How Sam Merrill Has Helped Evolve Cavaliers Offense

Originally posted on FanNation Cavs Insider
By Tommy Wild | Last updated 1/23/24

Scouts have been able to watch game film and collect notes on Sam Merrill. Still, the Cleveland Cavaliers' sharpshooter is lighting up defenses and has been one of the hottest offensive players in the NBA over the last month.

J.B. Bickerstaff talked about why Merrill is such an important piece to the offense after he knocked down eight threes against the Orlando Magic on Monday night.

"He's just such a weapon, that defenses have really, really difficult decisions to make," said Bickerstaff. "He's not just a standstill guy, you don't know where you're going to find Sam."

How does the inclusion of Merrill in the rotation affect the team as a whole? Bickerstaff also touched on what he does to create more chances for himself and other players on the floor.

"But if [defenses] want to over rotate, like [against the Magic], they threw him the ball in the corner time and time again and he was just there to bang out threes. But he takes at least six eyes, so when he's moving and screens are being set on him, defenses shift to him he gets the shot or somebody else is getting the opportunity to play advantage basketball."

Merrill's three-point threat isn't going away anytime soon. He's putting up high-quality shots when he hits the floor. Merrill is attempting 17.6 threes per 100 possessions and is still shooting 43.1 percent from behind the arc.

The impact Merrill has had on the Cavs has helped their offense evolve and it's hard to envision them ever going back.

This article first appeared on FanNation Cavs Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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