Cleveland Cavaliers’ two-way big Billy Preston could fit well as a modern-day power forward in the near future.
The Cleveland Cavaliers could have a gem in Preston, who was a five-star recruit who just had a raw deal and didn’t play at the University of Kansas due to an NCAA investigation centered on possible impermissible benefits after an unfortunate car accident. That’s a non-issue, though, as Preston could be a heck of an addition to Cleveland’s frontcourt rotation in the near future with his talent. The Cavs do not currently have anyone with his combination of size, skill and athleticism.
That could be a nice toy for head coach Tyronn Lue as the season progresses, and Preston gains more confidence through experience with Cleveland’s G-League affiliate, the Canton Charge. In the Las Vegas Summer League, the young big averaged a respectable 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 20.8 minutes per game.
For a player that has not had much game experience since high school, those are notable statistics. Although he only shot 33.9 percent from the field overall, Preston did shoot really well from the three-point line, with a 38.5 percent mark.
That number is hard to forecast playing against regular season NBA competition, but it is a promising trend. A number of Summer League players will be playing significant minutes in the Association.
I wouldn’t expect Preston to be playing often with the Cavs, but when he does, he’ll fit well next to a rolling five-man.