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NBA Draft: Could Cavs have gone a different direction in 2018?

By Justin Brownlow

Guard Collin Sexton, who was then selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA Draft, greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver. (Photo by Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
Guard Collin Sexton, who was then selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA Draft, greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver. (Photo by Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton looks to make a play. (Photo by David Richard-USA TODAY Sports) /

It could be worse, the Cavs could’ve been the Philadelphia 76ers

In the 2018 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers had the 10th overall pick and drafted Mikal Bridges. In theory, Bridges would have been an amazing selection for the Sixers. He would have added plus shooting to the team, which the team doesn’t have because they draft players that literally cannot shoot. On top of that he’s a great perimeter defender. His mother even works for the Sixers!

Even so, they made a mistake and traded Bridges to Phoenix for Zhaire Smith. Smith, who played one season at Texas Tech, and entered the draft. Well, Cavs fans, like I said at least they didn’t draft Smith.

Smith is currently in the G-League and plays for the Memphis Grizzles’ G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. His rookie year was not terrible, as he averaged almost seven points per game. Albeit it’s safe to say that Sexton was the better pick than at least Smith.

It’s interesting to look back, but it’s time to talk about the Cavs future

Sexton again has been a solid player for Cleveland, though trade rumors involving him appear here to stay, or so it seems. Personally, I’m not a fan of Sexton, in the starting lineup at least. He would be an incredible sixth man, but I doubt he will be happy coming off the bench. So while looking back, it’s clear Sexton wasn’t the worst pick, but there were clearly better options.

All things considered, the Cavaliers should head into the upcoming draft to get the best player possible. Whether that be Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Jalen Green, or maybe even Cade Cunningham (via potential trade up, as KJG’s John Suchan suggested), it should not matter to the Cavs. If they stick with the third pick, they need to take the best player available, regardless of fit or what position they play.

Sexton is here now, and we don’t know where he’ll be next year. However, I think most people are happy with the young trio of Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro and Jarrett Allen.

Next. Cavs: Examining a potential Kevin Love-Evan Mobley pairing. dark

With or without Sexton, the Cavs need to show real progress next year, or else this rebuild could take a lot longer than expected.