The Cleveland Cavaliers view being snubbed as a “killer” to development.
In Cleveland Cavaliers rumors, the team is miffed at not being invited by the NBA to be one of the team’s to finish out of the season. Twenty-two squads received an invite, but the Cavs, with zero chance to earn a playoff berth, weren’t extended an offer.
Heath concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic are THE reason Cleveland was left out. If they’re not a serious contender to make the postseason, why put the team at risk.
While that may be, at least one anonymous member of the organization was miffed at being left out, via Cleveland.com.
"“This is a killer for us and our development.”"
The Cavs were hoping to evaluate how young guards Collin Sexton, Kevin Porter and Darius Garland would respond with Andrew Drummond as force in the middle. Everyone else in the league views the big man as a relic, but Cleveland was banking on the former Piston in helping their young core take a huge step forward.
The Cavs were also looking for Drummond to boost the play of Kevin Love, as Cleveland added an experienced “win now” player.
However, the experiment lasted just eight games, rather than the 22 originally scheduled.
It didn’t take long, but the decision to leave the Cavs out of return is already looking smart, as news surfaces from Japan’s return to baseball. Two players who were isolated have now tested positive for COVID-19.
Would 22 games really have made a difference? Hard to say. The bad part about all of this is that Tristan Thompson, who has likely played his last game in a Cleveland uniform, won’t get a proper sendoff.
Drummond will be around next year, as it would be a shock if turned down his $26 million player option. With economic uncertainty expected to hit NBA payrolls, it’s unlikely Drummond will find that on the open market.