Jan. 6, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Elliot Williams dunks against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 102-77. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Elliot Williams out of Memphis with the 22nd overall pick in the 2010 draft. However, he missed the entire 2010-2011 season following knee surgery to correct a left patella instability. Despite minimal play time in 2011-2012, he showed unprecedentedly high potential before succumbing to a severely dislocated left shoulder.

His returned seemed imminent as the 2012-2013 season approached, but an Achilles tear sealed his fate before the regular season began. It’s actually rather amazing how a player who has only played in 24 games could leave such a lasting impression on attentive fans. Many wanted Portland to re-sign him this summer despite injury risk, though the Blazers no longer need another shooting guard.

There is room on Cleveland’s squad behind Dion Waiters and C.J. Miles. They’ve already gambled on injured center, Andrew Bynum, why not take another (less expensive) shot with lower risk. Williams’ training camp deal is, as of yet, non-guaranteed, but it will be interesting to see if he sticks with the Cavs. If they do not want him, it could mean an overseas career for Williams, though I have a hard time seeing his future unfolding outside of the NBA.

He is joined by former Bobcat benchwarmer, DeSagana Diop, in training camp, along with Matthew Dellavedova, Kenny Kadji, Michael Lee, Henry Sims, and Jermaine Taylor. Of these players, he is certainly the most likely to land a real contract. Those of you hoping to see Elliot Williams return to NBA action may want to play close attention to the Cavaliers in the coming weeks.

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