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

Prospect No. 3 – Jaime Jaquez Jr.

If the Cavs want to go for an NBA-ready pick, they shouldn’t look much further than Jaime Jaquez Jr. He will be 22 years old once the draft rolls around, and he has played four years at UCLA. His numbers may not be eye-popping, but he is a solid defender. This season, his defensive rating is an 88.3, and he has earned Pac-12 All-Defensive honors twice in his collegiate career, and could win his third this collegiate season.

Looking at his weaknesses, he isn’t much of a shooter. He has shot 29.0% from deep this season, and 32.7% in his collegiate career. His age might scare some teams off, but I think for Cleveland, it would be a good sign to take him. Sure, he’ll have growing pains coming into the NBA, but his game is already mostly developed.

I do think that Jaquez should be on the board still once Cleveland’s pick rolls around, so I don’t think it is too far-fetched that the Cavs would select him. Maybe considering the fact that he isn’t a quality distance shooter could scare the Cavs, but I think his defensive versatility is too good to not think about selecting him at all.

All in all, the Cavaliers still do have a lot of time on their hands when it comes to the 2023 NBA Draft, but it still is important to get their prospects scouted early. Whether Cleveland deals the second-rounder or selects someone with them, I am fully confident that Koby Altman and his staff will make the right moves.