Cavs news: Team needs Matthew Dellavedova more than you think

In Cavs news, the team re-signed free agent Matthew Dellavedova.

Cavs die hards are thrilled over the team’s decision to keep 2016 NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova.

And while the rest of the league yawned at Cleveland’s move, the decision to re-sign the veteran is more important than you think.

No, Delly’s not going to be the reason the Cavs take the next step in their rebuilt, but his reputation still holds true: He’s a tough, works hard and sets a good example. For a young Cavs’ team, that’s a great thing to have.

Plus, don’t forget the backcourt of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. Sexton looks better suited as a shooting guard, while Garland is far from a proven point guard.

When things went stagnant with Garland or Sexton, Delly could at least come into a game and get the ball moving.

Unfortunately, his shooting was a huge liability for most of the 2019-2020 campaign. The Cavs were virtually playing four on five when Delly was on the court.

That changed after the All-Star break and a coaching change. Under J.B. Bickerstaff, Delly became, at the very least, a respectable threat from beyond the arc.

It’s only a five-game sample size form March, but in those contests, Delly averaged 6.8 points while shooting 35.3 percent from 3-point range. He also averaged a whopping 9.2 assists per contest.

He may not be the most athletically gifted, but Delly’s going to give the effort. For an offense that’s going to have growing pains, he should be able to facilitate enough to make things a little easier to watch.

1. The Javale McGee trade came as a surprise. The Cavs sent Jordan Bell and Alfonzo McKinnie to get him, in addition to a 2026 second-round draft pick.

The Lakers needed to free up money and the Cavs needed a big man after Tristan Thompson signed with the Celtics.

2. McKinnie became expendable with the selection of Isaac Okoro. Factor in that Dylan Windler is finally healthy and should be ready to play to go along with incumbent starter Cedi Osman, and the small forward spots dried up.

3. McGee is on an expiring contract. Perhaps the Cavs flip him before the trade deadline. Maybe they don’t.

4. Speaking of Tristan, jersey retirement is being debated among fans, to which I say, “OK, great.”

Of Cleveland’s three teams, the Cavs seem to be have the most lax rules for retiring numbers.

Even Akron native Nate Thurmond’s number 42 hangs from the rafters. Thurmond had a stellar career, but he was at the end of the line when he played in Cleveland. He averaged 4.6 and 5.5 points in final two seasons wearing a Cavs uniform.

So, sure, retire Thompson’s number. Retire everybody’s numbers from the 2016 champs, as far as I’m concerned.

The Indians retire numbers of those enshrined in the baseball hall of fame. The only number that doesn’t belong to a HOFer? Mel Harder–and a case could certainly be made for the man known as “Chief.”

He pitched for the Tribe from 1928-1947 and then served as a coach in some capacity from 1948-1963.

For the Browns, it’s a a bit more difficult to retire numbers, since rosters are bigger and those numbers are needed. That’s why the Browns and other teams have their respective “Ring of Honor.”

Otto Graham (14), Jim Brown (32), Ernie Davis (45), Don Fleming (46) and Lou Groza (76) are the only Browns to have their numbers retired.