2 2023 NBA Draft prospects that could find roles early on with Cavs

Prospect No. 1: Julian Strawther

Julian Strawther is a player who could potentially be there for the Cavaliers in the mid-second round that could provide supplemental shooting for stretches around the key offensive cogs.

Strawther is a junior at Gonzaga, one of the emerging powers in college hoops. He’s come along in the past two seasons for the Bulldogs as a wing shooter, and has had 15.1 points per game on 61.7 percent true shooting.

Strawther has progressed over the past two seasons as a shooter from three-point range, and this season, has shown movement shooting potential for the next level, which is a skill set Cleveland could definitely use for off-ball contributors. Objectively, the Cavs could use an infusion of shooting at the wing spot, perhaps via free agency.

Strawther hit 36.5 percent of his deep attempts as a sophomore in a bit smaller role, but there was reason to believe he could further progress in that area looking onward, and this season has been encouraging in that aspect. He’s shot 42.6 percent from deep in 2022-23.

Strawther is not a player that projects to be a notable shot creator at volume at the NBA level, nor has he been with the Zags, and his defense is not something to write home about.

On the plus side, he has a fast release, a reputable shot motion, and for Cleveland, he could be an impactful catch-and-shoot player to utilize in stretches as an off-screen target. His 6-foot-7 size should help him as a shooter as well, and to counter perimeter shooting, Strawther is polished with his floater game, which he could get to after a few dribbles in set offense.

While the defense and lack of shot creation are obvious weaknesses, particularly for a three-year college player, Strawther’s strides as a shooter would make him a player that could end up having a defined role within the Cavs rotation. Given the bench’s shooting inconsistencies, he’d make a ton of sense, if he’s available.