Despite their unbeaten start to the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have suffered a rash of injuries to its role players. The Cavs’ newest setback is the absence of sharpshooter Sam Merrill, who has missed three games in a row due to a persistent left ankle injury.
Merrill has been Cleveland’s finest three-point shooter off the bench throughout their undefeated start. So, while the Cavs have gone unbeaten without Merrill, they’d like to have his perimeter shooting back. Fortunately, according to Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavs may not have to wait much longer.
“He’s still day-to-day,” Atkinson said before Sunday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets when asked about Merrill’s condition. “He’s still little sore. But, again, I don’t see this as a long-term situation. But he’s simply trying to get his ankle right.”
According to Atkinson’s statements, Merrill would most likely be available if the Cavaliers made the playoffs. However, Cleveland’s schedule has been reduced to begin the season, and they cannot afford to overwork their players. This is why the Cavaliers rested Donovan Mitchell against the Hornets. So, while Cleveland would love to have Merrill available, caution is preferable for long-term success.
Who has stepped up for the Cavs with Sam Merrill sidelined?
While Merrill has been out for Cleveland’s previous three games, Atkinson has urged other players to stand up. As it has been all season for the Cavs, it is difficult to identify who has stepped up the most. Darius Garland and Isaac Okoro stood out as three-point shooters in their victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Caris LeVert and Georges Niang, meanwhile, were a bomb away from the Bulls’ perimeter.
“We have great depth,” Atkinson stated. “I don’t think every team can do this. We’re lucky. We have amazing depth. It has been proven thus far. And [this is] another opportunity for some different people to play tonight, including guys who don’t play as much.”
Against the Hornets, Evan Mobley and Ty Jerome spearheaded the Cavs’ three-point attack. Cleveland’s three-point attack has relied on everyone working together. So, while the Cavs would love to have Merrill participate, the team is doing fine without him for now.
What will Cleveland get on offense when Sam Merrill returns?
Merrill’s next chance to play for the Cavs will be against the Boston Celtics on the road. Although Cleveland has remained unblemished, they will need all hands on deck to overcome the reigning NBA Champions. So, while it’s unclear whether Merrill will return when the Cavs face the Celtics, he would dramatically improve Cleveland’s offense.
Despite missing three games, Merril is the Cavs’ third-leading three-point shooter. Furthermore, before Cleveland faced Charlotte, Merrill made the third-most, emphasizing his value to the Cavs’ three-point shooting.
These figures are remarkable because Cleveland is extremely efficient from the perimeter, scoring the fourth most in the NBA. Fortunately, based on Atkinson’s statements, Merrill should return sooner rather than later. While it may not be against the Celtics, where the Cavs want to start the season 16-0, Cleveland will be even more potent on offense with Merrill back.
