JB Bickerstaff: Cavs Newcomer Moses Brown Fits ‘What We Value’

So, what’s the book on Moses Brown, the Cavaliers’ latest 10-day contract signee?

Well, for starters, he’s tall — as in 7-foot-2. He also has NBA experience, having appeared in 26 games with the Mavericks this season (and even starting once). Overall, he’s appeared in 78 games in three seasons, including time with the Trail Blazers and Thunder, and OKC is where he had the best stretch as a pro. He carries career averages of 5.9 points and 5.9 rebounds.

For the Cavs, Brown is expected to add needed depth in the pivot while Jarrett Allen heals from a broken finger and quad contusion. All the Cavs are saying is Allen will be sidelined “indefinitely.”

What are they saying about Brown?

“He’s long. He’s rangy. He has good athleticism,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He knows how to patrol the paint at both ends of the floor.”

If nothing else, Brown will alter some shots and grab rebounds. His ball skills, however, are said to “limited.” He also has struggled to consistently rotate on defense — leaving opposing players open for wide-open shots. But the Cavs aren’t expecting Brown to turn into the next Joel Embiid. Or even the next Allen.

When you sign a player to a 10-day deal, all you’re hoping for is an extra body at practice and someone who can contribute in an absolute pinch. Anything more than that is a very pleasant surprise.

Brown could get a shot, but Bickerstaff will primarily rely on the likes of Evan Mobley, Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Love, Dean Wade, Lamar Stevens and even the versatile Cedi Osman to play “big,” and act as fill-ins for Allen.

The Cavs (38-27) were beginning to fade on defense even with Allen. That’s where Bickerstaff said where they will need to be at their best — defense and scrap. If Brown can offer those two things, he will be around for more than just 10 days.

Offensively, while he’s not going to scare anyone with an array of post moves (or even one), he is tall enough to catch and throw down dunks off the pass.

“Really good rim roller and lob threat, so he’s a similar build to what we have and what we value,” Bickerstaff said.

Sam Amico is senior NBA writer at Hoops Wire. Follow @AmicoHoops.