The Cleveland Cavaliers have released shooting guard Zhaire Smith, as noted in the NBA transactions log. This is the third roster change the Cavs have made in the last two days. In addition to waiving Smith, they signed undrafted rookie guard Darius Brown II to a training camp contract and released point guard Jacob Gilyard.
Smith, 25, stands 6-foot-5 and was the 16th overall pick in a previous NBA Draft. He joined the Cavaliers last fall and spent most of the season playing for the Cleveland Charge, their G League affiliate. He did, however, receive a brief call-up to the Cavaliers on a 10-day contract in February.
Last season, Smith played 47 games with the Charge, averaging 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting nearly 40% from three-point range. Although he has played 13 NBA games with the 76ers, it is likely that Smith will return to the Charge.
As for Brown, he is 6-foot-2 and averaged 12.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds last season at Utah State. He also shot nearly 40% from three-point range over 35 games.
The Cavaliers continue their preseason schedule with a game against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The team lost its first two preseason games, falling to the Bulls and the Pacers. Coach Kenny Atkinson has indicated that the starters may see more playing time in the last two preseason games. Cleveland will also play Chicago again on Friday before opening the regular season against Toronto next week.
An Exhibit 10 contract, like the one signed by Brown, is a non-guaranteed deal that can be converted into a two-way contract or provide bonuses if the player stays with the G League team for at least 60 days.
Leave a Reply