NBA Free Agents 2012: Teams Who Must Find Veteran Help This Offseason
Veteran experience is one of the most crucial factors when it comes to enduring consistent success.
A team like the Cleveland Cavaliers need someone to come in and shine influence on their great young talent, because Cleveland possesses much potential. The Cavs are also not alone in this area, as the need for proven success must not go overlooked.
To that end, let's check out Cleveland among some other young teams that have to bring in a veteran who will make a strong and immediate impact.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Derek Fisher was a solid and reliable backup for Oklahoma City during its postseason push. Unfortunately, Fisher is far too past his prime to be a consistent contributor on the Thunder. As one of the most talented teams in the association, OKC could use a guy like Boris Diaw.
Diaw was a solid rotation player for San Antonio who can play power forward or center. In 20 games for the Spurs last season, Diaw averaged 20.3 minutes and 4.2 rebounds. Prior to San Antonio, Diaw was one of the better players in Charlotte.
There, Diaw received 27.5 minutes per game with 5.3 boards and 4.3 assists. The Thunder need a frontcourt player who can dish the rock around and play some reliable defense. OKC's rebounding won't miss a beat and Diaw would provide consistent production at each end.
Golden State Warriors
Selecting Michigan State's Draymond Green was a great pick by Golden State to improve the frontcourt. Green can play both forward positions and will significantly improve the Warriors' defense.
In addition, Harrison Barnes will contribute at small forward and shooting guard to keep the offense moving as well. Looking at a veteran who could help, Jared Jeffries would be a solid option to consider at power forward.
At age 30, Jeffries would make a strong impact in the rotation. When completely healthy, he can dominate the boards, consistently draw fouls, and score anywhere from five-to-seven points. The Warriors need a veteran presence at the forward rotation, and Jeffries' efficiency will pay the most dividends.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Presenting an abundance of impressive young talent, the Cleveland Cavaliers are missing a veteran who can contribute at guard or forward. The Cavs frontcourt is basically set with Tristan Thompson as the main man down low.
The backcourt has great potential in Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters, but bringing in a young vet like C.J. Miles would sustain an even brighter future; although now that may be more difficult as Miles has been linked to the Mavericks, according the Dallas News.
Still, Miles is a good fit for Cleveland because he's only be 25 years old and already has seven seasons under his belt. Not to mention, he can also provide the occasional start.
Being able to log time at small forward and/or shooting guard, Miles averaged 9.1 points per contest last season despite only getting 20.4 minutes per. The 2010-11 campaign was his most productive where he got 25.4 minutes and averaged 12.8 points with 3.3 rebounds per game.
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