#3: Mark Williams
While this would probably not be the most popular pick among Cavs fans, there is no denying that Mark Williams would make a big impact off the bench from day one.
A backup center isn’t the biggest need for the Cavs, but it is a hole that needs to be filled at some point. Using draft capital on it wouldn’t be the best route in my opinion, but I wouldn’t be upset if they used their pick on the former Duke big man.
Mark Williams is a tank. He stands at 7’0″, weighs 240 pounds and uses every bit of his size in the paint. In 2021-22, Williams bullied his way to averaging 11.2 points per game and 7.4 rebounds for Duke. He flashed potential to be an elite finisher in the NBA by knowing how to use his body against defenders in college.
However, his finishing ability is not his bread and butter. His calling card is on the defensive side of the court. Mark Williams might have been the best defender in college basketball last season. He averaged an ACC-leading 2.8 blocks per game, helping him win the 2022 ACC Defensive Player of the Year award.
Williams is an absolute force in the paint on both ends of the floor. The only problem with picking the big man with the No. 14 pick, is that they would be picking a big man with the No.14 pick. Finding someone to spell Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley off the bench is a need, but filling that need in the first round is a little high for me.
Nevertheless, Williams would make an immediate impact this season. He would dominate other second unit bigs, even as a rookie. He has an NBA body and would be brutal to bang down low with.
Opponents would often take advantage of the Cavs when Allen and Mobley were out and slash the defense like it was nothing. With Mark Williams stepping in, that wouldn’t be a problem at all. He would welcome it.