3 reasons the Cavs should keep the 14th pick in NBA Draft

3 reasons Cavs should keep 14th pick: Team is playing the long game

Darius Garland is 22 years old, entering his fourth season in the league. Evan Mobley just turned 21 this past week. Jarrett Allen is 24 years old and will be for the entirety of next season. Lauri Markkanen, Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro are all 25 years old or younger. If Collin Sexton sticks around he won’t turn 24 until 2023.

The core of this team is incredibly young. That they were able to compete for a playoff berth last season with such a young starting lineup was impressive and bodes well for their future development. Yet their struggles down the stretch also illustrate an important truth: as a young team, this group isn’t ready to contend right at this moment.

Trading their first-round pick for another veteran will likely help them win more games this season, but it isn’t going to help them contend for a title. No one short of Stephen Curry would. Evan Mobley needs more than 69 games under his belt. Garland needs a full season running the show and overcoming how defenses scheme against him. Jarrett Allen needs to show he truly is the dominant two-way center he showed himself to be last season.

There are a number of highly encouraging signs that point to this team being really good for a really long time. They are young, most are under contract or team control for a long time, and they will have their best chance to compete a few years down the road. Drafting a player is a better long-term play, as that player can grow into their role and be ready to contribute when this team needs him.

The Cavs need to make sure they don’t rush this growth; drafting a player at 14 helps to keep them on the right trajectory at the right speed.