Cleveland Cavaliers: Evaluating the state of the SF position

The Cleveland Cavaliers have twice in their history employed the greatest small forward of all time in LeBron James. As they seek to emerge from their second “post-LeBron” rebuild, replacing the franchise icon is yet again proving to be a difficult proposition.

Every year forward-sized players come out in the NBA Draft, but sifting through the physical characteristics to determine who has the true potential to become a starter or more at the position is difficult and results in a lot of whiffs.

Small forward is probably the most important position in the NBA. The Cleveland Cavaliers have to find a way to improve this position in the NBA Draft and free agency.

Armed yet again with a top-5 pick, the Cleveland Cavaliers will need to decide if they want to go back to the well with shorter players (three straight lottery picks 6’5″ or shorter) or try to add a larger forward to shore up the small forward position.

With combo guard Collin Sexton reportedly on the market, the Cavaliers could also make a decision to upgrade the small forward position via a trade, although given the value of forwards leaguewide it seems unlikely they could get no-doubt option in return.

What is the current state of the SF position on the Cavaliers, and what steps could the franchise take this offseason to improve? We continue our weeklong series breaking down the Cavaliers’ roster (look here for the PG position, and here for SG).