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Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder told the story of one season in Atlanta as an assistant coach to describe the impact Kyle Korver has on a team.
"At that time, my hip was pretty much bone on bone," Snyder said. "I got it replaced soon after that. Thankfully, when I rebounded for Kyle, I didn't have to move much."
That's how good a shooter Korver is.
Korver made his Cleveland debut on Tuesday night against the Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Korver joined Cleveland after being traded last week to the Cavaliers by the Hawks.
How Korver fits in with the Cavaliers is a multi-part answer. When Cleveland is fully healthy, he is a shooter off the bench. Korver's 3-point shooting ability came to prominence as a member of the Jazz during the Deron Williams era. He later became an adequate defender with the Chicago Bulls and was an all-star with Atlanta team that won 60 games in the 2014-15 season.
"We brought him here to shoot the ball," Cavaliers forward LeBron James said.
Korver's role with Cleveland will be to make shots when the ball rotates his way, and to offer spacing on the floor, so James and Kyrie Irving can operate without being double-teamed.
Nothing the Cavaliers do with their roster compilation comes with the Golden State Warriors far from mind after Kevin Durant signed with the Warriors in free agency. But Korver makes Cleveland a stronger team offensively. With JR. Smith injured and not expected back until late in the regular season, Korver fills in as a starter. Being able to bring him off the bench come playoff time would be a luxury for Cleveland.
Guaranteed Withey
Jazz center Jeff Withey had his contract guaranteed for the remainder of the season. Tuesday was the deadline day for the Jazz to make a decision on his future.
Withey isn't a part of Utah's playing rotation but brings value to the roster as a shot blocker, and has played well in the role as the third center.
"It's a blessing to be here," Withey told The Tribune. "It shows that the organization trusts what I bring. It feels good that I don't have to wonder if I'm going to be here."
Burks to play for Stars on Wednesday
As part of his rehabilitation process from a pair of surgeries, Jazz guard Alec Burks is expected to play for the D-League's Salt Lake City Stars on Wednesday night.
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