Cavs: Grading the fit of every rumored NBA free agent linked to team

By Chad Porto | Aug 1, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: Head coach John-Blair Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on February 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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T.J. McConnell

Had T.J. McConnell arrived in Cleveland Thursday morning, this would’ve been an A+ of a fit. He’s a ball-handler, who can play defense, rebound, pass, and score inside. Maybe not a great fit as a starter, due to his inconsistent shooting, but McConnell was ideal for the Cavs and what they’re doing.

So is the guy who came in on Thursday evening, Ricky Rubio. Rubio is even better than McConnell at everything but rebounding. So the acquisition has made McConnell relatively moot. Depth isn’t the lone reason why McConnell dropped from an A+ to his current grade. No, that would be due to his play style. McConnell is a classic point guard, who needs the ball in his hand to make a difference and he’s very good at that. He’s usually a + on both offense and defense but his offensive +/- is dependent on him being ball-dominant.

With Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, and now Ricky Rubio (not to mention Cedi Osman), the Cavs don’t really have a need for another ball-dominant guard. McConnell isn’t as good off-ball as he is on, and that hurts his standing with the Cavaliers.

Fit Grade: C+

If he were a better shooter and could play off-ball, then sure. He isn’t, so Rubio made him redundant as a fit.

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