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Back in July, DeAndre Liggins began his journey back to the NBA in the Las Vegas Summer League. He must have made a good impression with the front office of the Cleveland Cavaliers (aka LeBron James), as they signed him to a camp deal on August 4th.
Liggins, often filling the role of a defensive specialist, has taken full advantage of this opportunity and it appears that he is headed for the final spot on the opening day roster of the defending NBA champions.
DeAndre Liggins just misdirected Kyle Korver so bad that he's still looking for him. #BBN #Cavs pic.twitter.com/Vjvnerncqc
— Scott Charlton (@Scott_Charlton) October 11, 2016
With Mo Williams working toward a buyout with the Cavaliers, the 15th roster spot has opened up and Liggins and Dahntay Jones seem to be the final candidates. And if you ask Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com, Liggins appears to have the advantage.
“Mo Williams is still taking up a roster spot. The Cavs are trying to work out a contract settlement,” Pluto wrote. “Williams just had knee surgery. But that stalemate means DeAndre Liggins and Dahntay Jones and are probably batting for the last spot on the roster. Liggins was the D-League Defensive Player of the Year. My guess is he has the edge."
Liggins was actually the D-League Defensive Player of the Year on two separate occasions (2014 and 2016), both coming after his Oklahoma City run was derailed by domestic violence charges.
Liggins’ perimeter defense is an obvious need for the Cavaliers. Although Jones’ skill set is similar to that of Liggins, Jones is eight years older and is no longer as athletic as the former Kentucky Wildcats star.
The Cavaliers open their season on October 25 as they host the New York Knicks at 8:00 p.m. Tune in on TNT to potentially see Liggins in his first regular season NBA action since the 2013-2014 season.