June 29, 2017

Walter Tavares
C, 7’3, 260lbs, 25 years old, 2 years of experience

In his 48 games with the Raptors 905 of the D-League, Tavares showed himself to being one of the better players in the league, a dominant shot blocker and good rebounder who is improving as a reasonably capable and efficient finisher around the basket. Tavares is limited for skill and fouls a lot, but the skill is not hugely important if he can just be a 7’3 shot-blocker, and the fouls do not matter much as a third stringer. If Cleveland is serious about his development and in making more moves like this in the short term, then Tavares was a good signing and should be kept until at least his guarantee date to see if he can contribute going forward.

Player Plan: An out-of-the-blue signing who nevertheless is a decent direction to go in. Two years at the minimum salary remaining, with neither guaranteed. Ideally would be upgraded upon, but better value for a roster spot than yet another veteran who does not move the needle at all.

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