3 2023 NBA Draft prospects Cavs could target in 2nd round

Prospect No. 2 – Oscar Tshiebwe

Oscar Tshiebwe is also similar to Bates, as he is still a bit raw when it comes to basketball talent, but that shouldn’t make Cleveland steer away from him. He is already a tremendous defensive player, which should make the Cavaliers happy. His shooting is really not there yet, as in all four years at West Virginia and Kentucky, he has attempted zero 3-pointers. His free throw percentage is not the best, but it isn’t horrendous. He shot 70.8% from the line in his first college year, but then shot 66.1% this collegiate season so far.

As I mentioned, defense is one of his best attributes. He is averaging 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per night. Also, he is pulling down 13.8 rebounds a night, while 5.8 of them are offensive rebounds. He may be an undersized center at only 6’9,” but he still has great versatility on defense. According to Tankathon, Tshiebwe’s wingspan is 7’4.” That wingspan should help him on the defensive end, as he should be able to get steals and block shots because of his length.

If Tshiebwe wants to make it into the NBA, he should want to be able to hit a mid-range jumper with consistency. Take for example, Jarrett Allen. If NBA defenses sag off of him in the mid-range setting, he will not hesitate to put them up, and has shown tangible growth offensively in recent seasons. I’ve seen Allen make middies before, so I know it is in his arsenal. Tshiebwe needs to be similar, being able to somewhat stretch defenses out so other players can get to the lane easier.

I believe Tshiebwe should be able to be a more reachable player when it comes to draft position, as I don’t think he will go in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. I would like to see what Tshiebwe would have to offer to the Cavaliers, considering the lack of talent at the backup center position. If Khalifa Diop were to come to the Cavs next season, then maybe I could see Cleveland shying away from Tshiebwe.