Cavs News

Cavs News: Cleveland Cavaliers Exercise 3rd-Year Option on Ante Zizic

Published by
Justin Benjamin

Building on their youth movement, the Cleveland Cavaliers have exercised their third-year option on Ante Zizic.

Zizic, 21, was part of the package that brought Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and a 2018 draft pick to the Cavaliers in exchange for Kyrie Irving. While the 6-foot-11 center was an afterthought in the trade, he has stayed in Cleveland longer than Thomas and Crowder, who were dealt midway through last season.

Now with the Cavs extending the big man, Zizic appears to be a core player for the team’s future. In 32 games last season, the Croatian center put up 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in a mere 6.7 minutes a game. The youngster’s minutes are expected to rise this season as the Cavs prepare to develop their young players.

Cleveland’s decision to exercise their option on Zizic comes at a very challenging time for the franchise. After an 0-6 start to the 2018 NBA season, the team has fired head coach Tyronn Lue and learned that All-Star Kevin Love could be out for more than a month.

In other words, it might be time to start tanking.

Justin Benjamin

Justin's enormous respect for LeBron James has ignited him to write for the King and the Cavs. His all-around analysis and heart for the game has made him a premier NBA writer and proud staff writer for Cavaliers Nation.

Published by
Justin Benjamin

Recent Posts

Kevin Garnett on Cavs: ‘They got an identity, but then they don’t wear it all the time’

Former Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett directed some criticism the Cleveland Cavaliers'…

9 hours ago

Report: Franz Wagner ‘pierced’ one of Jarrett Allen’s ribs with an elbow during Game 4

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen suffered a rib injury due to an elbow from Orlando…

2 days ago

Marcus Morris on Cavs fans: ‘I just wanted to get an opportunity to show why they love me and why I love y’all’

Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Marcus Morris had a strong performance in his squad's pivotal Game 5…

3 days ago

Brian Windhorst snaps on Cavs, implies they’re shooting themselves in foot vs. Magic

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst went off on the Cleveland Cavaliers for not taking advantage of the…

4 days ago

Report: Cavs teammates had ‘patronizing’ reactions to Darius Garland 3-pointer earlier in Magic series

Teammates of Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Daris Garland reportedly gave the floor general multiple "patronizing…

5 days ago

Emoni Bates signs off on idea that he could win Most Improved Player in 2024-25 NBA season

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Emoni Bates may have come into the 2023-24 campaign in hopes of…

6 days ago