Cavs Draft Notebook: What are second-round picks really worth?
What Should the Cavs do in the Second Round?
Honestly, there are a couple of different ways the Cavs could choose to go in the second round. With possible extensions looming for Collin Sexton and Caris LeVert, the Cavs need to utilize the second round to find players who can help the team next year. However, with two picks in the second round, there’s a possibility the Cavs simply view those as assets to either trade up in the draft or use during a trade in the coming weeks.
With how the Cavs have built their roster thus far, I would assume the former. So, then comes the question of what the Cavs roster holes are right now. I would say that a huge hole is the backup point guard position. Remember, Ricky Rubio was great last season before he was injured. He played a vital role for the Cavaliers and their young core. However, Rubio will be 32 early next season, and his shooting numbers aren’t the greatest. Unless the Cavs are able to bring him back on a minimal deal, I think his skill-set is replaceable.
I think you can understand my reasoning when I tell you I would hope the Cavs use the 39th pick to grab a solid, young backup ball-handler. Without Rubio last season, Rajon Rondo had to take over ball-handling duties on the second unit. Rondo has had a great career, but there are too many young guards to take a chance on. So let’s take a look at two of my favorite ball-handlers in the 2022 NBA Draft.
JD Davison, Guard, Alabama (6’3″ 195 LBS)
Stats: 8.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.3 APG
Davison had an up-and-down season with the Crimson Tide this season. He’s still incredibly raw and young, but the signs are there that he could end up being a solid point guard in the NBA for a long time. Physically he’s pretty imposing, standing at 6’3″ with broad shoulders, kind of like Steve Francis. He can take you off the bounce and finish at the basket, or pull up from the elbow. He does have a tendency to over-dribble at times but is a very capable shooter. His perimeter skills are far from poor, but they will take some work.
On top of all of that, Davison was pretty solid on the defensive end at Alabama this year. He was able to grab a steal a game and averaged 4.8 rebounds per game, which is nothing to laugh at, especially as a guard. Sometimes he plays too much like a wing or shooting guard, which is an issue because he’s undersized for that position. However, he has sky-high potential.
Alondes Williams, Guard, Wake Forest (6’5″ 210 LBS)
Stats: 18.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.2 APG
Williams came out of nowhere this year to emerge as a possible second-round pick. The lengthy guard from Wake Forest had a tremendous year for the Demon Deacons. He was named First Team All-ACC, and won the conference’s Player of the Year Award. Williams isn’t the most explosive or fast guard this year, but his length and craftiness allow him to be a weapon inside the paint and at the rim. On top of that, he shot over 50% from the field this season, which is quite a feat for a point guard.
Two of the biggest knocks on Williams are his age and his speed. I already mentioned he’s not the fastest guy in the world, and his age would play more of a factor if he were being considered for a first-round selection. Whether NBA teams like it or not, there’s some real talent to be found in the second round, and even in undrafted free agency.