3 ACC players the Cavs could take in 2022 NBA Draft
3 ACC players the Cavs could take in 2022 NBA Draft: Mark Williams
Returning to the Duke Blue Devils, and their bevy of first-round talent, the Cavs could elect to invest in drafting a backup center. The Cavs may seem set at the position, but if they want to make Evan Mobley a long-term 4 then having a backup who plays like Jarrett Allen would give the team consistency if Allen has to miss time, hopefully avoiding the disaster the team experienced down the stretch this year.
Mark Williams is perhaps the player in this draft who most profiles as the next Jarrett Allen, with size (7’0″ tall, 7’7″ wingspan) and incredible strength inside. He led the nation in dunks this season and shot 72.1 percent from the field overall, which led all players in the entire country in true-shooting percentage.
Williams also shot 72.7 percent from the free-throw line, a great number for a center of his size; there will be no “Hack-a-Mark” strategies in the NBA. His jumper is a work in progress, but every once-in-a-while he unleashed it and it looked good coming out of his hand.
Defensively is where Williams will make his biggest mark, with that immense wingspan completely walling off the court. His 2.8 blocks per game led the conference by a mile and ranked 12th nationwide, but he was also comfortable switching onto the perimeter and moving his feet. He has a lot of scheme versatility and would be a devastating partner with Evan Mobley when Allen is off the court.
Next. 3 free agent targets Cavs should be watching this postseason. dark
Whether the Cavs go for a guard, a wing or a center, they have limited but talented options available to them from the ACC. Other players such as Trevor Keels, Jake LaRavia and Caleb Love could be options in the second round too. Either way, the 2022 NBA Draft has some intriguing prospects from one of the most storied conferences in college basketball.