2021 NBA Lottery Redraft: Evan Mobley goes first overall

While in real life the explosion of Evan Mobley to the top of the rookie ladder is a huge positive for the Cavs both this season and next, in this alternate reality he is no longer available for them at No. 3. Thankfully the consolation prize is not too bad, as Cade Cunningham is the big wing creator this team has desperately needed since LeBron James left.

Cunningham is not a hyper athlete, so there are some concerns about his ability to finish inside or to become a truly elite offensive engine. Even so he has been a good offensive player from the beginning, handling the ball as a 6’6″ playmaker and averaging 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. His shooting has been a little cold to start the year, but his 84.8 percent mark from the free-throw line and smooth stroke indicate it should come around.

What sets Cunningham apart from other top perimeter creators in the draft like Jalen Green or Josh Giddey is that he brings value on defense as well. He hustles on that end of the court like few players of his pedigree, and the Pistons have been better on defense when he plays than when he doesn’t.

Cunningham would be an excellent fit on the Cavs given their unique roster makeup as well. Cunningham could defend 3s, sliding Lauri Markkanen to the 4 and giving this roster a lot more flexibility positionally. He and Garland could complement each other while on the court together, and then each could run the show while the other sits. Cunningham might not have the same upside as Mobley but he still has a lot, and in this alternate timeline the Cavs still get an extremely valuable player.