Samardo

Samuels

Starter Tristan Thompson struggled and Samuels got the nod tonight, but there’s not anything to see here. Samuels was averaging 4.8 points and 3.1 rebounds on the year before tonight.

The minute total is a bit disappointing given the Cavaliers lack of other options, but Samardo Samuel’s big line (15 points, three rebounds and two blocks) earned him some more minutes, which limited Thompson. While he won’t be the most consistent option, when you add it all up Thompson has a good shot at providing low-end value, with a hint of upside, too.

Samardo Samuels and Ryan Hollins will be his primary backups, while it appears that Semih Erden is out of the rotation entirely. Thompson has upside for blocks and rebounds, but in spite of the starting job he remains a ‘wait-and-see’ player.

Both Semih Erden and Ryan Hollins received DNP-CD’s in this one, and Samuels could be in line for a few more minutes backing up Antawn Jamison and Tristan Thompson. He’s still a long way from fantasy relevance, however.

Tuesday’s unsung hero was Manny Harris, and while Harris started tonight, it was Samuels who played well. Harris had just seven points, three boards and three assists in 22 minutes, as both players have seen a boost in playing time with Alonzo Gee out with an ankle injury.

The Cavs lack frontcourt depth and it’s possible that Erden will settle into a healthy role backing up Anderson Varejao. He’s aided by Ryan Hollins’ ineptitude and the fact that Samardo Samuels has been in coach Byron Scott’s doghouse all year.

Samuels simply isn’t getting it done. In Sunday’s loss to the Cavs, he went 0-for-3 from the field and committed five turnovers in 13 minutes. Look for Erden to get around 10 minutes against the Jazz Tuesday.

The Cavs are on their way to play the Raptors, but Samuels won’t be joining them and will miss the game. It’s a weird set of circumstances, but this is a reminder of what can happen during a fast-paced shortened season.

He did much of his damage at the free throw line and looked very good against rookie Brandon Knight. Anderson Varejao, Antawn Jamison, Samardo Samuels and Tristan Thompson all looked good for the Cavs, who will finish off their short preseason against the Pistons on Tuesday. After his first preseason game, it’s safe to say Irving’s stock is on the rise.

Cleveland plays at Minnesota, and fortunately for Samuels, he doesn’t need a passport to go there. Samuels is averaging 7.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 16 minutes per game off the bench.