It’s tough to tell where the Cleveland Cavaliers will land in the 2021 NBA Draft. Cleveland sits at 12th in the Eastern Conference and sixth-worst in the NBA, and it’s tough to tell how much we’ll see Kevin Love in game action the rest of the way, frankly.
Even with the projected sixth pick currently, the ping pong balls decide. Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jalen Suggs has a similar future being predicted. In the top ten, but not sure where.
If the two find themselves on draft night, let’s take a look at three things Suggs can bring to the Cavaliers.
The first is really shown in the open floor.
#1: Suggs would bring truly rare athleticism to the Cavs
Around draft time, the word athleticism is thrown around to a point that it makes fans sick. But Jalen Suggs is the type of athleticism that no one can ignore – doing everything on both ends type of athleticism. He’s had 14.1 points, 4.3 assists and 2.0 steals per outing, and for a true freshman at 19, has limited faults in his game.
If this isn’t enough to convince you of Suggs’ athleticism, Suggs held the title of Mr. Basketball and Mr. Football in Minnesota in 2020.
#2: Suggs would provide more competition for the Cavs
The Darius Garland–Collin Sexton backcourt has given Cleveland Cavaliers fans a lot to talk about this year. Despite some exciting positives from Garland and Sexton, questions still linger. There’s still seemingly conversation revolving around if Sexton is maybe better as a sixth man, or perhaps if Garland can stay healthy long-term.
With those types of questions, at least within the fan base to an extent it seems, and another losing season, you have to think Cleveland is not thinking need at all in the 2021 NBA Draft. Or at least that shouldn’t be a key priority.
Suggs is 6-foot-4, has excellent vision, can score at all three levels, and can make high-level passes in both set offense and in transition. This makes him eligible to replace Sexton or Garland, down the road and/or some point next season. If the Cavaliers go with Suggs, expect a 2007 Browns quarterback competition-like atmosphere heading into training camp next year.
#3: Suggs would give the Cavs star power and a difference-maker offensively
Without LeBron James, it will take a lot for the Cleveland Cavaliers to be back at the forefront of NBA fans’ minds. With Gonzaga being the favorite to win the national title, all eyes are on Suggs.
In the basketball community Suggs is famous for being a top recruit, Mr. Basketball in Minnesota, and a McDonald’s All-American. By the end of April, Suggs could help propel his stock with a deep run, and that’d only help his case for a team like the Cavs.
The time to study Suggs is now. The Cavs play on a Friday and Gonzaga plays on a Sunday upcoming. The time to take in good basketball and plan for the Cavaliers’ future is now.
Hopefully Suggs can pass the eye test with fans and show he’s worth being in the Cavs’ plans/at least in the conversation in regards to a crucial 2021 NBA Draft.