The Cavaliers are just a few days from the 2022 NBA Draft.
And as it stands now, the squad will pick at no. 14, the very end of the lottery.
But recently, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Cavs are open for business, interested in moving down in this year’s draft to acquire a future first-round pick.
The move would make sense, considering the Cavaliers are without any first-round picks next season.
At the same time, ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst reported that the Cavs’ interest is mutual:
“There are other teams that are farther back, I know of one team that’s in the teens that called the Cavs in the last few days, looking to move up to their pick, just to start talking about it, so Cavs are getting some offers.”
That means at least one of Charlotte, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, and Minnesota have all expressed interest in Cleveland’s lottery pick.
Charlotte probably doesn’t make sense, considering they not only have the no. 15 selection, but the no. 13 selection as well.
And Houston is already picking third in the lottery, so they might have less of an incentive to move up two spots from no. 16 to no. 14.
This leaves Chicago and Minnesota, two playoff teams potentially looking to improve by moving into the lottery.
Is Minnesota interested in bringing in a guard like Ochai Agbaji or forward in Jeremy Sochan to play alongside Anthony Edwards and give the squad a much-needed defensive identity?
Are the Bulls interested in Agbaji or Malaki Branham to provide some desperately needed shooting pop from the wing?
But where does that leave Cleveland?
As it stands, the Cavs’ biggest draft needs are a 3-and-D wing and secondary ball-handler and playmaker.
Fortunately, several of those can be found outside the lottery, where the Cavaliers will necessarily pick if they move down.
Here are two possibilities:
1. Jalen Williams – Wing – Santa Clara
One player shooting up draft boards throughout the pre-draft process is Jalen Williams.
And it’s not hard to see why.
High risk high reward with mid-round major draft target. Don’t sleep on Jalen Williams. Lengthy body type matches up with the #Cavaliers philosophy. pic.twitter.com/12uL1lPTFx
— Rico A. Pietro, SIOR (@ricopietro) June 20, 2022
Which team wouldn’t want a guy with this profile from Zach Harper of The Athletic:
“His wingspan might not ever end, and he can play a lot of playmaking roles within the flow of an offense. His shot looks pretty good now after a couple of years at Santa Clara. He has a phenomenal feel for the game, and he’d be one of the more well-rounded offensive options on the perimeter. . ..”
The Ringer offers pro comps in OG Anunoby and TJ Warren.
Slotting Williams on this Cavs team offers a lot of pluses.
His 6’6 height brings size to the backcourt and eliminates some of the height problems that exist when Collin Sexton and Darius Garland (both 6’1) take the court together.
Further, he offers the squad yet another playmaking option, something the team lacked mightily after their guard depth was drained by injury.
Williams shot nearly 40% from three last season (39.6%), with a fairly sizeable volume (106 shots).
Throw in a never-quit defensive attitude, and he looks like a great fit for the Cavs.
2. MarJon Beauchamp – Wing – G-League Ignite
Like Williams, Beauchamp (6’5) offers a longer backcourt partner to pair with the undersized (but mega-talented) Garland.
Baylor’s Jeremy Sochan says the Cleveland Cavaliers are the lowest draft position team he’s worked out for.
— Quinton Mayo (@RealQuintonMayo) June 20, 2022
But Beauchamp’s biggest strength comes in his defensive prowess.
His 7’1 wingspan allows him to defend multiple positions, bang in the post when needed, and gobble up defensive rebounds with ease.
But Beauchamp is a project.
His outside shooting needs significant work, despite smooth mechanics.
But Cleveland has demonstrated patience and willingness to develop players they deem capable of one-day contributing.
His defense and size give him an advantage over the Cavs’ current options at wing, but offensively, he’ll take a minute.
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