Cavs NBA Draft Notebook: Do they need to take an instant impact player?

Drafting for the future

Honestly, after this season, I don’t see many people thinking the Cavaliers should go this route. However, it’s always great to have a lot of options when going into the draft. Two players that could take some time to develop, but have a lot of potential are G-League Ignite players Dyson Daniels and MarJon Beauchamp.

Both are off-ball players who are incredibly athletic and exciting. When looking at Beauchamp, there is a lot to love. Still only 20 years old, he’s a lengthy wing player who can score off the dribble and force havoc on defense. He would fit right in with the Cavaliers defensive philosophy, as his athleticism makes him a great perimeter defender. He will need to improve his three-point shooting, but he is a capable mid-range scorer.

Beauchamp is actually older than Hardy, but definitely needs a little bit more time on the hardwood. Another positive with Beauchamp is that he would slide into a wing position with the Cavs. However, he may not have enough offensive fire power for the Cavaliers.

That’s where Dyson Daniels comes in. Having just turned 19 years old in March, he’s absolutely a guy with a lot of upside. He is incredibly effective in the open floor. Daniels is also a great defender when he puts in the effort, and also has a lot of offensive talent off the bounce. His outside shooting will need some adjusting, but overall he is a guy that could come into the Cavs rotation to give Garland some rest, or even take Garland off the ball to get him open looks.

Personally, I’m in favor of a guy like Hardy, and I am a bit biased considering I’ve been high on him for a while. Even still, there is an argument to be made for both ideas. Unless they add a superstar this offseason via trade, the Cavaliers aren’t the most likely team to win a championship, so maybe taking a younger player with upside can be a key piece in a championship run in the future. However, the Cavs need offensive help wherever they can get it.

So whether that be through the 2022 NBA Draft or other means, they need more scoring. Hopefully, that scoring comes along with a defense-first mindset. But, beggars can’t be choosers.