Cavs 2022 NBA Draft Notebook: Finding a gem in the second round

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JD Davison, Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports) /

This season a couple of rookies shined in their first season in the NBA. Scottie Barnes, selected fourth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, was a dynamic forward, who helped Toronto clinch a playoff spot. Barnes also won the Rookie of the Year. Despite that honor for Barnes, Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley fans may have something to say about that.

Cunningham was sidelined with multiple minor injuries over the course of the year. But, even with his small sample size, his future is incredibly bright with the Detroit Pistons. Finally, Evan Mobley played a huge role for what was a cellar-dwelling Cleveland Cavaliers team to coming within minutes of making the playoffs. Jalen Green also had an explosive second half of the season for the Houston Rockets, and Josh Giddey, who was sidelined after the All-Star break, showed that he’s capable of being a very good playmaker in the NBA for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

On the other end of the spectrum, there were a couple of really good rookies who were drafted in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. The New Orleans Pelicans’ Herbert Jones who was drafted 35th overall, made the All-Rookie 2nd team. He was a pest on the defensive end all year, and helped the Pelicans get to the playoffs.

Just three picks later, with the 38th pick, the Chicago Bulls selected Ayo Dosunmu, a guard from Illinois. Dosunmu played a key role in turning around the Bulls franchise. He performed very well when Alex Caruso went down with an injury. Finally, Bones Hyland, a guard from VCU, had an incredibly explosive second half of the season for the Denver Nuggets. Down the stretch he proved he is one of the best scorers in the 2021 rookie class.

With the Cavaliers bowing out of the Play-In Tournament, they were able to hold onto their 14th pick this year. There are a number of different directions they could go at 14. Ochai Agbaji, Malaki Branham, or even Johnny Davis could be the pick. However, whatever needs they don’t address in the first round, they may be able to in the second, feasibly with one of their two picks.

With the 39th pick in the upcoming draft, there are a couple of guys I’d like the Cavs to zone in on. Obviously, with Ricky Rubio going down to injury last year, and his climbing age, general manager Koby Altman may be looking for a better option; it’s been rumored that Rubio could be potentially back next season, but we’ll have to see.

With the 39th pick, the Cavaliers could address their backup point guard gap with either Jean Montero or JD Davison. Both had up and down seasons, but could be great value in the middle of the second round. That said, another need for the Cavs is shot-creating and shot-making.

Former Nebraska guard Bryce McGowens has a very high ceiling, but a low floor. He’s the perfect guy to take a risk on in the second round. However, I’m not the one making the decision, but let’s take a look at all three prospects!