3 ways Shaedon Sharpe entering NBA Draft helps Cavs

3 ways Shaedon Sharpe entering NBA Draft helps Cavs: They could draft him

The most basic way that any single player declaration affects a team is that they can now be drafted by them. If Shaedon Sharpe had stayed at Kentucky, the Cavs would have a zero percent chance to draft him. Now that possibility is in play, through a few different avenues.

Most mock drafts and big boards have Sharpe outside of the “Top 4” elite prospects, but somewhere in that next group, anywhere from five to ten or so. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie (subscription required) placed his range from three to fifteen.

The simplest way for the Cavs to draft him would be to take him at pick No. 14 if he falls to them. Given his youth, upside and skillset that likely only happens with some sort of major concern, either health or development, popping up during the pre-draft process. Michael Porter Jr. similarly fell in the 2018 NBA Draft down to 14th.

If the Cavs are actively targeting Sharpe, however, they can’t sit in place and hope he somehow comes to them. They would need to trade up, packaging other picks or players to move from 14th up into the Top 10. This becomes more feasible on draft night itself if Sharpe falls a few spots and the Cavs can find the right team to leap up and replace.

The longest of shots comes if the Cavs seize that slim possibility to leap up into the Top 4. Given their depth in the frontcourt right now they could lean towards a wing even if a player such as Chet Holmgren or Jabari Smith is available.