Aside from Kyrie Irving, there remains much uncertainty regarding the point guard position.
During the offseason the Cavaliers traded point guard D.J. Kennedy to the Memphis Grizzlies for point guard Jeremy Pargo, a second-round draft pick in 2014, and cash considerations. Free-agent Jonny Flynn was brought in during the offseason for workouts, but never signed with the team. Look for Pargo, Donald Sloan, and Justin Holliday to compete for the privilege to back up Irving.
Coach Scott has yet to name a starting shooting guard, and most predict that either rookie Dion Waiters, or C.J. Miles will claim the position. Kelenna Azubuike and Daniel Gibson figure to challenge for the remaining minutes.
The small forward position seems to be up for grabs with the main candidates being Alonzo Gee, C.J. Miles, and Omri Casspi. Casspi and Gee both started at the position for the Cavaliers last year, but it is evident that Gee has the upper hand after having the better season of the two.
The Cavaliers contain their most depth at the power forward position. Tristan Thompson will get his minutes. Look for Samardo Samuels, Jon Leur, and Michael Eric to compete for the remaining playing time.
Samuels has pushed himself this offseason by dropping 20 pounds and lowering his body fat from 15 percent to 6.5 percent. Expect the slim new Samuels to establish himself as a prominent role player for the team this season.
The Cavaliers learned the importance of having a capable backup center after Varejao went down last year. The team unsuccessfully attempted to use Semih Erden, who is no longer a Cavalier, to fill the gap. After the Erden experiment ran its course, they found a suitable solution by playing Thompson at the position.
The team has significantly upgraded since then with the addition of Tyler Zeller, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2012 draft out of the University of North Carolina. The former Tarheel runs the floor as well as any big man around and can stretch the court with his jump shot.
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