Should the Cleveland Cavaliers consider bringing in point guard D'Angelo Russell?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have improved their roster from a year ago, bringing in more defensive help around the edges of the team.
Cleveland wants to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals, hoping to change the outcome from a year ago. The Cavaliers were swept by the New York Knicks, ending their deep playoff run in disappointing fashion.
But as the Cavaliers get ready for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, there are a few holes in the roster that the front office may want to address. One of them is in the backcourt at the backup point guard spot.
Cleveland does have Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor as options behind star James Harden, but the team may want more depth. Since the Cavaliers have title aspirations this season, having more experience behind Harden could make some sense.
And luckily for the Cavaliers, a veteran point guard just became available on the open market with just a few weeks left to go until the season starts. Veteran guard D'Angelo Russell was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, giving him the ability to sign with any team in the league.
There is a case for the Cavaliers to bring Russell in, giving the team more of an experienced option behind Harden. Russell has bounced around the league over the last few years, but he is a former second overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Last season, playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Russell averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 26 games. Russell was traded to the Washington Wizards at the deadline, but he never played a game for them.
Overall his career, Russell has been heralded for his passing ability and his three-point shooting. This could help the Cavaliers, even in limited minutes during a game.
Russell could help command the bench unit, giving the team someone who can help create shot attempts whenever Harden or Donovan Mitchell are off the floor. Having Russell available could allow the Cavaliers to give more rest to the stars over the course of the regular season, which may help come playoff time.
The big knock on Russell has been his defense, but the Cavaliers have the type of players who can help mask his issues. Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson is familiar with Russell, having coached him with the Brooklyn Nets years ago.
Under the leadership of Atkinson, Russell made his only All-Star team. The two had a complicated but good relationship, and they could rekindle it all in Cleveland as the team tries to go after a title.
Overall, adding someone like Russell could be good for the Cavaliers as the season draws closer.
