Season Overview: Usually, when a player has been with three teams in his first four seasons in the league, it’s a red flag that indicates instability. But in the case of Ramon Sessions, during an incredibly turbulent season, he was the Cavaliers constant.
Cleveland’s first acquisition after last July’s free agent fiasco, Sessions played in more games than any Cavalier, was the club’s best free throw shooter, finished second in minutes, second in assists and fourth in scoring. He came off the bench to drop 32 points on the Lakers and closed the campaign notching double-figures in 15 of the Cavs final 17 games.
But this past season, Sessions provided the one thing that the young Cavaliers desperately needed: stability.
Sessions started the first four games of the season while his friend, Mo Williams, nursed a sore groin out of Training Camp. Sessions was injected back into the starting lineup on January 19 and held that spot until Cleveland dealt for Baron Davis in late February. Sessions struggled initially, but found his footing – all the while remaining a good soldier – and finished the campaign in style.
In a microcosm of Sessions’ season, adaptability and overall skill as a scoring point guard – he replaced Davis in the starting lineup for the home finale and scored 27 points against Washington.
Night in, night out – Sessions was the Cavaliers most reliable player last season. Where he’ll fit in next year – considering a healthy Baron Davis and what direction the Wine and Gold go on Draft night – is still to be seen.
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Highlight: Although Sessions had some big nights during the year – including the aforementioned 32-pointer against L.A. and 16 games of 20-plus points – his consistency and professionalism are what kept the Cavaliers afloat.
Although he struggled initially, the former Nevada standout averaged 16.5 ppg per game in nine games off the bench after Baron Davis took over the starting spot. He notched double-figures in each of those games – dropping 50 combined points a pair of contests after being moved to the reserve role.
Lowlight: In the first five games after Baron Davis was acquired, Sessions confidence was obviously shaken. The fourth-year guard shot just .283 from the floor and, in only one contest, made more than four trips to the line.
Odds and Ends: Ramon Sessions has never swallowed a pill in his life – not an aspirin, not a Flintstones chewable.
By the Numbers: 15 … three-pointers Ramon Sessions attempted this year. (Boobie Gibson, Antawn Jamison and Anthony Parker combined for 783 long-distance attempts this season.) Sessions has attempted just 71 treys in his entire career.
Looking Forward: Sessions had his best season as a professional this past year. He shot well from the floor and the stripe. He’s a quiet, but strong locker room presence. He’s proven to be a quality starter in the league, but the acquisition of Baron Davis – along with the upcoming Draft – have him in a precarious spot. But, like any team, the Cavaliers can always use toughness, consistency and scoring – and that’s something Sessions will always provide.
Quotable: Sessions, talking about how he’s somehow found himself on losing teams – (his teams were 78-168 coming into this season) …
“It’s something I’ve been dealing with my whole career. It’s something I’ve dealt with in Milwaukee and Minnesota last year and now here. It’s just a long process, but you have to just come in to work every day and when that day comes – when you start getting those wins – it’s gonna feel good.”