3 Cavaliers Greats Who Would Be Even Better if They Played Today

The pre-LeBron James Cavaliers were occasionally good, but never good enough to make the next step towards championship contention. Although they never won anything of significance before King James, there has still been some great talent that has played in The Land. Here are some of the guys that would be even better if they played today.

3. Larry Nance

Larry Nance making a pass on the Cavs / Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Nance was the first winner in NBA Dunk Contest history at All Star Weekend, but he was more than just a dunker. A 6-10 power forward with length and athleticism, he was a career 17 points and eight rebounds per game player in the league. In an era of pace and space, Nance would be able to be near a double-double every night and have top-10 play opportunities on the fast break.

2. Mark Price

Mark Price shooing a jumpshot for Cleveland / Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Because of an ACL injury, Mark Price’s career was cut a bit shorter than it had to be. Before and even after the injury, Price was a double-double machine who could also put up 20 per game. Averaging over 40% for his career on the long ball, today’s NBA would suit Price perfectly in terms of having a high scoring and assist rate. Price fits the bill for what is a 2020 pure point guard.

1. Ron Harper

Ron Harper going for a dunk in Cleveland / Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Ron Harper? Bulls Ron Harper? Yes. Another classic example of what could have been if he did not get hurt, Harper averaged almost 23 points for Cleveland as a rookie. Even after injury as a role player in Chicago, he gained a second wind for his career as a defensive stopper. His combination of scoring and defense with his lengthy 6-6 frame makes him a prototype for what all NBA teams need in 2020.