2021, 2022 drafts could turn Cavs into one of better young, up-and-coming teams
By Corey Casey
The 2020 NBA Draft isn’t viewed as a very strong one, but 2021 and 2022 could be two of the strongest in years, which could theoretically make the Cleveland Cavaliers into one of the more talented young up-and-coming teams in the NBA, but could also get them a lot closer to legitimately making the postseason.
Right now as KJG has mentioned a number of times, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in the beginning stages of a rebuild. The Cavs aren’t just a certain piece away and will likely be ending up in the lottery for the next few years.
Considering the situation general manager Koby Altman was hired into, he’s done well, considering the circumstances. In two drafts Altman has had a nice start to this rebuild by adding Collin Sexton (eighth overall), Darius Garland (fifth overall), Dylan Windler (26th overall), and Kevin Porter Jr. 30th overall (via reported trade, which we’ve touched on).
I don’t think Sexton will be a future star, but with the eighth pick I think the Cavaliers got a very good player there. I also believe when Cleveland is competitive again, Sexton will have a key role ultimately being a dynamic scoring sixth man.
I think it’s very plausible, though, the Cavs got a franchise star point guard in Darius Garland. Some draft analysts, including Mike Schmitz of ESPN believe the Cavs may have found the next Damian Lillard.
This may sound like unbelievable praise, but Garland has that kind of talent with his ability to shoot it off the bounce from way outside and create. I also think the Cavaliers could have a big steal in Porter if he puts it all together (as the NBA rookies reportedly do, too), but he’s still very raw at this stage.
Looking forward to the 2020 NBA Draft, right now it isn’t looking like it’s a very strong draft. It lacks the star power at the top. I think James Wiseman has Defensive Player of the Year potential and can be a defensive anchor for the Cleveland Cavaliers, which is important considering how terrible the Cavs are defensively, but after Wiseman is when things already get questionable.
The following two drafts appear to be much more loaded, though.