Cavs: Crafting a custom 2022 NBA Draft Big Board

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Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images /

Cavaliers 2022 NBA Draft Big Board: Tier Two

4. Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF/F, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

I wrote about Baldwin when I was writing about possible wing targets for the Cavs in the 2022 draft. Baldwin reminds me so much of Michael Porter Jr. Both have great, quick shots. They are also both rather tall for a wing. Now, whereas “MPJ” doesn’t put a lot of effort into that side of the court, Baldwin Jr. has shown the drive to be a good defender.

Baldwin Jr. will be playing for his father at Wisconsin-Milwaukee this year, so his numbers should pop off the chart. With that being said, Baldwin Jr. likes to take risks, and they don’t always pay off. Most other outlets have Baldwin Jr. much lower on their boards, however, with the wing being a position of such need in the Cavalier organization, it may boost his stock.

Pro Comparison: Michael Porter Jr.

5. Jalen Duren, PF/C, Memphis

Jalen Duren decided to forgo his senior year of high school and enroll a year early at Memphis. Emoni Bates decided to do the same and enroll early at Memphis, but he will not be eligible for the 2022 Draft. Duren is an interesting prospect. He uses raw power and strength around the hoop. He’s the closest thing you’re going to find to an old-school big man. He needs to work on his range, and his touch, but other than that he’s a very good player. He rebounds at a very high level and his shot may have the capability of being good someday. Overall, I don’t think Duren to the Cavs is that realistic, but you never know, so everyone needs to do their due diligence.

Pro Comparison: More Offensively Gifted Dwight Howard

Throughout the course of the season, we may see different areas where the Cavs need to improve, so prospects will move around on the big board. However, with that being said, I would doubt the top five will ever fall outside the top ten at any point, but you never know. Before the start of last season, a lot of people were looking at Jonathan Kuminga as a potential first overall pick. Only months later he was taken with the seventh pick.

Wings the Cavs should target in 2022 and beyond. dark. Next

My point is, ranking NBA prospects is not the same as ranking football prospects, so while there will be some movement throughout, most of the top-tier guys are always going to be the top-tier prospects. Be sure to check back in again at the end of the week to see our full top ten prospects from the 2022 NBA Draft class.