Cleveland Cavaliers have a playoff push to focus on. They are fighting with the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors..."/> Cleveland Cavaliers have a playoff push to focus on. They are fighting with the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors..."/>
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NBA Draft: 3 prospects for Cavs to watch in Sweet 16

By Josh Cornelissen

Wendell Moore, Duke Blue Devils. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Wendell Moore, Duke Blue Devils. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /
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NBA Draft
Caleb Houstan, Michigan Wolverines. Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images /

NBA Draft: 3 prospects for Cavs to watch in Sweet 16 – Caleb Houstan

Early in the season, the Michigan Wolverines were floundering, losing winnable games to bad opponents. To their credit, they have turned their season around and are now in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. Mirroring his team, top freshman Caleb Houstan had a rough start to the year but has turned it on lately to become a key part of Michigan’s success.

For the season, Houstan is averaging 10.2 points and 4.0 rebounds, hitting 36 percent of his 3-pointers. In the Wolverine’s upset win over Colorado State he hit three triples en route to 13 points. His shot is pure and, at 6’8″ gives him some lineup versatility as a 3 or 4 at the next level.

The Cavs would like to take someone with high upside in the second round, and Houstan fits the bill. His stock has fallen this season, making him potentially available for the Cavs, but he remains a player with combo-forward size who can absolutely stroke it from deep. Add in strong secondary playmaking chops and a big, athletic frame to grow into defensively, and Houstan’s upside is tangible.

He may never put it all together, but if he does he immediately fits one of the most coveted archetypes in the league, the shooting combo forward with strong defensive skills. He could join the team in the mix with players such as Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens.

Next. Cavs Draft Viewing Guide: Stock Watch; 3 players to watch in UNC-UCLA. dark

Whether the Cavs take a player like Wendell Moore or Caleb Houstan, or go in another direction, the next few days of the NCAA Tournament are an excellent chance to scout players in a competitive setting. The next Cleveland Cavalier could suit up tonight; who could it be?