Sam Merrill Brings Shooting, Critical Championship Experience To Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the 2025-26 season as a team to keep an eye on. They had their first 60-win season since 2009-10, and they were the top team in the Eastern Conference.

While they started last year’s playoff run on a good note, things took a turn when they faced the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers beat the Cavs 4-1 in that series, and they made their way to the NBA Finals. The Cavaliers are not only looking to recover from that loss, but they want to win a championship in the process.

Cleveland has some talented players, and most of them are seeking their first championship. However, there is one player on the roster who has a championship under his belt. That player is their sharpshooter, Sam Merrill.

Merrill Gets Drafted

Merrill’s NBA journey began with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was the 60th pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, and he was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans. While he was drafted by New Orleans, the 3-point specialist was traded to the Bucks a few days later.

In his first season, Merrill played 30 games. He averaged three points and a rebound during that time, and he spent time in the G League. The Bucks finished the season with a record of 46-26, and they were third in the Eastern Conference. The Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets were the only teams ahead of them, but in the end, the Bucks came out on top.

Milwaukee’s playoff journey started with a series against the Miami Heat, and after beating the Nets and the Atlanta Hawks, the Bucks reached the Finals.

Merrill and The Bucks Win It All

After beating tough opponents, one team stood in the way of Milwaukee’s championship hopes. They faced the Phoenix Suns, and they beat them in a six-game series. Giannis Antetokounmpo won the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after some huge performances.

The Bucks won a championship, which meant Merrill had a title in his first season. He played eight games during Milwaukee’s playoff run, but he played limited minutes. Regardless, he won a championship, and his career got off to a good start.

The 3-point threat was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies after that, and eventually, he made his way to Cleveland.

Merrill and the Cavs Battling Conference Rivals

Now, Merrill is playing a role in the Cavaliers’ success, and they are trying to climb the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers are fourth in the East, and teams like the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks are ahead of them. The Pistons are holding on to the top spot, but with the recent news around Cade Cunningham, they have to stay focused and secure some wins.

Cleveland wants to win, and their moves before the trade deadline reflect that. They added Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis in a deal with the Sacramento Kings, and they added James Harden later on.

So far, those moves have paid off, and the familiar faces like Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, and Dean Wade are contributing. Then, with Max Strus back, the Cavaliers are getting closer to their full strength.

This year, Merrill is averaging 12.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. This is the best season of his career, and come playoff time, the Cavaliers will need his shooting.

Will Merrill and the Cavaliers Be Ready For the Playoffs?

The playoffs are getting closer, and teams are fighting for seeding. If the Cavs end up with the fourth seed, they will face the Toronto Raptors in the first round. The Raptors are having a respectable season, as they are several games over .500.

Cleveland has an opportunity to win it all, and Merrill’s shooting will be one of the keys to success. Then, if everything goes according to plan, Harden, Mitchell, Mobley, and others will have their first championship.