Mock Draft 2.0: Highlighting team needs for the lottery

Team Needs: Small forward, clarity at 2-guard, backup point guard

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the outside of the puzzle figured out, but they are filled with question marks inside. Lauri Markkanen survived at the 3 last season, and Dean Wade is a low-ceiling reliable option there, but if the Cavs could find a solid long-term option at the 3 that would be ideal as they grow from lottery team to playoff contender.

Tari Eason is something of a 3.5 rather than a pure 3, but that seems right up this coaching staff’s alley anyways. Eason’s work ethic and on-court hustle would fit in among the Cavaliers, and teams trying to score against a frontline of Eason, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen would be sorely disappointed. He has the size to slide to the 4 next to Mobley, and the weakside rim protection to cover for lineups with Markkanen and/or Kevin Love.

The Cavs don’t need a No. 1 option, so Eason can slide in lower on the pecking order and still make a big impact. The Cavs need to prioritize players who can log minutes at the 3 in the NBA, and they did just that here in this version of our weekly mock draft.

There is a lot of talent in the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery, talent at nearly every position. How teams balance need and value will be a fascinating part of the draft night narrative, and only time will tell how each does with their pick.