Cavs sharpshooter shows why the scouting report on him is growing in victory over Bucks

When teams began adding Merrill to their scouting reports last season, the main thing they feared was his shot. Merrill's lightning-quick shot and deadly accuracy from deep could change the momentum of the game in a matter of seconds. But when his shots didn't hit, because no one is perfect, his playing time often went by.

Under former coach JB Bickerstaff, Merrill's role was largely twofold: take shots or sit. But with new head coach Kenny Atkinson, Merrill's game has expanded beyond 3-point shooting while also giving him a breath of fresh air so that if his shooting doesn't slow down, his minutes won't immediately decrease.

Earlier in the season and again on Saturday night against the Bucks, the team that gave Merrill his start in the NBA and where he won a championship saw his transformation up close – with an impact few expected.

His shooting ability was on full display, which should never be a surprise as he scored a season-high 17 points while shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 5 of 9 from long range.

But more importantly, this year was about how he ran his business. Merrill sets up screens, creates chaos and even drives to the basket to clear the floor for his teammates.

“(Defenders) have to keep an eye on him,” Atkinson noted. “You can see them, they refuse him. Any DHO (Dribble Handoff) to him, they try to blow it up.

“He’s on the scouting report, he’s on the board. We can't allow it to look clean and that takes a lot of energy and gives us space. I thought he did a great job. He came into the lane a few times and kicked it for three seconds. So yes, its importance is huge for us.”

During the 2023-24 regular season, Merrill led the Cavs with 2.3 shot attempts per game taken with a defender within 0-2 feet, considered very tight coverage by NBA.com, while attempting 10 or more foot from the rim, showing his confidence to shoot under pressure. He also had the second-highest strike rate (89.3) on the Cavs for a 0-2 second touch time, behind only Dean Wade (90.1).

The 28-year-old can now put the ball on the ground, much like he did during his college days as a running point at Utah State University, to create space and find the next option. Nevertheless, he no longer has to start under duress in order to secure his role in the team. Atkinson is about impact, not just points.

“We're going to put him into action because he's really good at avoiding things,” Atkinson explained. “He just flies into a pick-and-roll and slips or sets it when he has a weak defender.

“His IQ in terms of screening is tremendous, and then we'll figure out where, hey, we want to play this play. Let's get Sam here and make sure he controls the ball. So this is what you will continue to see; He’s really good at it.”

But as his offense slowed, Merrill's defensive mindset turned heads, another dimension to his game that often went unappreciated.

“I texted him the other night. I said, “Listen, your shooting is coming.” I'm not worried. “You're in the rotation because you're defending and competing and taking offense and being active,” Atkinson said of Merrill before the Cavs' game with the Magic on Friday. “Sometimes I think shooters, guys like Sam, are just labeled as shooters. I look at him more as an overall player.”

Merrill is 1.80 meters tall and is considered a smaller guard. He has frequently heard comments about his abilities as a guard in the NBA. But since entering the league, he has continued to strive to prove that he is more than capable.

“Most coaches I've ever played for, after watching me play for a while, said, 'Wow, you can actually guard,'” Merrill told cleveland.com. “I'm very proud of that. … I've gotten stronger this summer to try to fight some guys inside and I'm trying to fight through screens and all that stuff.”

On Saturday, Merrill once again used his body for the good of the team, taking over the offense to give the Cavs some much-needed possession in a hard-fought game.

“The offense, the defense, that’s what it really is,” Mitchell enthused after the win. “We all know what he does on offense and what he does for us, but for him to be able to take the lead, what he does for us on defense, man. “Be able to keep up. Being able to hold his own, get in and rebound, push the tempo and obviously hit the big 3s offensively.

“But especially for him to come back here, where he played his rookie season, and for him to be able to come back here and make it here, I think that’s always special.”

Even after sitting out most of the preseason with a right wrist injury, Atkinson was confident in the impact Merrill would have on the Cavs. Atkinson's deep belief, beyond his value as a shooter, has allowed Merrill to fully embrace his role and realize the freedom to maximize his potential on the court.

“Tonight I didn’t fire a shot in my first run. “I probably wouldn't have gone back in last year,” Merrill reflected to cleveland.com after the Cavs' 120-109 win over the Magic on Friday, in which he had six points on 2 of 3 from deep. “So it's like, I'm not out there trying to force things so much. I just try to let the game come to me.

“And yes, sometimes I have to be aggressive with my shot, and that will show as we get to know each other and the offense a little better. But it definitely gives me confidence that it's not just about, “Oh, did he make a few threes?” It's, “Okay, what do I do as a screener, as a passer and also on defense?” It does my life easier.”

Merrill's ability to adapt and thrive in Atkinson's fluid system has made him an unparalleled part of Cleveland's evolving offense, especially since volume shooter Max Strus was sidelined for at least the first 20 games of the season due to a sprained ankle.

As he continues to develop his skills, Merrill is challenging the conventional image of a spot-up shooter. He is a well-rounded asset who is pushing the Cavs to new heights with his basketball IQ, tenacity and willingness to do the little things.

Merrill is no longer an open secret for opposing teams. The scouting report on him is now a little more extensive. With each game, he proves there's more to his game, forcing defenses to pick their poison and giving the Cavs another weapon in their push for a spot in the Eastern Conference.