2022 NBA Draft: New Big Board; 3 upcoming games for Cavs fans to watch

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Bryce McGowens, Nebraska Cornhuskers. (Photo by Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports) /

Three to watch this weekend, beginning with the first in the Big Ten

As always, there are multiple games this weekend that have NCAA Tournament implications. Aside from the matchups I mentioned earlier, this weekend is a great time to check out some realistic guys that could be on the Cavs next season. With the Cavs holding strong in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, we’re going to take a look at three prospects that should be available at picks 23-30. So without further notice, let’s get started.

Rutgers at Nebraska (Saturday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 PM ET, Big Ten Network) Player to Watch: Wing Bryce McGowens of Nebraska

McGowens is a player that is rising up nearly all 2022 NBA Draft boards. The 6-foot-7 freshman from South Carolina is averaging over 16 points per game, while grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out two assists per night. He’s rail-thin right now but should be able to add muscle throughout his career.

He’s a very good player on a very bad team, so his talent is going to be hard to judge. On top of that, he’s a volume shooter, and isn’t that efficient. He’s shooting a paltry 39 percent from the floor and an even worse 25 percent from deep. However, his shooting form is there so he should be able to be a good shooter at the NBA level. With all this being said, you may come away from this game thinking McGowens isn’t a guy for the Cavaliers to look at. Even still, he fits the mold of a Cavs player.

His defense is okay right now, but he has the body type and drive to become an above average defender at the NBA level. On top of that, once his shot starts falling, that’s when he can really hurt you. If anyone closes out too hard on this guy, he’ll go right around them and finish at the rim.

Overall, we’ll have to monitor how McGowens is playing throughout the season. Even though he is eligibile for this year’s draft, it might be wise for him to stay another year at Nebraska, or hopefully somewhere else. I like McGowens a lot right now, and I think he could carve out a nice space on the Cavaliers roster.