Reason #2: Fit
At the end of the lottery, I’d like to think fit on the roster would have a very big factor on who the Cavs would draft. What I mentioned earlier, the Cavaliers do not have any other point guard definitively on roster besides Darius Garland, so having another one would definitely help out Cleveland.
While players such as Ochai Agbaji, Malaki Branham, and Ousmane Dieng might be better players, I think that Washington would fit better on the Cavs’ roster and will get more playing time earlier on. For the other 3 prospects I just named, the Cavaliers already have wings such as Caris LeVert, Dean Wade, Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens, and Collin Sexton if he re-signs. I know I’ve heard of the saying as “There’s no such thing as too many wings,” but if you have a lot of wings and can take a player with the better fit, I’d take the better fit.
Let’s just say that Rajon Rondo, Brandon Goodwin, and Ricky Rubio do not sign to Cleveland in free agency. This will mean that the Cavs could feasibly have to sign a player for the veteran’s minimum, and that would not be the best option for the Cavs as a backup point guard, or a starter if Garland gets hurt.
This is why the Cavs should go for Washington in the first round in the 2022 NBA Draft. Chances are, he’ll be available at the 14th overall pick, in the event they do keep that, and can really help the Cavaliers as a primary playmaker for stretches.