Larry Sanders has not played in the NBA since December 2014, when he was still with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks bought him out in early 2015 and Sanders went to seek treatment for anxiety and depression.
The talented big man is now looking for a return to the NBA two years later and has had some interested suitors, and could be close to signing a deal. Sanders will reportedly have a workout on Wednesday with the reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers, and indications are, if that goes well, he will find himself as a member of the Cavs.
Cleveland believed to have workout set with free agent Larry Sanders today, sources tell ESPN. Sanders hasn't played since 2014-15 season.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 22, 2017
Cleveland's workout of Larry Sanders today is a solo setting centered on testing and evaluation physically, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/jamesblair06/status/834277023312908289
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in advanced talks with former #Bucks center, Larry Sanders. He's been contacted by 15 teams but prefers Cavs.
— Vern Thompson (@VernThompson) February 22, 2017
For his career, Sanders averaged 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, with his peak season coming in 2012-13 when he averaged 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks and appeared to be one of the league’s rising stars at the center position. Sanders never panned out for the Bucks, but that season proved that when he was focused on basketball and had his mind right, he could be a force, especially defensively.
The Cavaliers could use a bench rim protector (as could a lot of teams) after they lost that when Chris Anderson was lost for the season due to injury and let go. If Sanders could come in and provide 10-12 minutes on any given night of strong defense, he would be a significant addition to the defending champs. He’s not an offensive playmaker, like LeBron James has requested, but he could add depth and fill a need in Cleveland.
