5 possible point guard options for the Cavaliers if Mo Williams retires

With Mo Williams now reportedly mulling retirement, the Cleveland Cavaliers could again be in the market for a point guard. Considering that it’s almost September and the Cavs’ assets are limited, the pool is thin. But there are notable names in the pool with ties to the Cavs and certain player who wears No. 23.

Now, Cleveland doesn’t have to sign a point guard and there’s an argument to be made that the Cavs don’t need to. A possible path could be to let rookie Kay Felder play minutes from the first game and see what they have in him before pursuing a replacement around the trade deadline. As an added bonus, not signing a Williams replacement would lessen the Cavs’ tax bill and two roster spots open in case the right player becomes available later on.

But if Williams does retire and Cleveland does look to sign someone, here are five possible options.

Kendall Marshall

2015-16 stats: 3.7 points, 2.4 assists, 0.5 steals, 36.4 percent shooting and 32.7 percent from three in 30 games with the Philadelphia 76ers

Having just turned 25, Marshall is the youngest player on this list. He’s never put together a truly good season, but there might be potential still to be mined. The issue, however, is that he never really played well last year in Philadelphia and a lot of the value he provided was off the court. It’s entirely possible that an ACL injury he suffered before last season changed his carer trajectory for the worst.

Norris Cole

2015-16 stats: 10.6 points, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals, 40.5 percent shooting and 32.4 percent from three in 45 games with the New Orleans Pelicans

Cole, a Cleveland State product, has links to LeBron James having played with James in Miami. Last season, he battled an ankle injury and didn’t get off to a good start before posting the type of numbers you’d expect him to. At 27, he’s in his prime, but he also might not have any room left to grow. As a shooter, he’s lacking and that might be the deal breaker considering how important threes are to the Cavs’ offense. He also reportedly isn’t represented by Rich Paul, James’ agent, anymore.

Mario Chalmers

2015-16 stats: 10.3 points, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 41 percent shooting and 30.9 percent from three in 61 games split between the Miami Heat and Memphis Grizzlies

Of all the names on this list, Chalmers might fit what the Cavs are looking for the best. At 29, he’s in his prime and was a perfect fit next to LeBron when the two were teammates in Miami. The issue, however, is that he tore is Achilles in March and that’s an injury that takes time to fully recover. He says he’s recovered and cleared to play, but if he’s not or if he has had his athleticism reduced, that might be a deal breaker.

Ty Lawson

2015-16 stats: 5.7 points, 3.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 39.3 percent shooting and 33.3 percent shooting from three split between the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers

Lawson is now two full season removed from the last season were he was a quality starting point guard. Since then, he hasn’t looked quite like the Lawson that zoomed past defenders with ease and he’s also never been the type of shooter the Cavs probably need from deep. He’ll only be 29 next season, but it’s fair to think that his best days are behind him.

Andre Miller

2015-16 stats: 3.7 points, 2.2 assists, 0.4 assists, 55.7 percent shooting and 25 percent shooting from three split between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs

Miller, at 40, is by far the oldest player on this list. He’s not always playable anymore and the ‘The Professor’ has definitely moved past the most useful part of his playing career. But if the Cavs wanted someone to mentor Felder and, to a lesser extent Irving, Miller would be the best option; he could be a James Jones-type locker room figure for two point guards younger than 25. But that also might be a waste of a roster spot and Dan Gilbert’s money.