Cavs 2021 NBA Draft: 3 ways Jonathan Kuminga could help CLE

The #1 way Kuminga could help the Cavs: Positional versatility

Due to his 6-foot-8 frame and athleticism, Kuminga is often touted as a combo forward, someone who can play as both a small forward and a power forward. But, some scouts believe that Kuminga should not be limited simply as a wing player, but rather as someone who can play in multiple positions across the floor.

Kuminga will likely be most comfortable playing at a forward spot, but he also has the flexibility to be a shooting guard as well. And, if he can add muscle to his frame at the NBA level, it would not be completely shocking to see Kuminga log minutes as a small-ball center as well.

This positional versatility is something that should interest the Cavaliers. The Cavs are a team that is desperate for help at every position on the floor. And, if Kuminga did become a member of the Wine and Gold, he could fit in anywhere that head coach J.B. Bickerstaff wanted him to.

Kuminga would be able to easily fit in lineups next to young guards such as Garland, Sexton, or Kevin Porter Jr., but he also would be able to lineup alongside forwards Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr.

Kuminga will be flexible in terms of what position he plays on the court. This of course will make him easy to use on offense and incredibly valuable to a Cavaliers defense that is simply looking for playmakers at this point, aside from Isaac Okoro, considering they were last in defensive rating the past two seasons.

For a young team that is still looking for franchise building blocks, that positional versatility that Kuminga provides is helpful when it comes to matching him next to other key players.

Kuminga’s versatility would also be valuable for the Cavaliers as they continue their rebuild. Kevin Love has been a staple at the power forward position since the 2014-15 season. But with Love being 32 years old, his time with the Cavaliers will likely come to a close at some point in the next few years/in the near future.

If he were to bulk up, Kuminga could be a long-term replacement for Love at the power forward spot. Kuminga could develop under Love early in his career and then be ready to become a franchise building block in the post-Kevin Love era, again if .

That ability should have Koby Altman and the Cavaliers very interesting in Jonathan Kuminga.