3 under-the-radar bigs for Cavs to target in the 2021 NBA Draft
By Corey Casey
#2: Usman Garuba – Spain
Usman Garuba, of Spain, is currently playing for Real Madrid of Liga ACB. Garuba comes in at 6-fot-8 and 220 pounds, according to Real GM. While he may be a little undersized, he already has an NBA body at 17.
Last summer at the U18 European Championship, Garuba averaged 15.6 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, as FIBA noted.
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Last year for Real Madrid in all leagues combined Garuba averaged 13.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 0.8 steals per game, as referenced by the aforementioned Real GM.
I think when you watch Garuba his offensive game is still raw, but he has the ability to become a tenacious rebounder and could make an impact early on as a defender for the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a recent game against Bayern Munich, as was noted by Mike Schmitz of ESPN, Garuba had 12 points, four rebounds and three steals.
Again, what he brings could help from the Cavs, especially as a roller and as a team defender.
EuroLeague action for Real Madrid big man Usman Garuba. 12 PTS, 4 REB, 3 STL and a block in 15 MIN against Bayern Munich at only 17 years old. Always brings it in the energy department. pic.twitter.com/c7eKrHDnNX
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) October 31, 2019
As Schmitz said, whenever he’s on the floor, Garuba “brings it in the energy department.”
When you factor in that and his ability as a rebounder and what he could bring on the defensive side, with time to add more offensive polish, Garuba could really be a nice find for Beilein and the Cavs to bring along gradually.
Now on to #3.