It’s a fairly well-known fact that the NBA’s defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for a viable backup point guard to run their offense off the bench. Over the past few weeks, several names have emerged with regards to whom the Cavs might be interested in.
Today, ESPN’s Chris Haynes reports that several players will work out with the Cavaliers on Wednesday, including Mario Chalmers, Kirk Hinrich, and Lance Stephenson.
Chalmers, 30, has long been thought of as a potential candidate for Cleveland’s lack of point guard depth. The former University of Kansas Jayhawk and 34th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft is recovering from an Achilles injury and last played professionally with the Memphis Grizzlies. Chalmers has played with several members of the Cavaliers’ rotation in the past, including LeBron James, James Jones, and Chris Andersen – all as members of the Miami Heat during LeBron’s four-year tenure. The two-time NBA champion has both on and off ball skills and knows how to play in a James-run system. Chalmers holds career averages of 9.0 points and 3.8 assists.
Hinrich, 36, also played his collegiate basketball at the University of Kansas. The former 7th overall selection in the 2003 NBA Draft last played with the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks, but hasn’t played a game since May of last year. Hinrich is likely being considered for his shot-making capabilities. The 6’4″ marksman has career averages of 10.9 points, 4.8 assists and a 38 percent mark from beyond the three-point line.
Stephenson, 26, is finally ready to go after rehabbing from a groin injury which required surgery in November. The 6’5″ swingman last played with the New Orleans Pelicans, but was waived due to roster complications. The Brooklyn native and 40th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft averaged 9.7 points, 4.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 27 minutes per game for the Pelicans off the bench.
The Cavaliers currently have one roster spot available, but another slot could open if the team decides to waive Chris Andersen, who has been deemed “out” for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL.
Haynes reports that there could be several players working out for the Cavaliers on Wednesday – not just these three. Depending on how well their respective workouts go, sources close to the defending champs believe one of these candidates could be signed prior to this year’s All-Star break.