The pecking order is pretty clear for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Most people would agree that their success lies with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley.
However, coach Kenny Atkinson wants to continue to boast a deep bench and a long rotation in the playoffs, and role players have been crucial for this team all season long.
Notably, that’s also been true about Sam Merrill, perhaps more than ever.
Merrill was often on the court as a one-dimensional, three-point shooting specialist.
He was constantly picked off on defense.
That’s not the case anymore.
Merrill has spent a lot of time working on his defense in the offseason and throughout the course of the season, and it’s showing.
That’s why Allen admitted that, while he doesn’t strike someone as a strong defensive presence, he’s taken huge strides on that end of the floor:
“[Sam Merrill] doesn’t pass the eye test as a defender,” teammate Jarrett Allen said. “I mean, let’s just be honest. But every single play he’s out there, he’s fighting through screens and his one-on-one defense against Andrew Wiggins a couple of days ago was excellent. I think he’s realizing he can be a great shooter like he is already and an excellent defender as well. He’s starting to unlock that for himself.”
Merrill is going to be a free agent at the end of the season.
That may have motivated him to take a big leap on defense to go from a sharpshooting specialist to a prototypical 3-and-D player.
He’s running and fighting through screens, and while he doesn’t have the quickest hands or the longest wingspan, he’s done a strong job of staying attached to his player like a fly on the wall.
Playing defense clearly has plenty to do with physical traits and athleticism, but it might be even more related to hustle and effort, and Merrill has plenty of that.
This team is full of unsung heroes, and it’s nice to see the stars give them their flowers when they deserve them.
NEXT: Jarrett Allen Makes A Case For 1 Cavs Teammate To Win Notable Award
