Factory Of Sadness
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Cavs: 4 restricted free agent point guards Cleveland should go after

By Chad Porto

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 28, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 28, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks in action against Matthew Dellavedova #18 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 18, 2019 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 123-105. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks in action against Matthew Dellavedova #18 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 18, 2019 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 123-105. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Dennis Smith

He’s not the instant plug-and-play fix that Lonzo Ball is, admittedly. Yet, the Pelicans may not want to lose Ball and will attempt to match any offer the Cavs extend. Dennis Smith, on the other hand, could be much more easily obtained. With Smith, you’re not getting guaranteed metrics but possibility. What Smith brings to the table is potential. A fireable offense if it doesn’t turn into something, but a career-making signing if he does.

What Smith needs more than anything is consistency. As the third guard on the team, Smith would ideally run the second unit. He wouldn’t be forced to be “the guy“, nor would Smith have to be the player the team builds around. He’d just have to fit in.

While he isn’t going to solve the problem with the perimeter shooting, what he can do is play great defense. With the Knicks in 2018-2019 and the Pistons this past season, Smith was one of the better defensive players on the team. He’s gritty and able to get in front of opposing players without fear of getting beat too easily.

The issue isn’t his defensive techniques, as he’s sound in the right system, the problem comes from his play-making abilities or lack thereof. While he’s put up 12 points per game for his career and four assists across the same span, he hasn’t exactly been the most reliable offensive force over the last few years.

Considering you’d have to offer quite a bit for Smith to get the Pistons to back off, there may be a lot of hesitation in going after a guy who may only improve you on defense.

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