Hudson has made Cavs consider whether to keep him
Last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers' scouting department uncovered forward Alonzo Gee. Could they have found another gem in the D-League this year in Lester Hudson?
Hudson is on his second 10-day contract with the Cavs. He has made such a large impact; he might be their go-to guy in the late goings of games.
His success could be fleeting, however. Once his second 10-day deal expires on April 18, there are no guarantees he'll even be around. The Cavs will either sign him for the final five games or kick him free.
That's unlikely, however. He looks like someone they want to keep around -- perhaps for a long time.
There's a reason he hasn't stuck with the other NBA teams for which he has appeared -- Boston, Memphis and Washington. Hudson is listed at 6 feet 3 and 190 pounds. In reality, he's a shade over 6 feet.
He's not a pure point guard. He's a guy who can give you minutes at both guard spots.
In five games before the Washington contest Saturday night, Hudson averaged 20 points, 3.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals. Since April 1, Hudson's 17.3 points per game ranks second among NBA reserves. Only New Jersey forward Gerald Green (17.5) has averaged more.
Some have wondered why the Cavs haven't signed Hudson for next year, like they did with guard Donald Sloan and guard Manny Harris. Neither player has guaranteed money for next year.
Hudson's play might dictate that he gets a guaranteed or at least a partially guaranteed contract for next year. He might even earn a multi-year deal. The Cavs will likely let this play out a bit. There's no need for them to rush into anything.
If the Cavs aren't interested in signing Hudson for next year, he could have other suitors.
The Cavs are looking for a backup point guard behind Kyrie Irving -- Sloan is currently auditioning for that job -- along with a starting shooting guard and backup help. There could be room on the roster for Hudson and Sloan. Daniel Gibson, rehabilitating from a torn tendon in his foot, is under contract for next year. Starting guard Anthony Parker will likely retire.
The Cavs could use one of their first-round picks on a shooting guard. It's possible Hudson (if signed for next year), Sloan and Harris could compete for two spots on the roster.
Hudson is not a good defender and not a high-percentage shooter. But he can score with the best of them. That's not a bad thing.
Coach Byron Scott loves the fact that Hudson is not afraid to take the last shot.
"That can't be taught," he said. "Either you have it or you don't. He doesn't have any fear. He has that nothing-to-lose attitude."
