Fansided

Cleveland Cavaliers assign Larry Sanders to D-League

By Michael Curtis

Mar 14, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Larry Sanders (9) looks on during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 128-96. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Larry Sanders (9) looks on during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 128-96. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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After making his return to the NBA last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers are sending Larry Sanders to the Canton Charge.

The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t wasting any time with Larry Sanders. David Griffin announced this morning that their newly acquired center will spend time with their NBA Development League team.

Last night against the Detroit Pistons, Sanders made his long-awaited return to the league after a two-year hiatus. The former center for the Milwaukee Bucks was initially expected to watch the game, but with about two minutes remaining Sanders found his way to the court.

Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue sent a ball boy to get permission from Griffin in order to play Sanders.

"via Cleveland.com“I really just wanted to introduce him to the crowd and have him get in, give him a chance to have a standing ovation,” Lue said. “I thought it was good for him. When you go through what he’s went through, and you have a chance to get back in the NBA on a pretty good team, I thought it was cool.”"

In February 2015, the Bucks bought out Sanders’ contract after a suspension for marijuana use and lack of commitment to professional basketball. With a fresh start with the Cavaliers, Sanders can be a vital addition to the team’s bench bringing shot-blocking and rebounding to the second unit.

Injuries have plagued the Cavaliers more than a few times this season. J.R. Smith made his debut  last night after missing the past three months due to a thumb injury. The team should expect Kevin Love back in the lineup this weekend after undergoing knee surgery four weeks ago. Kyle Korver has missed four consecutive games due to a sore left foot.

The primary reason as to why Sanders is a Cavalier is due to Andrew Bogut sustaining a broken leg during his first game with the team last week. The team waived Bogut in order to sign Sanders. This chance at a resurgence in the NBA is something he isn’t taking for granted.

"via Cleveland19“I’m truly thankful for the Cavs and LeBron for believing in me and giving me this chance,” Sanders said. “I’m enjoying myself, excited to get back to the game. This is such an amazing team.”"

While playing with the Charge, Sanders can build his conditioning and adapt to the pace of professional basketball once again.

Next: 2017 NBA Draft Big Board: Pre-Tournament edition

The defending champions are almost 100 percent healthy. With the additions of Korver, Derrick Williams, Deron Williams and Sanders, they have the depth to compete for another championship.

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