Cleveland Cavaliers Should Move On From Sasha Kaun
By Ryan Rosko
The Cleveland Cavaliers still need to add to their team this offseason and hopefully they add someone else with size because center Sasha Kaun is not the answer.
When Sasha Kaun signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his role was very small. Despite power forwards/centers Kevin Love‘s, Tristan Thompson‘s, and Timofey Mozgov occasional streak of poor play, Kaun was never able to contribute more.
Cavs general manager David Griffin has not had many duds during his tenure, but signing Kaun should be one of them. Yes, Kaun has only been in the NBA for one season, but it was clear from the beginning that he is not ready to play.
If he was, Kaun’s number would have been called upon more often. In only 25 games, Kaun averaged 0.9 points, 1.0 rebound, and 0.2 blocks/game.
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The has been reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers are working on a deal to bring in free agent center Chris Andersen. Andersen would be a solid piece coming off of the bench in the front court, but whether Kaun’s role increases or not Cleveland must add more talent to the power forward/center positions.
Kaun’s roster spot could instead be filled with someone who can actually make a difference throughout the various points of a season. If Kaun remains a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, would it be wise to give him an increased role?
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I cannot back that possibility right now. Plenty would have to change for any possible reconsideration.
Prior to coming over to the NBA to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kaun was a solid player overseas. He was not a player where you would say “wow” when he played, but Kaun’s size certainly helped his appeal to NBA teams.
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There are more big men out there instead of Kaun. The difference however is will said player be able to provide the necessary production to succeed?
Griffin and the rest of the Cavs organization are going through their options with a number of players. It would not be surprising for multiple changes (minimum salaried players to be added) to the back-end of the bench.
Going forward, Cleveland must continue to address the big men depth. Kaun’s career would be benefited playing in the NBA D-League.
He has the potential to be a serviceable piece off of the bench, but it won’t be any time soon. Kaun’s skill set does not allow him to defend pick and rolls as well as others, and he cannot guard the more athletic centers in today’s NBA.
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Kaun will only have so many minutes available again in Cleveland. It is up to him to make the most of that time, otherwise the Cavs could look elsewhere for help. That is, if they haven’t done so before the start of next season.