After a season where the Cleveland Cavaliers played just one rookie, Isaiah Mobley, for a total of 84 minutes all year, it doesn’t appear likely that they will have any significant rookie contributors this next season either. The Cavs don’t have a first-round pick for the first time since 2017 due to the trade for Caris LeVert from the Indiana Pacers.
Slotted to pick at number 49 from the Golden State Warriors, it’s unlikely they will find someone who can immediately make an impact on a playoff team. On the other hand, there are plenty of buy-low prospects who might be able to thrive in the three-and-D role the Cavs desperately need.
Below are five ranked wing targets for the Cavs in the 2023 NBA Draft.
No. 5: Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
Coming in at number five, Jaime Jaquez will likely be the first player selected out of the five wings listed. The UCLA Bruins’ senior thrived in his college career on both ends of the floor.
Offensively, Jaquez often isolates at the mid-post and uses great footwork and shooting to score effectively. Standing at 6’7″, he can fulfill various roles on offense. He has shown the ability to pass out of the post-up and can run the pick-and-roll as both the screener and handler. The biggest offensive question mark for Jaquez is his ability to consistently knock down threes. Since shooting is the Cavs’ primary need, his development in that area is crucial for him to see significant playing time.
On the defensive end, advanced metrics indicate his ability to make impactful plays. However, his success on defense mainly comes from help-side rotations, and his slower foot speed raises concerns about guarding faster NBA players. Jaquez excels as a smart team defender and utilizes his length to disrupt passing lanes.
The uncertainties surrounding his ideal defensive position, along with his inconsistent shooting, place him lower on this list. Furthermore, acquiring him would likely require a trade-up, and the fit may not be worth sacrificing additional assets.
No. 4: Julian Strawther, Gonzaga
A versatile shooter who could greatly benefit the Cavs’ offense, Julian Strawther took over five threes per game and converted them at a 40% rate. He excels in various shooting aspects, starting with his impressive 43% efficiency on catch-and-shoot opportunities. Strawther is exceptional in spot-up situations and possesses deep range. He showcases excellent off-ball movement, successfully running off screens and executing common NBA actions.
When forced off the three-point line, Strawther displays a soft touch on floaters, adding another dimension to his offensive game. He shot over 56% on floaters and took a high volume of them, which bodes well for his potential as a pick-and-roll ball handler. However, his slow first step and limited finishing creativity restrict his scoring ability, although his other skills align well with the Cavs’ core.
The reason Strawther isn’t ranked higher on this list becomes apparent with his defensive abilities. Despite demonstrating effort, he lacks quickness and strength, raising concerns about his defensive fit. In addition to being below-average athletically, he often finds himself in unfavorable positions to make plays, leaving his defensive position questionable.
Strawther’s unquestionable offensive talent holds great value for any NBA team, but legitimate concerns about his defensive capabilities place him at number four.
No. 3: Seth Lundy, Penn State
A former teammate of Lamar Stevens, Seth Lundy epitomizes the tough-shot maker. The senior shot around 40% from three-point range last year, and he was most effective without the ball in his hands. Defensive contests didn’t seem to bother him much, and he possesses a keen sense of the game. Lundy has a knack for finding open space and excels at repositioning himself to get open. Shooting off screens and handoffs is a particular strength of his that should translate well to the next level.
When he’s forced off the three-point line, Lundy’s crafty finishing ability and strength make him a decent scorer around the rim. While he may not explode through defenders vertically, he possesses a great touch and can be creative in finding ways to get his shot off.
Defensively, Lundy’s strength, hands, and basketball IQ make him impactful on that end of the floor. Reminiscent of his former teammate Stevens, Lundy may not be the quickest, but his strength and effort allow him to contribute effectively. He plays with a “Junkyard Dog” mentality, much like Stevens did, and it shows in his defensive efforts and rebounding.
Lundy’s potential to become a true three-and-D player makes him an excellent choice for the Cavs at the 49th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
No. 2: Ben Sheppard, Belmont
Joining Joe Gaines and Dylan Windler, Ben Sheppard would become just the third Belmont Bruin to be drafted into the NBA. Sheppard is a true do-it-all shooter, showcasing exceptional skills in catch-and-shoot situations.
He shot over 40% on catch-and-shoot attempts and converted nearly 50% of his unguarded catch-and-shoot looks. His ability to shoot 40% off screens demonstrates that Sheppard can be a disruptive off-ball player who creates ample space for the offense. Standing at 6’6″, Sheppard excels at shooting over closeouts and defenders with hands in his face. Additionally, he displays a great sense of relocating and finding open spots after a dribble drive.
Despite being recognized primarily as a marksman, Sheppard’s experience as a point guard is evident in his ability to run the pick-and-roll. He is a smart passer with remarkably quick decision-making skills. Averaging nearly three assists per game in his role showcases how comfortable Sheppard was in operating the offense at times.
On the defensive end, he earned All-Defense honors in his conference and shows flashes of being an effective on-ball defender. Sheppard’s length and intelligence enable him to make impactful plays off the ball. However, his lack of exceptional speed may pose challenges when defending quicker guards at the next level. While he displays the potential to become an impactful wing defender, he will likely need to add weight to handle stronger opponents.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding his true defensive position, Sheppard remains at the second spot on this list. His struggles with scoring at the rim further emphasize the need for added weight. Despite that, his natural shooting ability is exceptional.
Sheppard may be the best long-term choice, but he may not have an immediate impact like the next player on this list.
No. 1: Keyontae Johnson, TCU
After collapsing on the court and facing the possibility of never playing again, the Keyontae Johnson story stands out as one of the best in sports over the past few decades. Putting aside the feel-good aspect, Johnson can just flat-out play.
Offensively, his scoring versatility allows him to excel in various roles. Johnson is excellent at attacking the rim and finishing through contact, thanks to his strength. When off the ball, his awareness is exceptional, enabling him to make explosive backdoor cuts for easy scoring opportunities. With the ball in his hands, Johnson effectively utilizes his size in the post to finish over or power through defenders.
Keyontae Johnson also has a reliable jump shot, evidenced by his 45% three-point shooting on catch-and-shoot opportunities. He seemed to make every open look and will serve as a legitimate floor-spacer in the NBA. While he may not be the complete, dominant sharpshooter like others on this list, he is projected to be a highly effective shooter at the NBA level. The only question marks regarding his offensive game lie in his playmaking ability and his capacity to create separation.
Defensively, Johnson’s strength, length, and lateral quickness complement each other, making him impactful on that end of the floor. Despite being listed at 6’5″, he excels at using his strength against larger opponents and is likely to defend positions two through four at the next level. Although he’s on the older side at 23 years old, Johnson perfectly fits the Cavaliers’ needs and has the potential to make an immediate impact in the rotation in his first year.
While it is indeed incredibly challenging to find a rookie who can contribute in the playoffs during their first year, these five options could all serve as valuable additions to the Cavaliers’ wing depth. Although they each have their weaknesses, their notable strengths indicate that they could earn a spot in the rotation sooner rather than later.