Cleveland Cavaliers Sign Markel Brown to Training Camp Contract

The defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers are bringing in former Oklahoma State wing Markel Brown to training camp to compete for a roster spot, according to a report from The Vertical’s Shams Charania.

Brown was taken as a second round pick by the Brooklyn Nets in 2014, and has bounced in and out of the rotation in his early career. In his second season with the Nets, he improved his three-point percentage and field goal percentage to 31% and 39%, respectively, up from 27% and 36% from his rookie year. So even with his playing time taking a slight hit last season, there’s hope that Brown is steadily improving.

Regardless of whether he is able to contribute much offensively or not, his defense is the biggest area of intrigue for the Cavaliers, who could use him to be the anti-JR Smith while on the court.

There won’t be a shortage of competition in Cleveland, however. Brown will compete with Cory Jefferson, DeAndre Liggins, and former D-League star Jordan McRae for a roster spot.