Last night, the NBA’s defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers served as hosts to the Minnesota Timberwolves inside Quicken Loans Arena, resulting in a 125-97 run-away victory for the Wine and Gold.
Prior to last night’s game, several players were invited to tryout for the Cavaliers, who are known to be seeking a backup point guard to run their offense off the bench.
In a post-win locker room, Kyrie Irving, who had just dished out a career-high 14 assists, was asked what he thought of his team bringing in players for a workout. Irving was aware of the Cavaliers’ mid-season mini-camp, but seems to be focused on improving the talent that’s already on the roster.
From my standpoint, you know, my job is to take care of everyone in this locker room right now, and that’s where it stands. And obviously, we did have tryouts. I’m not too sure about all of the names coming in, but I know that we had guys trying out.
You know, so, I’m just trying to push these guys – the guys that are in this locker room now. You know, whoever, if we do pick up somebody, great, bring him along. I’ll be ready to bring him along offensively and defensively. But right now, my focus is really just getting better every single game. And really, getting ready for this road trip, which is gonna be a hell of a one. You know, so, that’s the management’s job, as well as everyone that was working them out.”
Matt Medley of NEOSportsInsiders has video of Irving’s post-game comments.
The Cavaliers currently have one roster spot available, but another 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. Whether or not the Cavs ink any of yesterday’s invitees can only be speculated on at this point. As ESPN’s Chris Haynes reported yesterday, depending on how well their respective workouts went, sources close to the defending champs believe one of the candidates could be signed prior to this year’s All-Star break.
