Cavs draft: 2 realistic expectations for Onyeka Okongwu if he’s the pick
By Mason Cole
Onyeka Okongwu would be a logical draft pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With the 2020 NBA Draft set to take place on Nov. 18, the Cleveland Cavaliers are running out of time to determine what they want to do with their fifth overall pick.
General manager Koby Altman and the Cavaliers are working with a roster that is configured of young and unproven prospects as well as solid and expensive veterans. The Cavaliers are not truly set at any position, meaning likely every player the Cavs could choose from will be under consideration.
After selecting guards in back-to-back drafts, Collin Sexton in 2018 and Darius Garland in 2019, there is reason to believe that the Cavaliers will have a stronger focus on wing players as well as big men. If Memphis center James Wiseman was available at five, it would not be shocking for the Cavs to draft him.
Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated reported that Dayton forward Obi Toppin will be in the Cavs draft considerations as well, and it’s evident Toppin is seemingly well in-play.
One of the more interesting prospects for the Cavaliers to consider is Onyeka Okongwu, a 19-year-old center who played his college basketball at USC. Okongwu, who is set to meet with the Cavaliers this week as of Nov. 5, per a report from Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, has a very high ceiling due to his athleticism and his defensive ability.
Okongwu would provide the Cavaliers added defense and rebounding. He would also likely take over as the Cavaliers starting center role some time in the near future.
It would not be too shocking to see the Cavs select Onyeka Okongwu in the 2020 NBA Draft.