Cavs claim Jon Leuer off waivers
2012-07-20In a move significant only to me, the Cavs snagged Jon Leuer off the waiver wire. Leuer is a guy that I ranked 24th in the 2011 draft class and advocated for Cleveland to draft at #32 last year. As one of three rookies last year to rate above average in PER, win shares per forty-eight minutes, and adjusted plus-minus…I ranked him as the eighth most effective rookie of 2011 – 2012.
Jon Leuer does work and probably dominates his draft mate
I recall liking him as a hard working, deceptively skilled, passably rebounding, solid shooting big guy. Not sure exactly where he fits in Cleveland’s crowded front court; but I would not be shocked to see him emerge as the Cavs fourth big man next year. His shooting should provide a capable pick-and-pop partner with Kyrie or Dion Waiters and a Leuer – Varejao front court could pair nicely opposite the Zeller – Thompson duo.
Even if it isn’t full blown write ups just throw up idea’s and let the commenters flush out ideas
Someday, somehow, I’ll find it in my heart to overlook this great injustice done to me.
S’all good man! I do agree with Isaac in saying that CtB has been lacking a bit in content recently – it’s it a busy-ness issue, or just a lack of content? If it’s the latter, I’m sure all us faithful commenters could brainstorm some things we’d like covered.
Tolliver isn’t that great of a player, but he does play hard. Though he has played the 4 at times, he is a 3, so I don’t think getting Leuer really changes all that much as far as he is concerned. I’d rather go with Delfino or Miles even if it means paying a little more.
Cavs the Blog has been slacking since the draft. Disappointed. Mostly go to FeartheSword now :/
Much better pickup than Tolliver at a much lower price. Now we need wings. PLUS he’s another chip or replacement for when/if we trade guys away for Andy B.
@Kevin I think carter was making an attempt at sarcasm. Whenever a big has been mentioned such as Darko, Asik, Bynum, or Humpries silly people have somehow gotten worried that the cavs would then give up on Zeller or TT. Or that averaging 5 mites less a game would somehow prevent them from an All-star in the future.
rodney mac,
I have been a bit out of the loop.
Carter,
Sorry for overlooking your sarcasm. I’ve missed the apparently repetitious free-agent-big-man-concerns.
Isaac,
We’ll be back and strong as ever. We deserve a short hiatus from our no-pay Cavs writing hobby, right? fearthesword is a good site.
I DON’T WANT HIM TAKING AWAY MINUTES FROM TT ZELLER AND ANDY -everyone on this blog
Carter,
Most teams play four big men a game, plus each of the other three players will get in foul trouble, miss games due to injury, etc.
This could dent Samardo’s opportunity, and Kevin Jones’s. Claiming Leuer off waivers probably means Harangody won’t play at all this year…
Good question about Tolliver, Scuzz. I would assume he’s off our list but…
Def excited about this guy. When he was given minutes he produced.
So does this mean they are no longer interested in Anthony Tolliver?
I mentioned Miles a few weeks ago as a nice potential cheap get for the Cavs as well…
Hollinger had in ranked 14th in the 2011 draft. Even with the loss of Jamison, I think that Zeller/Leuer/Jones fits this team better than Jamison/Erden/Hollins. It’s a little smaller, but so is the rest of the NBA. It’s also more athletic. The pieces the Cavs are gathering seem to fit together very well, especially with the quicker, slimmed down Samuels.
Really glad they picked him up. I was actually surprised he hit the waiver wire in the first place, and was hoping the Cavs would take a flier on him.
Wow… I absolutely LOVE this. He has some real size and a soft touch. He isn’t a particularly good rebounder, but isn’t totally horrible either. I would worry a bit with our defensive rebounding with him and TT out there at the same time, but other than that, he provides some great rotation possibilities. I’m more surprised that he was on waivers to begin with. Have we looked into Delfino at all? He isn’t amazing, but can be an average player at times, and we still don’t really have an average player on the wing. I like his size, and… Read more »
JAG,
I agree. If Zeller is decent next year, and I think he will be, a front court rotation of Varejao, Zeller, improved TT, Leuer, Samuels and Jones could look like an actual NBA front court.
I am giddy with anticipation.
Good thing the team got Luke Harangody tied up, too.
I recall hollinger really liked him coming out
I totally agree that Leuer should be a good pickup. I was hoping the Cavs might get him in round two last year and thought he looked better than advertized in Milwaukee as a rookie. Coming from Wisconsin he has sound fundamentals and is a good shooter. He should make a good stretch four for the Cavs. Replacing Hollins and Erden with Zeller and Leuer is a major upgrade. Add Kevin Jones to the mix along with Andy, Samardo and TT and the Cavs have the makings of a very diverse and talented frontcourt.
Love it too. I never realized what a physical specimen this dude is. He is only 1 inch shorter than Zeller, has a longer wing span, higher max vertical, more agile, and better bench. Plus he can shoot. Tom Gugliota anyone?
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jon-Leuer-5854/
Love this move! As soon as he was waived I was wishing we’d take a flyer on him. Good stuff…
Harangody just got sent down to Canton.