Cleveland Cavaliers sign Mfiondu Kabengele to a 10-day contract

The Canadian big man will provide depth while Jarrett Allen and Larry Nance Jr are sidelined.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers have signed former first-round pick Mfiondu Kabengele to a 10-day contract. In two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers Kabengele averaged 2.0 points on 35.9% shooting along with 0.9 rebounds in 4.5 minutes per game.

The former ACC Sixth Man of the Year sits at 6’9” to go with a 7’3” wingspan. Kabengele shot 64.6 percent around the basket and ranked in the 92nd percentile on putbacks and the 85th percentile on rolls while at Florida State. He also made 24 of 65 threes and shot 76.1 percent from the line, a promising sign regarding his long-term shooting potential. His tools create defensive upside. Kabengele’s strength and length should be effective for bodying up inside, and his athleticism and foot speed should translate to shot-blocking and switchability. He did average 2.4 fouls per game in college, though.

If that three-point shot were to become reliable, Kagenbele has a chance to stick with the Cavaliers. With both Jarrett Allen (concussion) and Larry Nance Jr. (non-COVID illness) sidelined, Kagebele provides some added depth that also keeps Kevin Love from having to play the five full time.