The Cleveland Cavaliers have been going through a rough patch this season due to a plethora of injuries to their key players on the roster.
However, it has also allowed the team to offer opportunities to previously under-used players.
Sam Merrill arguably ranks at the top of the list for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The former 60th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft has seemingly found his spot on the team as a deadly three-pointer specialist.
While many are shocked by the sudden rise of Merrill, NBA analyst Jackson Flickinger has always known that Merrill has what it takes to be a respectable player in the NBA, as revealed via Tony Pesta on Twitter.
“He’s somebody who just needed a chance to show what he could do on a consistent basis and he’s never gotten that,” Flickinger said of Merrill.
If anyone has earned a victory lap, it's my co-host @Akron_Jackson
Here's a clip of Merrill Mania from today's JYP! pic.twitter.com/3tYFTVuJu3
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) December 23, 2023
As mentioned in the above-attached clip, Sam Merrill always had the talent to be proven useful if he was provided a fair chance.
Considering this is the first time in his career that Merrill is playing quality minutes, the 27-year-old has grabbed the opportunity with open arms.
Although Merrill is averaging just 5.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game for the Cavaliers this season, his shooting from the floor is extremely impressive.
Merrill has shot a somewhat acceptable 42.5% from the field, but he has been knocking down three-pointers with 45.3% efficiency.
Moreover, Merrill dropped a career-high 27 points during the Cavaliers’ recent victory against the Utah Jazz, which included a sensational 8-of-14 shooting performance from downtown.
NEXT: Reporter Projects The Cavs Rotation When The Team Is Fully Healthy
