First 2022 NBA Draft Big Board, from Cavs’ perspective

Tier Three of this first Cavs-specific Big Board

#6: Jaden Hardy, Guard, G-League Ignite (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) (18.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.3 APG)

Took the same path as Jalen Green and spurned the college ranks for the G-League. He’s playing on the same level as Green was last year, but is that good or bad? Overall, he’s a fantastic shooter in a league that desperately craves it.

#7: Jalen Duren, Center, Memphis (6-foot-11, 250 pounds) (10.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.2 APG)

Duren can be just as dominant, if not more so, in the post as Holmgren and Panchero. He’s more of an old-school big, who is very athletic for a big, and has a decent arsenal of offensive moves on the block. He will also be a great shot blocker at the next level, simply because of his size and tenacity. He’s below Banchero and Holmgren because he hasn’t stretched his game outside the three-point arc, which would greatly improve his stock.

#8: Kendall Brown, Wing, Baylor (6-foot-8, 205 pounds) (12.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.8 APG)

Brown has the best plus-minus ratio on the #1 team in the country. He’s not a great shooter, and needs to get at better creating for himself and others. However, at the next level he projects as a top level defender because of his athleticism and defensive prowess.

#9: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Wing, UW-Milwaukee (6-foot-9, 220 pounds) (15 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.9 APG)

Baldwin Jr. is suffering from playing at such a small school. He was great early, but as Milwaukee has played tougher opponents, Baldwin Jr. has struggled. Still, his shooting is still his greatest asset, and with his size on the wing, he should not slip out of the top 10.

#10: Johnny Davis, Wing, Wisconsin (6-foot-5, 195 pounds) (20.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.3 APG)

Davis has been the surprise of the season, other than Ivey. At the end of last year, some writers noted that he would be a player to watch this season. Well, they were spot on.

Unless his shooting just falls off, he looks like he’s headed to the lottery.