The Cleveland Cavaliers have started out their 2021-2022 season with one win and two losses. Unfortunately for this young team and Cavs fans alike, this won’t be the first time the team’s record dips below .500 this season.
With that being said, the team looks better than it was last year at the beginning of the season. Collin Sexton is averaging just over 20 points per game while shooting 52% from the field. Darius Garland started well but has missed the last two games with an injury. Unfortunately, it seems like Garland’s injuries keep piling up; if he can find a way to stay healthy, he should blossom into one of the league’s better young point guards.
One of the nicest surprises of the early season is Evan Mobley’s play. He’s been dominant on the defensive end, pitching in over two blocks per game. On offense, he’s shooting the ball at a 56% clip, while averaging 15.7 points per game. As of right now, the future looks bright for the Cavs.
It’s never too early to look ahead to the NBA Draft. Who should be on the Cavs’ Big Board for 2022?
In their opening two losses, the Cavs have been exposed on defense. Ja Morant torched the Cavalier defense, scoring 37 points, and picking up six assists. Then against the Hornets, they were exposed defensively on the wing, with Miles Bridges going off for 30 points. However, on Saturday against Atlanta, Isaac Okoro and Evan Mobley made Trae Young’s life a living hell, holding him to 24 points on 8-22 shooting, including 1-of-6 from deep.
While there have been some promising signs for the Cavs early in the season, it’s tough to imagine them picking outside of the top ten picks. With that being the case, let’s go ahead and take a look at my first Cavalier “Big Board” for the 2022 NBA Draft.