The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of a few teams at the forefront of all trade rumors with the 2018 NBA Draft just two days away.
At this point, it seems likely that the Cleveland Cavaliers will hang onto the No. 8 overall pick heading into Thursday night’s draft. While that certainly is up for change, if they hang onto it, they should be interested in drafting for potential instead of fit.
What could that look like it?
It could look like drafting Michael Porter Jr. over Wendell Carter Jr. or selecting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Collin Sexton.
They need players with a ceiling that is uncapped and it’s for the sheer reason that while they have the pick at the moment, it’s doubtful they hang onto the player they select.
ESPN’s popular basketball insider Adrian Wojnarowski said it best: “They (the Cavs) will draft a player without a direction on Thursday.”
Per usual, he’s 100% correct.
Porter Jr., who was once highly considered this draft No. 1 prospect, played just three games in his freshman season at the University of Missouri. While not showcasing his true potential, Porter, if anything, hurt his draft stock by returning just to see expectations shatters, yet the reality of Porter being a phenomenal player is still crystal clear.
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As of right now, Porter Jr. isn’t the player a team like the Cavaliers should covet.
With James’ future on the fringe, if he re-signed and the Cavs drafted Porter Jr., they’d theoretically play the same position unless James opted to play the four. However, even if they draft Porter, I still wouldn’t expect him to suit up a single game for LeBron’s hometown team
That’s the main reasoning for Cleveland taking a player that will excel in any situation.
However, when James eventually re-signs (hopefully) and the Cavs will be forced to enhance their lacking team.
Then the pick, whoever it is, is gone. That’s where the Cavs could get themselves in the trouble if they select the wrong, team-specific prospect.
Oklahoma City and Portland are the two trade partners that need a Michael Porter Jr. but already have an elite, all-star point guard. So, while Cleveland might covet Collin Sexton, they would enhance their team tenfold with a player like Paul George or CJ McCollum.
Those might be two examples that might not happen, but when you’re in Cleveland position, you need to keep your options completely open.
Either way you look at it, because of the team’s versatility, it’s impossible to mess this draft up, but in the end, they most likely aren’t drafting this pick to keep long-term.
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Cavs must seek potential, not fit in the 2018 NBA Draft.