The Cavs have no need to bring Ricky Rubio back

The Cavs passed on TyTy Washington Jr., and just missed out on Kennedy Chandler

I believe I’ve written at least a couple articles over the past year about some of the good young point guards the Cavaliers might be able to snag late in the first round, or at the beginning of round two. Right before the first round ended, Kentucky’s TyTy Washington Jr., a top prospect amongst most scouts, was still on the board.

We will never know if the Cavaliers had enough ammunition to trade up and get the former Wildcat. However, if they did have the power to get Washington Jr. and didn’t, that’s pretty disappointing; it does seem as if they did, too.

To make matters worse, Kennedy Chandler, a solid young point guard out of Tennessee, was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 38th pick of the 2022 NBA Draft. The Cavs selected next, taking their chances with Khalifa Diop. I don’t know if the Cavs would have selected Chandler, but he would have been a great pick, solidifying the second unit backcourt.

Nonetheless, the reasoning behind not making another first-round pick, was based on the idea of Rubio coming back next season, or at least that seemingly had to play into it. If Lamar Stevens and Dean Wade, who don’t have guaranteed contracts, and Collin Sexton returns to the team, they will have 13 players under contract, leaving a spot for Rubio, or another backup point guard.

It’s clear the Cavs believe Rubio can have a huge impact, even if he isn’t available until January. Personally, there’s absolutely no need to bring Rubio back. Collin Sexton can run the point on the second unit, as can Caris LeVert, so it would have been wise to just draft a rookie guard with a high ceiling.

Instead, the Cavs are hoping a 32-year old, veteran guard coming off a significant injury, with a poor shooting record, is their best option. I don’t know, but I’m pretty skeptical.