Kevin

Pangos

Pangos agreed to a two-year deal before this season, with only the first year being guaranteed. A long-time standout in Europe after playing four years at Gonzaga, Pangos appeared in 24 games (three starts) for the Cavaliers this season. In those games, he averaged 1.6 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.3 3-pointers in 6.9 minutes per game. This transaction will not have an impact as far as fantasy is concerned, but it does free up a spot on the Cavaliers roster.

With Darius Garland (protocols) back in the starting lineup, Pangos was going to see his minutes cut significantly. Not only did that happen, but he didn’t play at all in Tuesday’s defeat, with Brandon Goodwin (two points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 16 minutes) serving as the backup point guard. Neither Pangos nor Goodwin should be rostered at this point, especially with the recently acquired Rajon Rondo waiting in the wings.

Garland is back after missing four games due to health and safety protocols, and he gets the start at point guard. There’s been no word regarding a possible minutes restriction, so fantasy managers should expect to see Garland take on his usual workload. Make sure he isn’t stashed in an IL+ slot. His return also means that Kevin Pangos returns to the bench, and there’s no reason to continue streaming the former Gonzaga standout in a reserve role.

Garland officially cleared quarantine on Monday and got in a practice with the team, so barring a setback, it looks like he’ll be back in action tomorrow night and the Cavs need him desperately. Expect Kevin Pangos to return to the second unit tomorrow night.

This was the Cavs’ first game without Ricky Rubio (knee) and with Darius Garland (COVID-19) still in quarantine, Pangos got the spot-start as the last standing point guard on the roster. However, he didn’t bring much to the stat sheet, and with Cleveland in talks to acquire Rajon Rondo from L.A., his time as a starter might not last much longer. He’s safe to leave on the waiver wire in most leagues.

Pangos, who enjoyed a successful career in Europe after starring at Gonzaga, will make his first NBA start Thursday night. He’s been thrust into the role due to injuries, as Darius Garland (health and safety protocols) and Ricky Rubio (torn ACL) are both out. Pangos is worth streaming until Garland is cleared to play, and Denzel Valentine is also worthy of a look.

The injury occurred late in last night’s game against the Pelicans, and we feared the worst and it came true. This is an absolutely brutal blow for Rubio and the Cavs, as he was an integral part of the team’s success early on and helped them to a surprise 20-14 start to the season. Collin Sexton is also out for the season with a meniscus tear, so once Darius Garland clears protocols, he will be relied on even more heavily on a team that is now very thin at point guard. Isaac Okoro is one guy who could benefit with this devastating news, and we may see some more Kevin Pangos as well, with Okoro being the one to speculatively add if you can afford to.

Pangos offers little in the way of fantasy value, so his absence will not have an impact.

The second year isn’t fully guaranteed but Pangos will earn $1.7 million during the 2021-22 season, so this isn’t merely a training camp invite. The 28-year-old Pangos went undrafted out of Gonzaga and has since played in Europe, including last season’s EuroLeague averages of 13.5 points, 2.3 triples, 6.6 dimes, 2.0 boards and 0.7 steals. He gives the Cavs competent depth at point guard, but is nowhere near the fantasy radar.