The 2020 NBA Draft is wide open and the Cleveland Cavaliers could head in plenty of ways, but James Wiseman figures to be in that discussion.
It’s unknown where the Cleveland Cavaliers will be slotted in this upcoming draft, but the Cavs will have more clarity on that when the NBA draft lottery is held this Thursday, with this time being virtually, given novel coronavirus concerns. This draft is a mystery and is probably the most wide open since 2013.
For the Cavs, though, James Wiseman figures to be in strong consideration for them, if he’s available at their selection, and he should be. Wiseman is also reportedly among those in the top tier of prospects from the Cavaliers’ perspective.
Wiseman is a really tough player to evaluate. Wiseman certainly has his flaws as his feel for the game needs to improve, while going into the college season questions persisted about his consistency and motor.
Wiseman in three games averaged 19.7 points on 76.9 percent shooting, albeit on mostly right near the basket, to go with 10.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per contest. That was briefly at Memphis, of which you can view further reported details involving that short tenure here and here, too, via KJG’s Mason Cole as well.
In terms of Wiseman’s brief stint at Memphis, while the numbers jump out at first glance, it was three games, and not against top competition, but Wiseman showed a glimpse of his talent in the three games. Someone like USC’s Onyeka Okongwu likely has the higher floor, but Wiseman’s upside is undeniable. Wiseman is 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan that comes in at 240 pounds, and who is a monster athlete.
If he reaches his upside, Wiseman is somebody who has a chance to be a dominant shot blocker and overall defensive player. Offensively right now his game is pretty limited, but he has shown the potential to expand his game outside the paint and give you two-way promise.
Drafting Wiseman would also eliminate the Cavs from paying Andre Drummond big money it would seem, as Forbes‘ Evan Dammarell hit on. That’s not a knock on Drummond, I just don’t think paying a throwback center like Drummond big money is a good decision in today’s NBA. WIseman would be on a cheaper deal and I think he has more upside long term than Drummond.
With that said, here are two goals for WIseman, if he’s drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2020 NBA Draft.
We’ll get into those now.