Free agent Larry Sanders returns to sign with Cavs

LOS ANGELES, USA – Free agent Larry Sanders ended his two-year exile from the NBA by joining the injury-hit Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, March 13 (Tuesday in Manila) the team announced.

Former Bucks star Sanders, 28, has not played since 2015, when he walked away from the NBA following multiple positive tests for marijuana.

He later underwent treatment for anxiety, depression and mood disorders.

However he announced in January his intention to return to the sport and Cleveland have swooped following the injury which ruled out Andrew Bogut for the remainder of the season.

Aussie big man Bogut was waived by the Cavs on Monday, the team confirmed.

Sanders was selected by the Bucks with the 15th overall pick in the 2010 draft. In 5 seasons with Milwaukee he averaged 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. 

Cleveland star LeBron James said at the weekend Sanders would be welcome at the Cavs.

“With his hiatus, I don’t know what he was going through so I can’t comment about somebody’s personal life because I wasn’t a part of it,” James told Cleveland.com.

“But it looks like he wants another opportunity and hopefully if we’re the team, hopefully we give him an opportunity. Why not?

“Everyone deserves a second chance and it looks like he wants to get back to playing the game he loves and hopefully this is his destination. You don’t know how much you can get out of a guy that’s been out so long, but I’d love to see it. Why not?” – Rappler.com