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

Two other matchups to tune into this weekend

(16) Ohio State at (6) Purdue (Sunday, Jan. 30 at Noon ET, CBS) Player to Watch: E.J. Liddell of Ohio State

Well this is a bit of a treat for the viewers, as you will get to see Jaden Ivey take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Regardless, in this article we’re not focusing on the explosive guard in Ivey, but Ohio State’s leading scorer E.J. Liddell.

Liddell was always going to be a tough scouting report because of his size and position. The junior forward is a menacing 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, so he’s not afraid of contact. This year he’s averaging just under 20 points per game for the Buckeyes, while also bringing in over seven rebounds, and even dishing out three assists a night.

And Liddell could actually be the best addition to the Cavs “big” lineup. If Lauri Markkanen needs to head to the bench at some point (when healthy), Liddell can slip in there at the three.

However, if Isaac Okoro needs a blow he could also play as a bigger guard. His handles and quickness are nothing to get excited about but he’s a good, polished player, that brings a lot of energy to his team. I could very easily see him in Wine and Gold next season.

Wake Forest vs. Syracuse (Saturday, Jan. 29 at 8:00 PM ET, ACC Network) Player to Watch: Alondes Williams of Wake Forest

I’m just going to come out and say it, I love Alondes Williams’ fit with the Cavs, but I hate his age. By this time next year he will already be 23, which is a bit disheartening, but alas we move on.

The senior guard is averaging 20.4 points per game this season, to go along with seven rebounds, and five assists. He’s raised his three-point average to about 34 percent, which is a major upgrade from last year’s percentage. Williams also has the basketball instincts that you look for in a player, and in the Cavaliers’ situation, he could even become a young leader early on.

Like I said, I don’t love drafting guys this high in the draft when they are a certain age, but I might be able to make an exception for Williams.