• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cleveland Daily

Cleveland Sports News, Rumors & Highlights

  • Home
  • Guardians News
  • Cavs News
  • Browns News
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • About

3 Players The Cavs Could Target In Round 2

By Spencer Richardson May 25, 2022

Reece Beekman #2 of the Virginia Cavaliers blocks a shot by Alondes Williams #31 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on January 15, 2022 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
(Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)

 

The Cavaliers have three picks in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Next June, the Cavs will pick at no. 14, no. 58, and no. 39.

And while maybe that lottery pick at no. 14 will eventually translate into a starting-caliber player someday, the chances that a second-rounder will are much slimmer.

Despite that, the second round has yielded some surprisingly good talent, especially lately.

Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was picked no. 42 back in 2014 and Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green was picked at no. 35 two years earlier.

Talen Horton-Tucker, who has become the Lakers’ biggest young trade asset, was a second-rounder in 2019, as well.

But for every Jokic and Green, there are tons of Jarrell Brantley and Tremont Waters.

If you haven’t heard of those guys, then a) you aren’t watching Puerto Rican pro basketball and b) you aren’t alone.

The second round is usually for back-end roster filling.

Most of the players taken here won’t earn multi-year, mega deals with their club.

They’ll likely bounce around the G-League for a bit, maybe dabble overseas, or maybe, just maybe, they’ll fill out the team’s roster on rest nights.

Because of that, teams need to look for real steals; not diamonds in the rough, but more like the semi-rare black onyx buried three miles into the Earth’s lithosphere.

Anyway, here are three players you might get to see playing for the Charge next season:

 

1. Alondes Williams, Wake Forest

If you thought top-3 draft pick Paolo Banchero was ACC Player of the Year, you might be forgiven.

If you have never heard of the actual ACC Player of the Year Alondes Williams, you probably would also be forgiven.

Alondes Williams flashing that bounce with a nasty tomahawk. pic.twitter.com/cOzyTM2ZJq

— Josh Codinera (@JoshScoutEm) May 19, 2022

Williams was the heart and soul of an upstart Wake Forest squad that surprised many in the ACC.

The Oklahoma transfer is an excellent athlete and rim-finisher, necessary traits to be a successful guard in the pros.

But Williams lacks consistent catch-and-shoot potential, which is not so great if one wishes to be a successful guard in the pros.

But if the Cavs want someone to embrace the scrappy, blue-collar ethic of the city, Williams is certainly that guy.

 

2. Keon Ellis, Alabama

Wing defenders are always nice to have around.

And Bama’s Keon Ellis has shown flashes of such potential.

With the Crimson Tide, Ellis was named to the All-SEC Defensive Team and led the squad in steal rate (3.7%).

But Ellis is also a decent shooter, slashing 58/37/88 as a senior.

Ellis isn’t a massively imposing defender–his slender frame is a boon to his athleticism, but it isn’t the most formidable defensive mold.

And the shooting came on relatively low volume–Ellis was primarily a supporting scorer on Alabama’s offense.

But maybe that’s a red herring, considering his excellent free throw percentage.

Is Ellis the next 3-and-D virtuoso?

Probably not.

But he might be good enough to log some minutes on a pro floor without leaking defensively, which is precisely what the Cavs should look for here.

 

3. Andrew Nemhard, Gonzaga

If you watched Gonzaga’s loss to Arkansas in the NCAA tournament a few months ago, you might want nothing to do with Nembhard.

He looked lost against a strong Arkansas defense; even worse, he couldn’t take care of the ball, committing five turnovers.

That said, the initial reports out of the draft combine are promising.

Andrew Nembhard had the single-most impressive performance of the NBA Combine thus far with 26 points, 11 assists. Made all the right reads out of PNR and had his floater and pullup game working all game long. pic.twitter.com/3qdBlQnZUh

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 20, 2022

Nembhard’s IQ and playmaking were never a question.

The issue with the former four-star recruit is questionable athleticism and scoring ability.

One reason to keep an eye out for Nembhard: his size.

The Gonzaga senior is a point guard but stands at six-foot-five.

His size alone will give him an advantage over the league’s smaller floor generals.

And the future of the league appears to be taller playmakers; the Chris Pauls of the world are a slowly vanishing mold.

If Nembhard falls, the Cavs might put a lot of stock in their ability to develop young talent, and take a chance on the 23-year-old.

    Get ALL the latest Cleveland sports news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cleveland daily newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Cleveland Cavaliers Rumors And News (Updated Daily) Tagged With: Cleveland Cavaliers

Reader Interactions

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Cleveland Cavaliers News

The Cleveland Cavaliers tip-off against the Charlotte Hornets with 300 fans in attendance at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hornets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Will The Cavs' Beat Their Win-Loss Projection?

7 months ago

Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles as Seth Curry #30 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the second half of the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Cedi Osman Discussed In Cavs Trade Talks This Summer

7 months ago

A basketball hoop, net and backboard are shown before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament between the Saint Mary's Gaels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Orleans Arena on March 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Gaels 82-69.

Who Might The Cavs Move If Collin Sexton Returns?

8 months ago

Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 08, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 118-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Fans React To Epic Darius Garland Workout Tape

8 months ago

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the second half of the Eastern Conference 2022 Play-In Tournament against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 12, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 115-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

2 Realistic Trade Targets For The Cavs Before The Season Starts

8 months ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Lakers defeated the Cavaliers 131-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Former Cavalier Weighs In On Potential LeBron James Return

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 05, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bucks defeated the Cavaliers 123-105.

Report: Collin Sexton Holdout "Unlikely"

8 months ago

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, second from right, sits on the bench with his team during the preseason game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on October 2, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie

Can The Cavs Win Their Division Next Season?

8 months ago

The Cleveland Cavaliers tip-off against the Charlotte Hornets with 300 fans in attendance at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hornets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

ESPN Reveals Their Cavaliers Projection For Next Season

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks against Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on October 06, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Collin Sexton Putting In Offseason Work With Anthony Edwards

8 months ago

Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Could Andrew Wiggins And The Cavaliers Be "Reunited"?

8 months ago

Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 24, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Evan Mobley Draws Comparisons To Two NBA Greats

8 months ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Lakers defeated the Cavaliers 131-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Cavs Not Expected To Pursue LeBron James Next Summer

8 months ago

Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is defended by Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on December 06, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

What Can Fans Expect From Lauri Markkanen Next Season?

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Cavs Have Already Offered "Absolute Maximum" To Collin Sexton

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at Staples Center on October 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Is League Interest In Collin Sexton Heating Up?

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks against Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on October 06, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Collin Sexton "More Likely" To Take Qualifying Offer Over Multi-Year Extension

8 months ago

Cedi Osman #16 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches a replay during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 02, 2022 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

What Is Cedi Osman's Future In Cleveland?

8 months ago

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers watches from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 05, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 121-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Are The Cavs Making Room For A Big Homecoming?

8 months ago

Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 115-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Are The Cavs Primed For A Deep Postseason Run?

8 months ago

Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots in front of Daniel Gafford #21 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 03, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Is A Big Season Ahead For Isaac Okoro?

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Report: Sexton Negotiations Could Extend Into Season

8 months ago

Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 05, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bucks defeated the Cavaliers 123-105.

What's Next After The Cavs' Latest Sexton Offer?

8 months ago

Caris LeVert #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket as Nic Claxton #33 and Seth Curry #30 of the Brooklyn Nets defend during the second half at Barclays Center on April 08, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 118-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Understanding The Cavs' Long-Term Plan For Caris LeVert

8 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search Cleveland Daily

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms And Conditions

Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - ClevelandDaily.com is not affiliated with the Cleveland Indians or Major League Baseball.