Cavs 2022 NBA Draft Viewing Guide: Top centers face off on Saturday

At this time last year, Rookie of the Year candidate, and realistically, frontrunner, Evan Mobley, was preparing for his second-round matchup versus Kansas. Mobley was still a freshman in college, looking to take his USC team to the Sweet Sixteen. USC would eventually cruise past Kansas, then Oregon, only to fall to an undefeated Gonzaga team in the Elite Eight. Mobley showcased his basketball IQ and skill set throughout the tournament.

But, we never got to see the big man match up against another top big man during the tournament. This year is another story.

After winning their first-round matchups, possible lottery picks Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga (assuredly), and Jalen Duren of Memphis will face off tonight in Portland.

Holmgren, who has jumped up to No. 2 in most mock drafts, has been playing very well for the Zags as of late. The skinny 7-footer from Minnesota is averaging over 14 points per game this year, to go along with nearly 10 rebounds, and almost four blocks per game. He was a star in the Zags first-round win over Georgia State. Holmgren had 19 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.

While many believe Holmgren needs to add a lot of muscle and bulk to be successful in the NBA, his skill set is one of a kind. If you watched Gonzaga this year you were treated to Holmgren putting on a show on multiple occasions. Whether it be him leading the break, or blocking a shot that leads to easy points, he’s a great player who has tremendous basketball IQ, especially for his age (19).

On the other side of the court, Jalen Duren is still trying to prove to scouts that he is worthy of a high-lottery pick. Duren has been fairly consistent playing for Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway.

The back-to-the-basket big is averaging just over 12 points per game, while shooting a white-hot 64% from the field. Duren really is an old-school player. He likes to use his strength and power around the basket, and is a perfect fit in today’s lob-happy NBA.

While the Cleveland Cavaliers are almost surely out of the running for Chet Holmgren, Duren is a player that could slip to the late-lottery, where the Cavs would likely pick if they miss the playoffs. I know most readers will be annoyed with me lobbying for another big man in the 2022 NBA Draft.

However, Joel Embiid is still only 28 years old, and Nikola Jokic is only 27. With both players healthy, and playing their best basketball of their careers, big men are going to be in need in the future. I would love to have Mobley bulk up and be able to dominate bigger and stronger players. However, adding Duren would give the Cavaliers some insurance.

Even though Duren is only in college, I think he could have had a big impact on the Cavs this year, after Jarrett Allen went down. So I wouldn’t say it’s out of the realm of possibility the Cavs would take a look at a guy like Duren.

What: (9) Memphis vs (1) Gonzaga

When: Saturday, March 19, 2022 | Time: 9:40 PM ET

Location: Moda Center — Portland, OR

Coverage: TBS

Outside of Duren and Holmgren, I think Gonzaga easily wins this game. That said, it should be a delight to watch the two freshman bigs battle all game. Duren will no doubt try and use his strength to wear down Holmgren. On top of that, Duren is one of the only centers in college basketball who should be able to stay with Holmgren in the halfcourt. I would expect Holmgren to use his skill set to get Duren out of his element.

From there, Gonzaga’s other big man, Drew Timme, might find himself in the post most of the night, while Holmgren plays the stretch four. Overall it should be a good game through at least the first half.

If Duren can keep Holmgren at bay, it would be a huge benefit to him in the 2022 NBA Draft process. Holmgren will have to hold his own against Duren, which I think he will.

In the end, both of these young men will be playing in the NBA next year, so now’s your time to get an early glimpse at the two big men.