Cleveland Cavaliers Sign Jarrett Jack: What Does It Mean?

May 10, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (2) celebrates during the second quarter in game three of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 102-92. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

As we noted yesterday, in our piece on how Dwight Howard signing in Houston could impact the Cavs, the flood gates opened today in “signings” in the NBA. We have to put the word signings in quote marks because nothing can become official until July 10th. Today the Cavs signed Combo Guard Jarrett Jack to a 4 year deal, where the 4th year is a team option. The reported deal is for about $24 million dollars, until we get the contract details we will assume $6 million a year. Following the contract agreed to by Earl Clark, about $4 million a year, the Cavs have spent $10 million of their reported $20 million or so cap space for the 2013-2014 season. Here we review how this impacts the Cavs on the court, for the rest of the off-season and in the future.

On The Court:

The 6’3 Jack should provide backup point guard duty for the Cavs. Jack will backup All Star Kyrie Irving and could spend some time in the starting lineup given Irving’s injury history. Jack had an outstanding season last year with Golden State, averaging around 13 points and 5 assists a game last year backing up Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Once the Cavs moved on with Jack last years backup Shaun Livingston signed with the Nets.  Jack will provide more dynamic play with the second unit then Livingston with his ability to get in the lane and developed 3 point shooting. Last year Jack shot 40% from 3 point range, and was a lethal combination with Curry and Thompson. With the Cavs Jack will often be partnered with Dion Waiters with both able to play on the ball or off. With Irving, Waiters and Jack the starting Point and Shooting Guard positions will have limited time for many other minutes. If each player soaks up 30 mins a game that only leaves on average 6 mins for another player. One concern is that none of those 3 players are taller then 6’4″, Waiters, with both Jack and Irving standing at 6’3″. Taller backcourts could give them trouble, but Jack and Waiters strength and Mike Brown’s defense should assist with this limitation. With Igor Kokoshov coming over from Phoenix to coach the offense look for the Cavs backcourt to be unleashed and be the primary scoring component of the offense.

This Off-Season:

As noted the Cavs have approximately $10 million left to spend in cap space this off-season. This eliminates them from acquiring Pau Gasol or Danny Granger strictly as salary dumps. There is no recent indication that the Lakers or Pacers are interested at this time in that, but there have been rumors throughout the off-season. Smaller contracts, such as Shawn Marions, could still be acquired. Its possible that the oft rumored trade of Marion to the Cavs is still possible if the Mavs need cap space to pursue Andrew Bynum as rumored. This off-season with the drafting of Anthony Bennett, primarily a PF, and Sergey Karasev, primarily a SF, and the signing of Earl Clark and now Jack the Cavs have added 4 core players to their roster. Carrick Felix was drafted in the second round and could fight for a roster spot. We will later review the over all roster comprehension, but its safe to say the Cavs will have more of a bench then in past seasons. The have now replaced Shaun Livingston and Maureese Speights with Jarrett Jack and Earl Clark. The Cavs will continue to look for a big man, hopefully a rim protector type, and possibly another small forward. Big men available that might look to sign 1 year contracts include possibly Greg Oden or Samual Dalenbert. The Cavs still want to preserve cap space for next year so look for any other signings this off-season to include team options for 2014. If a trade occurs the Cavs may look to move future salary, which is significantly limited, possibly only Anderson Varejao.

Future Off-Seasons:

With these signings the Cavs have some math to think about going into the 2014 off-season. A certain Free Agent, Lebron James, is eligible for a first year salary starting around $20 million. Give this the Cavs would need at least much to sign him straight without some sign and trade. Given assumed salaries for extensions for Kyrie and Tristan Thompson, and the Cavs declining their option on Anderson Varejao and Earl Clark. Jack’s approximate $6 million salary makes cutting both of these players necessary to sign a max level player. Like Houston did this off-season the Cavs can always look to move young talent for future picks or players in Europe. They can also look to make a sign and trade deal with Miami if they are willing. Do not expect the Cavs to add much, if any salary to next year’s salary cap.

Current Roster

Starting Lineup

1. Kyrie Irving

2. Dion Waiters

3. Earl Clark (or Sergey Karasev or Alonzo Gee). Click here for our Earl Clark write up.

4. Tristan Thompson

5. Anderson Varejao

Bench

6. Anthony Bennett

7. Jarrett Jack

8. Tyler Zeller

9. Karasev

10. Gee

11. CJ Miles

12. Kevin Jones

13. Carrick Felix