Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Trades To Upgrade Point Guard Position

Mar 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) reacts to an official
Mar 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) reacts to an official /
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Mar 2, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) celebrates against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated Sacramento Kings 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Conley

2016 Season (Through March 9): G-56, GS-56, PPG- 15.3, AST- 6.1, REB- 2.9, FG- 42.2%,  3P- 36.3%

(ESPN NBA Trade Machine)
(ESPN NBA Trade Machine) /

Former Ohio State Buckeye and current Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley just doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves. Without Conley, the Grizzlies would be at the bottom of the Western Conference.

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Conley is 22nd amongst point guards in assist ratio (28), but most importantly ranks second in turnover ratio (6.9). He’s ahead of Irving in value added (226), and estimated wins added (7.5). The underrated guard was named second team All-Defense in 2013, further proof of his ability to impact different facets of the game.

Small forward Tony Allen, the other player involved in the deal, is an excellent defender. He was named first team All-Defense in 2012, 2013, and 2015.

This season he’s averaged 1.6 steals per game and has a defensive efficiency rating of 102.4. Allen adds little value offensively. The Oklahoma State product has averaged double-digit points once in his 12-year career.

I like both Conley and Allen, but I don’t know if I’m completely sold on the deal. Conley, 28, is in his ninth year in the league, and Allen, 34, is in his twelfth. Therein lies the problem. The duo provides no upside at this juncture in their careers.

Conley would run the point better than Irving in Cleveland, but for how long is the issue.

Next: Rajon Rondo