Factory Of Sadness
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Cleveland Cavaliers: Who could fill the two open roster spots?

By Ryan Rosko

DENVER - NOVEMBER 16: A detail photo of the ball as it falls through the rim as the Denver Nuggets face the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center on November 16, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 120-118. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER - NOVEMBER 16: A detail photo of the ball as it falls through the rim as the Denver Nuggets face the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center on November 16, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 120-118. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers look completely different now and more changes are on their way. Exactly how though remains to be seen.

After multiple trades made very quickly, the Cleveland Cavaliers set themselves up nicely for both the short and long-term.

Six players and their own first round pick were moved out and four players were brought in. Therefore, two open roster spots have opened up and need to be filled.

A number of talented players expected to be dealt weren’t in the NBA and some of those of players could now turn into buyout candidates to sign. With that in mind, one player is already expected to fill one of the spots.

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According to New York Times’ Marc Stein, center Kendrick Perkins should fill a spot.

The veteran big man was playing for the Cavs’ G-League affiliate Canton Charge earlier this season. The last time Perkins played in the NBA was in 2016 with the New Orleans Pelicans. Prior to his stint in the Big Easy, Perkins played for Cleveland during the 2014-15 season.

So, with the expectation that Perkins will take a spot, who could join him?

Could another big man join Cleveland even with Perkins? I wouldn’t rule it out because who knows how much they can really expect out of Perkins. Therefore, I mention the possibility of Dallas Mavericks PF/C Nerlens Noel.

Noel has fallen out of favor partly due to injury in Dallas but would provide Cleveland more youth, athleticism, and talent off the bench at a bargain price.  Noel will be eligible to play after the all-star break.

So far this season, Noel has played in just 18 games where he has averaged four points and just over four rebounds. In his career, Noel has averaged 9.5 points and 7.2 rebounds.

If not Noel, maybe current Denver Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried. Faried was mentioned in trade talks but never was dealt. Like Noel, Faried could provide frontcourt help as well.

He is barely playing (just 14.4 minutes/game) and has averaged during that time 5.9 points and 4.8 rebounds. Over the course of his career, Faried has averaged 11.4 points and 8.2 rebounds.

One guard to keep an eye on is Atlanta Hawks guard Marco Belinelli. The 10-year vet was expected to be dealt but never was.

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While most know Belinelli for his work beyond the arc, he has filled a number of roles over the years and would be another great wing option to fill whatever Cleveland needs to be done. If Belinelli ends up in Cleveland and plays like he did when he played for the San Antonio Spurs, for example, watch out!

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