5 2022 NBA Draft prospects that could make immediate impact for Cavs
By Will Holtz
#2: TyTy Washington Jr.
The Cavaliers’ first-round selection will tell you a lot about what their plans are in free agency. If they select TyTy Washington Jr. out of Kentucky, just know that Ricky Rubio is probably not coming back.
Washington would absolutely fill the Cavs need of a playmaker off the bench. He averaged 3.9 assists for the Wildcats in 2022, including a school-record 17 assists in a single game, breaking the previous record of 16 held by John Wall.
Not only can he move the basketball around, he’s crafty around the rim and is always looking to make the best play possible. Washington is an extremely unselfish player, who also knows when it’s his turn to put the ball in the basket. He’s a smart player, and you can never have enough of those.
While he is a tremendous playmaker, he lacks consistency in outside shooting. He shot 35% from three this past season, which isn’t bad, but it’s not great either. However, he does have good shooting mechanics and he has flashed the ability to get hot and make the defense respect him as a catch-and-shoot threat. He should be able to develop his jumper in no time once he reaches the NBA.
With a teammate like Caris LeVert, coming off the bench, Washington doesn’t need to set the court on fire with his shooting. Being an elite, playmaking specialist off the bench would do wonders for this team.
If the Cavaliers are looking for a cheap solution to their playmaking issue off the bench, then look no further than TyTyWashington Jr. He would provide a much needed spark to ignite to the second unit while Darius Garland would be getting some much needed rest.