Cavs summer league: 5 players who could make the 2017-2018 roster
Brandon Paul, PG
The latest: regarding Brandon Paul, as of July 13.
Source: Brandon Paul, a Summer League star, is signing with the San Antonio Spurs.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) July 13, 2017
Brandon Paul is no stranger to the Cavs, having played with the Canton Charge last season in the G-League (formerly the NBA Developmental League).
He’s averaging 17.4 points and 3.3 assists and 3.3 steals per game. In the Orlando Summer League, Paul played for Dallas averaging 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Brandon Paul poured in a game-high 21 PTS to help the @cavs defeat the @warriors! #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/LQkRTBacgQ
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2017
Paul’s play has been so good, he’s caught the attention of ESPN, having been named to writer Kevin Pelton’s “Best of the Summer League” as a free agent.
"“In a year that lacks a single standout unsigned player, Paul tops the list,” Pelton wrote."
Paul, 26, went undrafted in 2013. He’s played in Spain and Turkey the past two seasons. His most recent club, Anadolu Efes, was also the home of the Cavs’ newest player, Cedi Osman.
The Cavs have struggled to find a suitable replacement to back Irving up since Matthew Dellavedova signed with the Milwaukee Bucks last summer.
Cleveland tried Deron Williams, but his age showed in the Finals.
According to Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net, the Cavs would like free-agent signing Jose Calderon to mentor a young third guard. Amico made the comments during a radio interview on Cleveland’s 92.3 The Fan.
The Cavs should invite Paul to training camp, because if they don’t get him under contract, another team might.
I hear guard Brandon Paul,26-year old who recently played in Turkey (and from Illinois) is close to landing an NBA deal . . .
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 5, 2017
Paul was the recipient of Illinois’ Mr. Basketball Award in 2009, given annually to the top prep standout in the state.