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Matthew Dellavedova

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Whether he's here long term or not, its key to remember a few things:

He was injured and missed 15 games. By the time he got back and got healthy, several of our main guys were missing games. We also hadn't yet traded for Moz, Shump, and JR. So Delly was playing way more than ideal minutes and being asked to do more than his role and strengths dictate.

Now that we're healthy, have the full roster, and in a groove, he can concentrate on on the small things that make him a useful rotational player. It's also easy to forget that the guy is only a second year pro, yet never shies away from the moment or gives less than 100% effort every minute he's in. There is still time and room for him to grow into even a better version of what he already does. We can debate whether we need to upgrade from him in the offseason. For now, let's give him our support and wish for the best. East thing to do on a night like tonight.
 
I got the impression that Delly was himself not 100% fit on his return, but was fitter than the others.
 
He's certainly not a detriment to this team. His attitude and tenacity are assets. When he's in, I'm generally comfortable when he has the ball, because he keeps it moving and usually makes good decisions.

All that being said, I think that finding a backup PG will be one of the priorities for this off-season for Griffin (in addition to dealing with RFAs). I think that there is a spot for Delly as a 3rd PG, end of the bench guy going forward, but I genuinely think that the Cavs will try to find a backup PG who can create off the dribble after this year.
 
Given smith, shumpert and LBJ themselves are strong in this area is it necessary to have an off dribble creator, it's more Irving style bb. A change of style may be advantageous. I do think that it will be hard to find a backup guard with those creating skills and is also a tenacious defender.
 
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Delly is going to get a lot of playing time in the playoffs, he will have the international stage like he has never had it before, with superior athletes to hide his weaknesses. He could end up becoming one of the darlings of the post season and getting a huge contract elsewhere. I'm not sure he will be anyone's 3rd PG.
 
Delly is going to get a lot of playing time in the playoffs, he will have the international stage like he has never had it before, with superior athletes to hide his weaknesses. He could end up becoming one of the darlings of the post season and getting a huge contract elsewhere. I'm not sure he will be anyone's 3rd PG.

JJ Barea effect seems like a definite possibility.
 
Delly is going to get a lot of playing time in the playoffs, he will have the international stage like he has never had it before, with superior athletes to hide his weaknesses. He could end up becoming one of the darlings of the post season and getting a huge contract elsewhere. I'm not sure he will be anyone's 3rd PG.

I'm doubtful that anyone would give him a huge contract (I think he gets 10-12 mil over the next 3 years), but I'm really not sure why so many people are so against Delly being our backup. Would it be nice if he was better at creating off the dribble or was more of a lights out shooter? Yes, but otherwise he is the perfect backup (tough defender, ultimate teammate, knows his role).
 
The Maddenites want an All Star at every position. A team with this talent needs grinders and effort guys to be the glue. Delly is a perfect fit.

I don't think this is the case. It's just that if you look at this like a GM, you are always trying to improve your team - in terms of talent, chemistry, and fit. The Cavs as currently constructed are a championship contender, so upgrading is going to involve jettisoning some guys that have played well at times.

I think Delly is fine for this year, but the backup PG spot is one where upgrades MAY be available at a reasonable price come the off-season.
 
Is Delly going to be a restricted free agent this summer?

Correct. I'm not worried about it right now, but he will be playing about 20 minutes per game throughout the playoffs. That is a lot of exposure, and it only takes one GM to overpay.
 
Delly has been fine, but he gives up a lot of dribble penetration for a guy who isn't great on offense. Detroit continually drove by him and got good looks last game. This has been a constant. He either gives up dribble penetration, takes a charge, or he fouls. I know everyone wants to like him, and he does make enough heady, hustle plays to make up for his many shortcomings, but let's be realistic. Hes *barely* an NBA back-up point guard, and clearly not a lock down defender contrary to what the homers think.

Let's hope he continues to improve.
 
Delly has been fine, but he gives up a lot of dribble penetration for a guy who isn't great on offense. Detroit continually drove by him and got good looks last game. This has been a constant. He either gives up dribble penetration, takes a charge, or he fouls. I know everyone wants to like him, and he does make enough heady, hustle plays to make up for his many shortcomings, but let's be realistic. Hes *barely* an NBA back-up point guard, and clearly not a lock down defender contrary to what the homers think.

Let's hope he continues to improve.


Agreed. He's as good as a the lack of athleticism and skills allow him. If only he can develop a 3 ball that would make defenses worry, it would be a huge step for him.

But Cleveland is very emotional with guys who hustle and have heart, I'm sure they'll hand him a contract he wouldn't get anywhere else in the league.

His development in the next seasons is going to be very important moving forward.
 
Giving up on players like Delly has been a problem with this organization in the past (see Danny Green). Joe Harris and Delly are our only young assets who may be a commodity or a productive member of the team that was had at bargain basement prices. These are the types of players that can help put a team over the top either on the court or in a transaction later down the road.

Delly and Harris are surrounded by great players, many with playoff experience. They have an opportunity to learn on a team like this at a faster rate than they would have on last years roster. This roster will help hide their mistakes and make them look better than what they really, making them appear more valuable (kinda like Larry Hughes acquisition). I'm not saying it's time to start building for the future, but these are the perfect guys to keep. They don't have the expectations of a high draft pick, they don't have a big money contract, they're young so injuries hopefully will be minor, and they don't have the pressure of playing big time minutes. There really is no reason to be in a hurry to replace these guys.

"but let's be realistic. Hes *barely* an NBA back-up point guard, and clearly not a lock down defender contrary to what the homers think."

Being realistic...so you want a solid young (old guards aren't quick enough to play lockdown defense) PG, who can play lockdown defense who will be happy being a backup with no future of starting?
 

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