Dion Waiters has all the faith in the world in his own talents and now some of his teammates are starting to agree with him. The guard has certainly faced his share of controversy with the Cleveland Cavaliers after his first two seasons were overshadowed with issues with Kyrie Irving. Then there were the trade rumors that circulated all of last season, not helping his value. However, entering his third season, Waiters has appeared to turn a new leaf and his teammates are noticing.
Waiters is expected to play a big part in the new-look Cavaliers in 2014. The guard survived numerous trade rumors to the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors and now has a spot in the starting five after Cleveland traded away Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett. Earlier in the offseason, Waiters tweeted out that he had no interest in coming off the bench this season and now has his chance to prove it.
According to Philly.com, Waiters has been in Los Angeles training with his new teammate, Kevin Love. The two have been working out since the deal was put in place and it appeared Waiters spot on the team was safe. Waiters told media that Love thinks his talents are underrated and that the two should playoff well with one another.
"He likes my game," Waiters said, via Philly.com. "He thinks I'm underrated. One of the things about K-Love, he knows I pass the ball."
Love is not the only one impressed with the improvements of Waiters. James told Sports Illustrated in his famous "I'm Coming Home" letter that he believes with his help, Waiters can become one of the best young guards in the league. James wrote, "I think I can help Kyrie Irving become one of the best point guards in our league. I think I can help elevate Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters." The guard heard those words loud and clear and beginning to train accordingly.
The Cavaliers still have a few offseason moves up their sleeves. After signing veterans like Mike Miller, James Jones and Shaun Marion, they are still eyeing Ray Allen who may not sign with a team until the absolute last possible minute in order to avoid training camp. James stresses that he has not been recruiting his former teammates, but Cleveland has made their interests in him known.
A trade of Thompson could still be the final move made. Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com has reported that if the Cavaliers were to make one last trade for a big man or depth behind Irving, it would be Thompson that gets sent packing. While a deal is unlikely at this point, he would be the one packaged if there was interest.