NBA Draft: 5 wings Cavs could take if they keep first-round pick

NBA Draft: 5 wings Cavs could take – Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona Wildcats

The Arizona Wildcats have been one of college basketball’s biggest surprises this season, and as of this writing they are No. 2 in the AP Poll and in line for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament in just a few weeks. While there are multiple players having excellent seasons to propel them ahead, one of their key pieces has been Bennedict Mathurin.

The 6’7″ sophomore is averaging 17.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, with 2.1 made 3-pointers per game. He is shooting 37 percent from 3-point range, which is only so-so until you watch the film and see how he has increased the difficulty of his attempts. His shot has the utility to be an off-ball weapon, but he can also put it on the deck or perhaps even uncork a reliable stepback down the line.

Mathurin doesn’t have the upside that Griffin or Murray have, but his identity as a solid starter who hits 3-pointers and plays solid defense is as close to a sure thing as you get. For most role players their shot is the swing factor, but for Mathurin it’s the defense; the ability is there, but he needs to be consistent to carve out a career as a plus-starter, not simply a fringe one.

That sort of floor is fine for a late lottery pick, and that’s the range most expect Mathurin to fall into. He would give the Cavs size on the wing, floor-spacing and size without shoe-horning Lauri Markkanen into the spot.