Last season as a rookie, Danny Green was perhaps more well known in Cleveland for his dance moves than his play on the court, but never the less when given the occasional chance to play, Green tended to make the most of it and play fairly well for a 2nd round pick. He at least showed enough promise that the Cavaliers were believed to be excited about his development coming into this season.
Danny Green played on the Cavaliers summer league team and there were some hopes that he would begin to show signs of progression in Vegas. Unfortunately, Green was quite inconsistent in Summer League and he never seemed to gain any forward traction.
This preseason was especially tough for Danny as he struggled mightily early and then saw his minutes slowly give way to unsigned invitee Manny Harris. From that point, the writing was on the wall for Green, as the only player with a fully unguaranteed contract.
As Scott pointed out yesterday, Green’s options will include both overseas and D-League. I think no matter what he decides to do, the most important thing for Danny will be to get consistent playing time. He played extremely well in his brief D-League appearance last year, and I think he just needs the minutes to get his confidence back in his game. I think there’s still a role for Danny Green somewhere in the NBA, but he’s going to have to work to improve his game to get back. I wish him nothing but the best, though, as he joins guys like Darnell Jackson on the list of former Cavs draft picks who I really enjoyed having on the team but unfortunately just had no role here anymore.
For Harris, this is precisely the break he was looking for. I mentioned Harris in my Summer League preview as I guy I was eager to see, and when he was unable to go this summer, I wondered if his opportunity had passed him by. Thankfully, he was healthy in time for training camp and the Cavs brought him to camp to see what he could do. Manny hasn’t looked back and has certainly made the most of the chance given to him by the Cavaliers.
Playing just under 20 minutes per game this preseason, Harris is averaging 9.8 points, 2.4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds on 50% shooting from the field. Amazingly, Harris was a poor 3 point shooter at Michigan but is actually shooting 57.1% from three this preseason. Playing quality defense and showing an easy integration into Byron Scott’s offense have all been plusses as well for Harris.
I wouldn’t expect Harris to get many minutes early in the season as Byron Scott will likely lean on some of the veterans, but any injuries to the backcourt could open the door for Harris and I expect him to be ready to go. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if by the end of the year Manny Harris has found a role on this team. In the NBA, every time a door closes for one player, it means a major opportunity for another.
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