Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland Cavaliers have been on the lookout for a backup point guard following Matthew Dellavedova’s departure. They began the season with hopes that Kay Felder will reliable backup, but through 12 games so far, that hasn’t quite panned out. And now, the team is rumored to be looking at Deron Williams and D.J. Augustin as potential targets.
According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, the Cavs were originally eyeing former LeBron James teammate Norris Cole, who is currently playing in China, but have since decided to look elsewhere after reports said that Cole might not be available until February. Vardon opines that the team should set its sights on the Dallas Mavericks’ Deron Williams and the Orlando Magic’s D.J. Augustin. Free agents signed over the summer can be traded starting Dec. 15.
Deron Williams has been hounded by a calf injury this season, playing in only six of the Mavs’ 13 games. In those games, he is averaging 12.5 points, and 4.8 assists in those, while shooting just 39.7% from the field. His absence has been just one of many injuries that have contributed to Dallas’ horrible 2-11 start. Meanwhile, D.J. Augustin, who was acquired in the offseason, is doing a solid backup job in Orlando, averaging 9.4 points and 2.6 assists in just 18 minutes a game.
The Cavs (11-2) have maintained their Eastern Conference dominance despite their backup point guard situation. They have the best offense in the East, while placing fourth overall. They have spread minutes at point guard among Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert and Felder. The Cavs had high hopes after Felder’s strong showing in Summer League and preseason. That has not translated to the season, though, with the 5’9” guard only averaging 3.2 points and 1.2 assists in just eight minutes per game.