Yesterday, word came down the wire stating that the NBA’s defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers were planning to sign Dahntay Jones and Walter “Edy” Tavares. Shortly after 4:00 p.m. EST today, the Cavs made it official.
Most Cavs fans will remember Jones, a 36-year-old 6’6″ swingman, from last year’s run for the Larry O’Brien trophy. Over the course of his 12-year NBA career, Jones has recorded averages of 5.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per contest (623 games, 157 starts) with the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, L.A. Clippers, and the Cavaliers.
Hailing from beautiful Cape Verde, Africa, Tavares, a 7’3″, 265 pound center selected with the 43rd overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Hawks, spent the majority of this season playing for the Toronto Raptors‘ D-League affiliate team, Raptors 905, where he averaged 10.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and a league-best 2.7 blocks in 23.7 minutes per contest (48 games). Tavares’ solid play earned him a 2017 D-League All-Star selection.
After losing Chris “Birdman” Andersen and Andrew Bogut to a season-ending injuries, the Cavaliers have been looking for a strong inside presence. The Cavs thought help would come in the form of Larry Sanders, who was signed last month, but that plan just flailed to pan out. The Cavs made the decision to waive Sanders on Tuesday.
While he is still a bit of a project, the Cavs seem to like Tavares’ upside. His 7’9″ wingspan should have an immediate impact in the paint. Join us in welcoming Jones and Tavares to the squad!