The 2022 NBA Draft is not one that’s getting nearly the same pub as last years’ for Cleveland Cavaliers fans, but it still is one where the Wine and Gold can land one, if not multiple rotation players.
The Cavaliers did not make the postseason this year, which was slightly disappointing, with how much they improved this season; on a positive note, they’ll retain their first-rounder, that is likely to be the 14th selection.
In the Caris LeVert trade with the Indiana Pacers back in February, Cleveland’s first-rounder included as part of the compensation in the deal was lottery-protected for this season, and next season. Indy would have Cleveland’s first if they the Cavs make the postseason next year, as a side note.
With this year in mind, in which the draft is set to commence on June 23, for Cleveland’s first-rounder, prospects such as Jeremy Sochan, Kendall Brown, Ochai Agbaji and Bennedict Mathurin come to mind, along with Jaden Hardy and maybe Jalen Duren. I also don’t think if he’s there, Cleveland should discount what TyTy Washington Jr. could bring.
Perhaps the Cavaliers look to trade their first-round selection for a proven veteran impact player, with maybe Cedi Osman/Dylan Windler as piece/pieces involved, too. We’ll have to see.
From there, the Cavs do have two second-round picks in the 2022 NBA Draft as well, with one via the Miami Heat near the end of the draft, and one slotted in at #39.
When it comes to that likely late-lotto selection, though, it would seem that the Cavaliers could very well go with a wing, ideally with two-way upside and viability regarding size to be multi-positional. That’d be at least for rotational stretches and possibly develop into a starter long term, looking onward.
We touched on some of those guys, but another that could be in that realm is Tari Eason, who we’ll take a closer look at here.
There’s plenty to like about Eason, a logical NBA Draft prospect this year for the Cavs.
With Eason, there’s a lot to be a fan of with his play for the Cavaliers, in particular. He transferred from playing his first collegiate season at Cincinnati, as one of a number of Bearcats that did so, and moved on via the transfer portal to LSU.
With that, let’s examine how Eason demonstrated encouraging play on offense at LSU, and how he could potentially help the Cavs.