Former Buckeye Leads Cavs Affiliate

Former Ohio State Buckeye forward Ivan Harris leades the Erie Bayhawks, Cavs D-League Affiliate, in scoring with 17  points per game.  Harris' rights are not owned by any team but his play is leading the Bayhawks who are 10-6 and are currently fourth in D-League standings.

On assignment from the Cavs are guard Christian Eyenga (12.3 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 15 games) and forward Samardo Samuels (14.5 PPG and 4 RPG in two games).  Samuel's presence has been felt immediately, scoring 12 and 17 in his first two games while getting to the foul line 17 times, making 13.

Eyenga had struggled initially but has seemed to adapt to playing American style basketball and has scored 20 or more points three time now.  Eyenga continues to improve and hopefully his development will put him on track to be a contributor to the Cavs next season. 

However the shooting guard position should be wide open next year.  Anthony Parker's contract expires and will most likely not be returning to the Cavs leaving his spot up for grabs between the current starter, Daniel Gibson and reserve guards Manny Harris and newly acquired Alonzo Gee.

Other notables for the Bayhawks are former Cleveland State standout Cedric Jackson (12.1 PPG and 6.6 APG) and former Akron forward Nate Linhart (11.1 PPG and 5.7 RPG).  As the NBA continues to change its player development and scouting plans, more players are coming out of the D-League or are using their assignments to their advantage than in previous years.  New Cavs guard Alonzo Gee was the D-League Rookie of the Year last season, earning him spots with Washington, San Antonio and now Cleveland.

The Cavs need to focus themselves on development and rebuilding at this point, going 1-15 in December it is time to let the young guys carry the bulk of the minutes, more losses result in a better draft pick anyway.  The Cavs are rumored to be active among trade talks, however to Chris Grant's credit he does not want to be the third wheel who just helps facilitate Carmelo's trade he wants to come away with tangible results, such as stockpiling more draft picks.

There is way too much talent floating around these days that the Cavs shoud be saddled with older players like Parker or Moon.  It is time to officially cut the losses and use each day to develop this team's young players into a formidable team.  I am not saying that guys like Harris, Gee, Hickson or Gibson can or will become all-stars, but I do feel that these are guys who have lots of potential and can become talented players.  It is time to develop our talent rather than watch them develop elsewhere, anyone remember watching Shannon Brown play for the Cavs?