Norchad Omier gives Cavs another reason to look deeper into their bench

CLEVELAND — Tyrese Proctor earned the attention with his triple-double. Norchad Omier deserves a little more of it for helping make that performance count.

Omier finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal in Saturday’s 127-117 win over the Mavericks. He made all five of his shots, including a 3-pointer, and both free throws. For a two-way player getting an extended opportunity, that’s a pretty good way to make yourself useful.

As Mack Perry of Cavs on SI detailed, Omier also led the team with three deflections and six points off turnovers. His activity created opportunities for a lineup missing every usual starter.

One early sequence captured it. Omier stole the ball from Kyrie Irving, then finished through contact off a Craig Porter Jr. pass and completed the three-point play. Later, an offensive rebound kept alive a possession that ended with a Meleek Thomas 3-pointer.

Those are possessions the Cavs need from their supporting players, particularly when the stars return and shots become harder to come by. Omier found ways to contribute without needing the offense built around him.

There’s work to do, too. He committed five fouls, reaching that total early in the fourth quarter. But he returned and helped finish the job, converting a cutting dunk with 1:25 left to restore a 12-point lead.

Perry suggested Omier should be next in line for a standard contract when possible. Saturday certainly helped his case, though the immediate task is earning another opportunity and producing again.

As I noted in the postgame Dribbles, Omier got his chance and made himself useful in a hurry. Eight rebounds and a perfect shooting night should make it easier for Kenny Atkinson to remember his name when he needs frontcourt help.

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