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.
Cavaliers 2022 NBA Draft Big Board: Tier One
1. Paolo Banchero, F/PF, Duke
Banchero will undoubtedly be the centerpiece to Dukes’ team this year. There are no real knocks on him, as his game is incredibly well-rounded. He’s more than capable of being physical in the post, but also has a jumper that is silky smooth. Over the past two years, he’s put some muscle on his lean frame, and he’s become a mismatch for defenses. He’s big enough and strong enough to battle with the big boys down low, but he can also use finesse around the basket when need be.
Overall he’s the most polished prospect in the 2022 NBA Draft. He’s not as flashy as Zion Williamson but has his strength around the rim. He will be able to increase his range over time. Banchero is the closest thing you’re going to get to a complete player, at least in this upcoming draft.
Pro Comparison: More Athletic Tobias Harris
2. Jaden Hardy, C/G/F, G-League
When I saw Jalen Green’s name go off the board with the second pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, I was incredibly disappointed. However, I may have lucked out in the fact that there is a player in this draft who might be even better than Green, and that is Jaden Hardy.
The first thing you notice about the young combo-guard is his range. He’s one of the few players in the country that can pull up from very deep, and hit the shot. On top of that, he’s a smooth player when he’s off the ball. Hardy is also the best play-maker in the draft. His ability to get into the driving lane, or command tough closeouts on his shots, will only make those around him better.
The only two knocks on Hardy is that he can be sloppy with the ball, and is reliant on his jumper a bit too much. Finally, he’s shown solid anticipation, and has a competitive nature, meaning if he puts in the work, he can be a good defender. Add in the positional value of a wing for the Cavs, and he sits at No. 2 on their big board.
Pro Comparison: James Harden
3. Chet Holmgren, F/C, Gonzaga
People will call me crazy for having Holmgren at three, but I did say this was my big board for the Cavs. I just don’t see a fit for him on the roster right now. After re-signing Jarrett Allen, trading for Lauri Markkanen, and drafting Evan Mobley, is there enough room for him in the rotation up front? I don’t know. I will say if he slips in the draft, I have no problem with the Cavs taking him, but that’s only if he’s the best option.
Holmgren needs to add a good 30-45 lbs to his frame. I have a fear he’s going to get bullied in his first couple of seasons in the league. However, he’s an incredible player. His range is great, his ball-handling, especially for a big, is quite astonishing. He’s also very crafty around the rim. Because of his frame, he’s never going to be one the biggest guys on the court, so he uses his soft touch and extended range to beat those guys. On defense, he’s a natural shot-blocker, and like Mobley, can affect shots even if he’s five feet away. Holmgren is a great player and if he’s the best option when the Cavs are on the board, I have no problem taking him, I’m just hoping there are better options.
Pro Comparison: Dirk Nowitzki
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.
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.