CLEVELAND – After shocking the masses in selecting Canadian power forward Anthony Bennett, the Cleveland Cavaliers continued the international theme in selecting Russian sharpshooter, Sergey Karasev
Karasev, 19, averaged 18.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 12 games for BC Triumph Russia during the 2012-13 season.
At 6’8 and 197 pounds, Karasev, shot was deadly from beyond the arc in hitting 36 percent from three-point range and 45 percent for the Russian national team.
Tall, lanky and unafraid of attacking the rim, Karasev can play either the two(shooting guard) or three(small forward) in Cleveland and will most likely be used as a sixth man off the bench, or help lead the Cavs second unit. Thanks to his experience in playing internationally for his native Russia, it would not surprise many if he challenged current start at small forward, Alonzo Gee for minutes.
Similar in mold to fellow countryman, Andrei Kirelenko of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karasev compares favorably as the left-handed version of his more established Russian patriot.
For the Cavaliers, they land a coveted and needed spot-up shooter on the wing, who can shoot from long-range, as Cleveland was one of the worst ranked teams from long distance in 2012-13.
With Karasev stating that he intends to play in the NBA this coming season, Cleveland has the potential to come away an absolute steal in Karasev in an otherwise weak and suspect draft.
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Robert D. Cobb is the Founder/CEO/Senior Editor-In-Chief Of The Inscriber : Digital Magazine, for questions, comments and concerns email me at robcobb@theinscriber.com follow me on Twitter @RC_TheInscriber and follow The Inscriber : Digital Magazine on Twitter at @TheInscriber