Bleacher Report Calls Sam Merrill Cavaliers’ “Most Disrespected Hidden Gem”
sam-merrill-cavaliers-most-disrespected-hidden-gem
Bleacher Report analyst Dan Favale has identified guard Sam Merrill as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ “most disrespected hidden gem,” citing the 28-year-old’s rare mix of three-point volume and accuracy.
Merrill re-signed with Cleveland this offseason on a three-year, $27 million contract. Favale noted that the deal was justified by Merrill’s shooting profile: among players with at least 2,470 minutes over the past two seasons, only Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Donte DiVincenzo and Malik Beasley matched Merrill by attempting more than 10 threes per 36 minutes while converting at 38 percent or better.
Favale added that Merrill’s threes “come completely within the flow of the offense,” whether off screens, in spot-ups or after an escape dribble. The analyst also credited the guard for improved decision-making when defenders close out aggressively.
2023-24 Production
Merrill appeared in 71 games last season, averaging 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He shot 40.6 percent from the field, 37.2 percent from beyond the arc and 96.6 percent at the free-throw line.
His 137 made three-pointers ranked third on the Cavaliers and tied for 12th among NBA reserves. He also finished third in the league in bench plus-minus at +330. Cleveland went 54-17 in games where Merrill saw action.
Imagem: Getty via hoopswire.com
Expanded Role Ahead
With Ty Jerome departing for the Memphis Grizzlies in free agency, Merrill is expected to receive additional minutes next season. The Utah native carries career averages of 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists with a lifetime 38.6 percent mark from three across stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and Cavaliers.
Source: Hoops Wire
