Kyle Korver brings something special to Cleveland besides being a deadly 3-point threat. Yes, the 35-year-old Korver ranks 8th all-time in made 3s in the NBA — with a 43% average. But Korver’s experience playing off a big star is what makes the Cavaliers’ acquisition of the seasoned shooter such a good fit. Korver’s four-plus seasons Atlanta saw him perform as a cog in very team-oriented machine, but Korver cut his NBA teeth in Philadelphia where Allen Iverson played the ball-dominant role LeBron James now plays for the Cavs.
Not every role player plays as well off a big star. Some, especially shooters, can defer too much to a leader and fail to cement their spot in the offense. But Korver has consistently shown the ability to thrive off a star’s limelight. He’s one of the best spacers in the NBA and enormously confident in his catch-and-shoot ability. Korver has shown this capacity not just in Philadelphia: he also played in Chicago the year Derrick Rose won NBA MVP for the Bulls. Korver’s solid experience in sharing the court with superstars should pay dividends in Cleveland, which has the biggest star of them all.