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Andrew Bogut Injury: Cavs Have Options To Replace Big Man

By Nick Dudukovich

Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have options to add a player after an Andrew Bogut injury cut short his Cavs debut.

Andrew Bogut was barely a Cavalier. The Aussie broke his tibia just one minute into his Cleveland career. LeBron James said he could hear the break when it happened.

James called the incident deflating after the game. The Chosen One would be correct. Nobody wants to see the new guy, who’s expected to play a role, go down 60 seconds later.

Cleveland lacks a true rim protector, and Bogut seemed like the perfect fit.

His addition became even more interesting because the Warriors may not have the easiest path to the Western Conference crown now that Kevin Durant is injured. Should the Spurs or Clippers reach the Finals, the Cavs will need to some bigger bodies to compete.

The Cavs could release Bogut and pick up a player eligible to help in the playoffs, although Cleveland would be on the hook for Bogut’s salary. Bogut is owed approximately $385,000, which is the prorated amount of the veterans minimum amount of $1.1 million for the season, according to Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon.

If there’s a player GM David Griffin likes enough to add, paying off Bogut shouldn’t be an issue.

Who could the Cavs consider? Big men Jared Sullinger, Mike Scott and Luis Scola are available and playoff eligible, according to Amico Hoops’ Sam Amico.

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The Cavs could also re-visit with Larry Sanders. Sanders worked out with the Cavaliers, but Cleveland decided to go in a different direction, signing Bogut.

Sullinger is a name fans of Ohio basketball know, as the former first-round pick starred at Columbus Northland High School before helping Thad Matta and the Ohio State Buckeyes reach the Final Four.

He’s 6-foot-9, and is probably good for 8 boards and maybe a block per game. He averaged double-digit scoring figures (13.3, 13.3, 10.3) in his previous three seasons with the Celtics before going the Raptors this season. He was traded to the Suns for P.J. Tucker and promptly released by Phoenix.

Sullinger probably isn’t the best fit because he’s not thought of as a dominant force, defensively. He recently met with the Heat, but it looks like Miami passed on singing him, at least for now.

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The name to watch is Sanders. Cleveland’s already passed on him once, but now they may be a little more desperate now.

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