If there in NBA Draft, TyTy Washington Jr. would be intriguing Cavs target

Should the Cavs seriously consider TyTy, if he’s there?

Now to the verdict. While I’d probably rather the Cavaliers go with a wing in the 2022 NBA Draft, or if he’s there, from a physicality/off-bounce range and athleticism standpoint, Hardy, Washington should be in real consideration.

TyTy needs to improve as a finisher, and can be prone to settling at times, and defensively, I recognize he’s a ways away from being viable for long stretches against NBA guards. But with Cleveland’s defensive players around them, when the team is healthier and has Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in tandem, I do believe Washington’s offensive impact could enable him to be more than fine for stretches. His 6-foot-9 wingspan for his size could aid the team off-ball, too.

Granted, I do acknowledge that it’d seem the Cavaliers could potentially look to bring Ricky Rubio back, however, it’s difficult to say right now as to when he’ll be fully back from his ACL injury suffered back in late December. Rajon Rondo, as another potential veteran brought back for backup point guard services, struggled with injuries as a real rotational contributor this season with the Cavs, as an alternative, too, as an aside.

I’d be more than fine with say, Delon Wright as a veteran free agent playmaking add, or Tyus Jones. Could Cleveland get either of them, though? It’s difficult to say.

Anyway, circling back to Washington as a potential draft selection in the lotto, to me, even with Garland’s emergence, TyTy is such a talented shot creator, and could be a great combo guard to have in Cleveland’s rotation long term, and the team should strongly consider him, if he’s available. I can’t say outright if he will be, but it’s seemingly a possibility.

He’s on the thinner side, sure, and took a bit to be fully back, seemingly, mid-season, after an ankle injury; he did rebound pretty well, though, and his shot creation and playmaking qualities/vision make him intriguing. And in my opinion, Washington could be a great addition if he were available for the Cavs in June.

I wouldn’t necessarily expect the Wine and Gold to take him, but I’d understand if they did. The Kentucky product, who will turn 21 in November, could provide some true Garland insurance, whether or not Sexton is around long term, or LeVert, to some extent.