The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to be the most interesting, and the most talked-about NBA franchise in the 2017-18 NBA season. Whether it's because of LeBron James, or the fact that they are considered as the only real threat to the Golden State Warriors to win the NBA title, the Cavaliers continue to make headlines. Lately, they've been playing great basketball as they are currently on a nine-game winning streak. The Cavs are now in the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings, but they still have a couple of issues to resolve.
They have several key players injured, and it seems they lack depth even with all of the players they've acquired.
Tristan Thompson will be out for at least one more week due to a calf injury, while Isaiah Thomas is expected to be back in a couple of weeks. Derrick Rose is also out due to his ankle injury, while Iman Shumpert is having knee issues. With all of this being said, here's a look at some of the available players that could help the Cavs if they decide to acquire them.
1. Brandon Bass
Bass is currently playing in China for the Liaoning Dinosaurs in the Chinese CBA league. He is a 12-year NBA veteran as he was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2005. Bass played 52 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season and averaged 5.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game while playing an average of 11.1 minutes per game.
Bass holds career averages of 8.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He could help the Cavaliers in many ways, with his veteran experience and his presence in the locker room. He could also be a decent backup at the power forward position.
2. Kris Humphries
Humphries is currently a free-agent without a team, and last season he played 56 games for the Atlanta Hawks.
He averaged 4.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last season with the Hawks in 12.2 minutes per game. He is a 6-foot-9 power forward with solid shooting and rebounding skills. The Cavaliers could use his presence in the paint, especially with all the injuries right now. Humphries shot 35 percent from three-point land last season.
3. Boris Diaw
The 35-year-old Diaw is currently playing in France for the Paris-Levallois. He would be a great pickup for the Cavaliers, even at the age of 35. Diaw played 73 games for the Utah Jazz last season, and he once again showed he still has what it takes to be a productive NBA player. He is a versatile, 6-foot-8 power forward with great passing and ball-handling skills. Diaw has championship pedigree, and lots of playoff experience as well. Diaw holds career averages of 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
4. Brandon Jennings
The 6-foot-1 point guard, Brandon Jennings is currently playing in China for the Shanxi Zhongyu. He was the 10th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft and for his career, he is averaging 14.3 points, 5.7 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game.
The Cavaliers could sign him on a veterans-minimum contract and could benefit from his scoring and playmaking abilities. Jennings is a 35 percent three-point shooter for his career and he also has some playoff experience. He is still just 28 years old, and there's no reason why he shouldn't get another chance in the NBA. Why not with the Cavaliers?
5. Monta Ellis
And last but not least, Monta Ellis. At 32 years of age, Ellis still has a lot to offer in the NBA. He was waived by the Indiana Pacers this past summer, after spending two seasons with the team. He is currently a free-agent and the Cavaliers could also sign him on a minimum deal. The 6-foot-3 Ellis holds career averages of 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. The Cavaliers could use his instant offense in the playoffs, especially if he comes off the bench with the second unit.
