3 NBA Draft prospects for Cavs to target in second round

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Jabari Walker, Colorado Buffaloes. Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images /

3 NBA Draft prospects for Cavs to target: Jabari Walker, Wing, Colorado

The Cavs have valued versatile defenders over the past few seasons under Koby Altman. Evan Mobley is a big who can defend out in space. Lamar Stevens defended everyone from point guards to centers last season. Dean Wade can toggle between multiple positions defensively.

Jabari Walker could be the next player in this mold, as the 6’9″ forward has a 7’0″ wingspan and the strength to guard up-and-down the lineup, potentially all five positions as he develops his frame. His rebounding is top-notch, as he has hands like flypaper and excellent instincts. When he gets a rebound he can grab-and-go and punish defenses before they are set.

Walker isn’t an elite offensive player in the half-court, and that’s where he will need to develop. Regardless, Lamar Stevens seems like his floor, while he has the upside to be a long-term starter for the Cavs. His shot isn’t broken but it needs work, and he won’t take anyone off the dribble. These are challenges but not insurmountable ones, and the defense a team does get out of him could offset the offensive foibles.