3 reasons Ousmane Dieng should be Cavs’ pick at #14 in 2022 NBA Draft

#3: Need and positional value

The Cavs’ biggest need is by far a playmaking wing. Dieng isn’t ready day one, but from a talent aspect, in time, Dieng could be the wing the Cavs will need.  The Cavaliers are young, however, when you look at the long term, a playmaking wing is the only thing the Cavs really need. Cleveland has everything you need when you’re looking at building a contender aside from that.

They have a young point guard who’s already a star and could take the leap to superstar as early as next year. Evan Mobley has all the makings of a superstar as well. Jarrett Allen could be the Cavs’ version of Robert Williams, while they have other good, young pieces around them as well. When looking at the long term, Cleveland doesn’t have any bad contracts and should have plenty of financial flexibility, albeit with Garland reportedly likely to get a max extension; it’s clear that he warrants, though.

Anyway, even if it isn’t Dieng, if an AJ Griffin falls to the Cavs, they should take him or someone like a Tari Eason or Jalen Williams, but they don’t have quite the upside of a Dieng, especially as a playmaker.

Wing is the most important position in basketball and the Cavs need to prioritize it, as it’s really the only area where they are lacking. They’re hard to find, which is why you have to invest a valuable lottery pick a lot of times in order to find them. Cleveland isn’t in championship-or-bust mode, so again, they can afford to be patient.

The expectation is definitely for the Cavs to make the playoffs, but if they’re able to get a Dieng this year, perhaps in two years if Dieng hits, he’s the big playmaking, shot creating wing that helps put the Wine and Gold over the top.

He’s raw, but considering the need, importance of position and star upside at the wing position, and the fact the Cavs didn’t expect to be here, Dieng is the type of guy you swing for that ends up being the final piece of the puzzle for the team, hopefully.