae isn’t much of a facilitator, either because he is normally just looking to score. Felder has next to no experience at this point, and I don’t really want to sit back and just count on him to develop before the postseason.

2. Go after retreads and former teammates.

This would be someone like a Jarrett Jack, Mario Chalmers or Norris Cole. Jack had a former stint with the Cavs, but was shipped out to make room for the Cavs to re-sign LeBron. The other two played with LeBron during his time with the Heat. All three have been talked about as being linked to the Cavs in some fashion. Jack used to be a formidable back-up, but is still coming back from ACL surgery. He was also dumped by the Hawks who did not have many other strong options at backup point guard, so that’s saying something.

Chalmers is an intriguing option as he thrived with LeBron in Miami, but he is also a question mark because he is coming off a torn Achilles tendon. I would not be surprised to see the Cavs sign him sometime in January if they don’t make a deal before then.

Cole, meanwhile, also played well with LeBron in Miami. It was thought that Cole would not be immediately available because he was playing in China. However, Cole was released earlier this week and may be looking to make a return to the NBA. Cole hails from Ohio and is a graduate of Cleveland State.

3. Go all in and make a splash.

While one of the first two options may fill the need and propel the Cavs to another title, neither of them would draw the hype and attention of choice number three. The other option would be to use their trade exception and go after a bigger name from a team that may have a loaded backcourt or may not be looking like a contender this year.

The biggest name that seems to be on the market is Deron Williams. Williams was once one of the premier point guards in the league during his time with the Jazz, but he hasn’t been near that form in years. Injuries and age have really caught up with him, and he has been a shell of his former self in recent years. I don’t think he has much left in the tank, nor do I think he would fit in well for the type of role the Cavs would need him to fill.

Another hot name right now is Brandon Knight. While he has not played exceedingly well this season, he has definitely shown that he has skill and would probably thrive with all of the talent around him. Acquiring Knight would take a little more creativity and would definitely cost more money, but David Griffin has shown a pretty good track record of making things happen. It’s also no secret that Dan Gilbert isn’t afraid to spend money and is willing to spend money to win.