5 NBA teams that should consider signing Larry Sanders

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Nov 21, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) looks on against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Bucks 124-83. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Now that Larry Sanders has announced he’s on the comeback trail, which NBA teams would make sense as a potential fit? Here are five that make the most sense.

In February of 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks bought out the contract of their 6’11” center Larry Sanders, who had been placed on the inactive roster earlier that season. Reports surfaced that Sanders no longer loved the game, and after his second suspension for marijuana use, the Bucks decided to cut ties.

Sanders entered a program at Rogers Memorial Hospital to deal with anxiety, depression and mood disorders, revealing that his problems extended much deeper than the simple use of an NBA-banned drug. The big man said he hoped to return to the game one day.

It appears that day may be rapidly approaching, as Sanders tweeted Thursday evening that he’s on the comeback trail:

https://twitter.com/l8show_thegoat/status/824787180472123392

For a team in need of rebounding, rim protection or frontcourt depth, Sanders might represent a potential low-risk, high-reward acquisition. If he acts up or is too rusty to help, he’d be on a minimum contract and could be cut at anytime. If he performs and proves he’s not washed, he’s a potential difference-maker that could turn the tide for a playoff team.

Though his career averages of 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 19.8 minutes per game aren’t much to look at, Sanders put up 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game in his best season in 2012-13. If he can approach his career numbers in limited minutes, or if he can somehow come back as strong as his best season, he’d be a terrific midseason addition to any team.

The question is, without an NBA contract and his departure from the league being so controversial and sudden, which teams might be interested in giving him a shot at redemption? Here’s a look at five NBA teams that should consider taking a flier on Larry Sanders.

Honorable Mentions: Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets

Jan 25, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) blocks a shot attempt by Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Dion Waiters (3) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Sanders wouldn’t be the playmaker that LeBron James wants, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are currently in a rut and never found a defensive replacement in the middle for Timofey Mozgov, who left last summer in free agency to join the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Cavs have lost six of their last eight games and though they’re still the heavy favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference, it’s not wrong to wonder if the defending champs have what it takes to defeat the super-team Golden State Warriors.

The Dubs added Kevin Durant this past offseason, and though Cleveland’s frontcourt is crowded with Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, Channing Frye and even LeBron James occasionally playing power forward, it’s all about the inevitable Finals matchup.

In a series with Golden State, the Cavaliers might appreciate the kind of rim protection Sanders could provide. As long as he’s not a locker room cancer, Sanders could be a difference-maker in limited minutes off the bench when Cleveland needs a rim deterrent against a super-team.

The addition of Sanders would take up Cleveland’s last available roster spot, but it could be worth it, especially since the Cavs could always remove someone like Jordan McRae if they need an additional roster spot down the line.

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