Cavaliers Roundup: Merrill Shines Early, Mitchell Draws Praise, Garland Continues Rehab
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The Cleveland Cavaliers’ offseason bet on Sam Merrill is paying off quickly. After re-signing the guard to a four-year, $38 million contract aimed at easing salary-cap pressure, head coach Kenny Atkinson called Merrill “probably our best player” through the club’s first three games.
Merrill, now starting in the backcourt, averaged 7.2 points on 40.6 percent shooting last season. The 28-year-old said the team’s established chemistry allows him to speak up despite his role, noting that “everyone listens to each other.”
Hip injury sidelines Merrill for Boston matchup
Merrill logged only 18 minutes in Monday’s win at Detroit after a collision with teammate Evan Mobley left him with a right hip contusion. The injury will keep him out of Wednesday’s game against the Celtics, according to the club.
Mitchell delivers 35 in Detroit, coach says star is overlooked
Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points on the second night of a back-to-back against the Pistons. Atkinson said the First Team All-NBA guard is “underrated” nationally, attributing the lack of attention to Mitchell’s low-key personality and absence of controversy.
Garland assigned to Charge for conditioning
Darius Garland, recovering from offseason toe surgery, was sent to the G League’s Cleveland Charge for conditioning, the NBA transaction log shows. The point guard, in the second season of a five-year deal, carries a $39,446,090 cap hit this year and remains listed as out for Wednesday’s contest.
Source: HoopsRumors
