2022 NBA Draft prospect Christian Braun could be steal for Cavs

Taking a look at Braun’s skill set

In his junior season, Braun has had 14.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for the Jayhawks in 2021-22, pre-tourney.

Braun was a bench contributor in his freshman campaign, but has shown more in his last two seasons, and has settled into a starting role as more of a key offensive player for Kansas this year. That’s been alongside Big 12 Player of the Year Ochai Ogbaji, who has had steady growth over the course of his KU career as well, and our Justin Brownlow is high on, as a side note.

In Braun’s case, he did show some on-ball and driving abilities last season, and I don’t discount that. Nor his cutting and some pull-up development.

This season, though, he’s shown more consistency in regards to his driving, and just seems to be far more assertive in both set offense in catch-and-go situations, and in transition, his athleticism and body control has led to plenty of success this season.

Along with that, after he had knocked in 34.0 percent from three last season on 5.1 attempts, and 44.4 percent off the bench, this season, he’s hit 37.7 percent on 3.4 attempts per outing. Braun’s motion does lead to reason for optimism, as does his release for the next level though, and he could become a floor spacer, I’d imagine for Cleveland.

But what he has shown as far as off-the-bounce growth this season is very promising, combined with the catch-and-shoot viability.

Also, Braun is a highly capable defender on the perimeter, and in his potential role with the Cavs, especially with the rim protection of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Braun in at least rotational stretches could be very effective against opposing wings, I believe.

He’s a heady rotator, involving the team aspect, and while he’s not long for 6-foot-6, Braun’s improved his defensive positioning over his time at KU, and he’s a good rebounder on the wing.

With his two-way potential the focus here, Braun could prove to be a steal for Cleveland as eventually a rotational regular.

Next up, we’ll examine Braun’s potential role with the Cavaliers, if they were to select him in the 2022 NBA Draft, set to commence on June 23.