When the Cleveland Cavaliers used their second round pick on Sir'Dominic Pointer in the 2015 NBA Draft there were some people that thought he might be able to take over as LeBron James' backup at small forward. The Cavaliers have since gone out and re-signed James Jones and brought in Richard Jefferson for that role so now the Cavaliers will be able to let him develop with their D-League affiliate. Pointer reportedly won't even be in training camp with the Cavaliers and will instead report straight to the Canton Charge's training camp, according to Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
When Pointer was drafted the Cavaliers roster was basically empty which is why many thought there was a chance he could make the team but now the Cavaliers have a glut of perimeter players making him the odd man out. Pointer has good size and athleticism for an NBA small forward at 6 foot-6 but his offensive game needs a lot of work. Pointer would likely be able to help out immediately on defense but the Cavaliers are looking for a championship next season and decided to go with veteran's that can shoot.
Pointer played for four years at St. Johns before entering the draft and although he was just OK in his first three seasons he took a major step forward his senior season which raised his NBA stock. In 33 games as a senior Pointer averaged career highs in points (13.7 per games), rebounds (7.7 per game), blocks (2.4 per game) and shooting percentage (52 percent.)
Pointer was the Red Storms Swiss army knife as he did everything for them and led them to the NCAA Tournament but if he wants to be successful in the NBA he is going to have to get some sort of perimeter jump shot. In his four college seasons Pointer took 109 three pointers but made only 21 of them which is 19 percent and that won't cut it in the NBA.
The move to send Pointer immediately to the D-League is a smart one by the Cavaliers as they know he doesn't have a spot on the fifteen man roster. They are now making a long-term investment in him and hoping that Pointer will be able to become more than a slasher on the offensive side of the ball. If Pointer can somehow develop a consistent jump shot he has a chance to make an impact as an NBA player in the future.
