With the NBA Playoffs really starting to get exciting, the 14 teams who did not make the postseason have to start looking towards the 2022 NBA Draft. After losing to the Brooklyn Nets in the opening game of the Play-In Tournament, the Cleveland Cavaliers then dropped their do-or-die matchup with the Atlanta Hawks days later. While it sucked to see such a promising season get derailed mostly because of injuries, by failing to qualify for the playoffs, Cleveland held onto their first-round pick this season.
In early February, the Cavaliers traded Ricky Rubio, a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick, and 2027 second-round pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick. Luckily for the Cavaliers, now-President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman did put a lottery protection on the 2022 pick, so the Cavs will retain the pick this year.
If they fail to reach the postseason in 2023, they’d have their first-rounder as well; hopefully they do make the playoffs next season, though. But with that in mind involving the 2022 NBA Draft, let’s take a look at where the Cavalier roster currently stands.
Heading into the 2022-2023 season, Cavalier fans have to be excited. Heading into the 2022-2023 season the Cavaliers have one of the NBA’s best frontcourt duos in Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Allen, who was a first-time All-Star this season, will be back at the beginning of the season fully healthy, barring any unfortunate setbacks this summer. Mobley will have to work on adding bulk to his frame over the offseason, but he should only be better next season.
Another first-time All-Star, Darius Garland had a breakout season this year, averaging 21.7 points per game and also dishing out over eight assists per night. Isaac Okoro and Lauri Markkanen will be back next season as well, with Okoro hoping to make the same third-year leap Garland did this season (I’m not saying that’s easy). Kevin Love and Cedi Osman should also be back to bring some long range shooting into the mix. However, there are some questions that need to be answered in the coming months.
Collin Sexton could potentially return to the starting lineup, after missing the majority of this season with a knee injury. Without Sexton, the Cavs had an incredible season, and Garland, Allen, Mobley, and pretty much everyone else shined. Sexton is a great offensive player, who has averaged 20 points per game early in his career. Having said that, he can be a liability on the defensive end, and has a high usage rate which could hurt the Cavs offensive flow they had this season.
On top of that, Sexton will be looking for an extension this offseason, as will Caris LeVert who was acquired near the trade deadline. It seems a bit redundant to me to keep both, but that is a possibility. With that being said, the draft will be critical this summer for the Cavalier front office. If they plan to move on from Sexton, they will probably be looking for his replacement in the draft.
No matter how you feel about Sexton and LeVert, the question that the Cavs front office will be asking themselves around draft time is the following: Do the Cavs need to add an instant impact player with their first-round pick, or can they possibly take a player who’s younger with a bit more upside, but could take a little bit longer to develop?
So with that in mind, let’s take a look at both options.
Drafting an instant impact player
There are a lot of reasons to look at this year’s Cavalier team and believe that adding a player in the late-lottery could take this team over the top, especially if the draft falls a certain way. When I’m talking about instant-impact players, I’m talking about players like Bennedict Mathurin and Ochai Ajbaji. Players who have played at the college level for at least two years, and could join an NBA roster right now and make an impact.
During the NCAA Tournament, Agbaji showed off his outside shooting ability, along with his tough defense, and overall basketball IQ. Bennedict Mathruin’s last college game was a 30-point performance that wowed the many scouts in attendance. Those are just two examples, but the Cavs could also take a look a the G-League for both high upside, but instant impact as well.
Jaden Hardy was previously ESPN’s second-ranked recruit from the class of 2021. He was expected to put up Jalen Green like-numbers, while also showing off his insane shot-making. Personally, I think Hardy could have an instant impact on the offensive end for the Cavs. There’s a good chance he’s one of the top three shooters in the draft, and has the capability to create his own shot, while also creating good looks for his teammates.
He didn’t shine this season, but he put up solid numbers against grown men. I’ve been a huge fan of Hardy since the beginning of the G-League season, and I still love his shot-making ability, and offensive potential. He would have to buy-in to the Cavaliers defensive philosophy, but overall he would be a great mix between high upside, and immediate impact.
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.