Sam Merrill Named Cavaliers’ ‘Most Disrespected Hidden Gem’

Sam Merrill has been named the Cleveland Cavaliers’ “most disrespected hidden gem” by an NBA analyst.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes Merrill’s “meld of long-range volume and efficiency is anomalous.”

The Cavaliers re-signed Merrill to a three-year, $27 million contract this offseason. 

“Regardless of where you land, Merrill’s payday did not come out of nowhere,” Favale wrote. “His meld of long-range volume and efficiency is anomalous. Among everyone who has tallied at least as many minutes as him over the past two seasons (2,470), Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Donte DiVincenzo and Malik Beasley are the only players to average over 10 three-point attempts per 36 minutes while hitting them at a 38 percent or better clip.

“Merrill’s utility goes beyond those numbers to boot. The manner in which his triples come are divine—completely within the flow of the offense. He can bombs away coming around screens, from a standstill or on the heels of an escape dribble. He doesn’t take a lot of twos, but he’s improved at dribbling away from aggressive closeouts and spraying the ball out to other shooters. Offensive possessions will never stall out because of him.”

Merrill appeared in 71 games for the Cavaliers last season. He averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 40.6% from the field, 37.2% from beyond the arc and 96.6% from the free-throw line. 

A Utah native, Merrill’s 137 made triples were the third-most on the Cavaliers and tied for 12th in the NBA among reserves. Merrill also ranked third in the NBA in +/- off the bench (+330).

Cleveland lost Ty Jerome to the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason in free agency, meaning Merrill will see more minutes next season. The Cavaliers went 54-17 when Merrill played last season. 

Sam Merrill has career averages of 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists with the Milwaukee Bucks and Cavaliers. He’s a career 38.6% shooter from 3. 

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