NFL
By: Edwin Duodu
The Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to strengthen their backcourt by adding Dillon Brooks to the fold. As a forward, Kyle Anderson is also being targeted to add wing depth and scoring. The rumors surrounding both players have been garnering more attention, with the season edging closer to starting. Whether or not there is any veracity to these rumors, Dillon Brooks and Kyle Anderson would fit nicely in J.B. Bickerstaff’s potential lineup. However, as always, what would be the cost of retrieving both players from the Memphis Grizzlies?
Multiple reports suggest that the Cavaliers would have to depart with a draft pick to acquire any of the two players, including next year’s first-round draft pick. That may be a deal worth taking, considering the upside of both players. Over the past seasons, it’s been evident that Cleveland needed more than young talent to make a run for the postseason. Collin Sexton and Darius Garland are promising talents, but still, more scoring is required. Dillon Brooks or Kyle Anderson would help in that department, as the Cavaliers were by far the worst offensive team last year.
Luckily for Cleveland, Dillion Brooks and Kyle Anderson were coming off breakout seasons last year. Brooks enjoyed a solid season in his 4th year in the league, averaging 17.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. In the first round, his tally rose in the playoffs against the Utah Jazz, averaging 25.8 points,4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. It’s safe to say that he rose to the challenge against the best team in the NBA record-wise.
Brooks has a score-first mentality, which should provide a steady presence at the shooting guard position. Trading for him would be a positive move that would give rotation and competition with Darius Garland. Coincidentally, Collin Sexton also had his breakout season last year, shouldering the offensive load with 24.3 points per game. Cleveland has also been open to trading Sexton in the past, with multiple inquiring for his services.
If by chance, Collin Sexton does get traded in the future, it would leave a massive hole at the point guard position. However, trading for Dillon Brooks would solve this dilemma, allowing Darius Garland to slide into that point guard role while Brooks operates at the two. At this point, the chances of trading away Collin Sexton may be decreasing, but that still shouldn’t stop the team from trading for Brooks. Regardless, all three would see extensive minutes during the season.
Anderson is a similar story. After tallying 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, all while shooting 36% from deep, he would easily be an upgrade over Cedi Osman at the small forward position. Kyle Anderson also has experience playing as a power forward, which could bode well for coach Bickerstaff depending on the lineups he chooses to use.
The only issue with trying to acquire either one of these players is the potential loss of Larry Nance Jr., who has a respected veteran presence in the locker room. He is a name surfacing as part of the possible trade package. Nance Jr. would, however, be an excellent fit for the Grizzlies, giving them an athletic big who can somewhat replace the void left by Jonas Valanciunas.
Making a move for either one of these two players would be ideal for Cleveland. Although giving up prized draft capital and parting away with a fan favorite may raise questions among the fanbase, it’s a trade that’ll increase the team’s chances of success next season. Unless the organization believes in Bickerstaff’s ability to develop young talent, he may require more to instill his game philosophy into the team. Getting players such as Dillon Brooks and Kyle Anderson, who appear to be improving each season, may just be the start he needs.[pickup_prop id=”7445″]
