To say that the Cleveland Cavaliers have limited assets in the upcoming NBA draft would be an understatement.
They don’t have much they can do for the next few years, which means every choice they make is even more important.
Writing for Bleacher Report, Greg Swartz spoke about what the Cavaliers should look for in the draft and how it could help them next season, even if it doesn’t move the needle that much.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are just beginning their five-year draft pick commitment to the Utah Jazz stemming from the Donovan Mitchell trade. That means no first-round selection for the Cavs this year (as well as 2027 and 2029), although Cleveland has its own second-round pick (No. 58 overall) and one from the Milwaukee Bucks (No. 49 overall),” Swartz wrote. “The Cavs should be eyeing older, play-now college prospects who can fill out the end of the bench and eat up minutes when called upon. Players like Kentucky center Amari Williams or West Virginia point guard Javon Small could be options.”
The Donovan Mitchell trade was a big swing for the Cavaliers, and it cost them a lot.
The Utah Jazz drove a hard bargain, and the Cavaliers were happy to play ball because they got someone who has led the team well for the last few years.
But that leaves them in a tricky situation during the draft because there is only so much they can do.
They can still make an impact on the team for next season, but it’ll be a minimal one.
They can target older college players who aren’t getting as much attention, people who can come off the bench or develop in the G League.
This means that the Cavaliers have to be clever and strategic with their choices.
The draft might not be as exciting for Cavaliers fans, but it could still assist the team.
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