Prior to Sunday afternoon’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Cleveland Cavaliers released reserve guard DeAndre Liggins and are expected to soon re-sign veteran Dahntay Jones to replace him according to a league source.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will use open roster spot to sign veteran Dahntay Jones, per a league source
— Chris Reichert (@Chris_Reichert) April 9, 2017
The 36-year-old Jones had been released by the Cavaliers last October, though he was part of the team’s opening night celebration and awarding of championship rings. He brings defensive skills as a wing defender and also has playoff experience.
Jones was signed just prior to the Cavs’ final regular season game and then saw limited action during last year’s postseason. However, he did provide a pair of key moments in the process that endeared him to teammates.
In the first instance, Jones delivered a hit to former Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo late in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. That was in response to LeBron James being struck by Biyombo earlier in the game, with James offering to pay for the fine assessed to Jones, who was also suspended for a game.
Then, in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Jones played in the latter stages of the second quarter and helped stop a Golden State rally, while also inducing a pair of fouls on the Warriors’ Draymond Green.
The Cavaliers are hoping that similar circumstances take place this season, though there’s no indication if Jones will be in uniform for Monday night’s game in Miami. He very well could see action in the regular season finale on Wednesday night against the Raptors.
