Stephen Holt Signed to Cavaliers Training Camp Roster
By Josh Horton
After an impressive string of performances in the NBA Summer League, many people thought there would be an opportunity for Stephen Holt to make an NBA roster for the 2014-2015 season.
Holt has a chance to do just that now, as the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed him to a contract to participate in training camp.
Coming out of the Las Vegas NBA Summer League, where Holt played for the Hawks and averaged 8.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals, Holt held offers from the Hawks and the Memphis Grizzlies to the respective teams training camps. Holt turned them down, and elected to play professionally Germany for Ludwigsburg of the Euroleague.
For those that are unaware, Holt was a polarizing player at Saint Mary’s, starting 95 games throughout his career and averaging 15.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists as a senior. Holt was given the challenging task of replacing SMC legend Matthew Dellavedova at the point guard spot, and played admirably despite a disappointing season from the Gaels.
It will be a challenge for Holt to make it to the Cavaliers regular season roster based on its current makeup. Before Holt was signed, the Cavs featured three established NBA point guards, Kyrie Irving, A.J. Price and former SMC star Dellavedova. At the two-guard spots, Holts other position, the Cavs posses second round draft pick Joe Harris, Dion Waiters and the recently signed Chris Crawford. If Holt shows the coaching staff he is significantly better than A.J. Price, Joe Harris and Chris Crawford, the odds will be in his favor.
Long story short: it will be an uphill battle for Holt, but the opportunity to play on a championship contender with his former college teammate is unprecedented compared to his opportunities around the rest of the league.