Late First Round Options For The Cleveland Cavaliers In The 2020 NBA Draft

We’re finally a little over a month away from the 2020 NBA Draft after having it be delayed multiple times due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who are set to pick fifth-overall, are more than ready to add another player to their promising young core. Wing depth is a dire need for Cleveland and thankfully players like Deni Avdija, Isaac Okoro and Devin Vassell will all likely be available for the team to pick from come draft night. As of today, the Cavaliers’ personal preference would be either Avdija or Okoro in terms of wing players, according to league sources, but anything can happen between now and November 18.

During an already unprecedented year, Cleveland seems like they will be properly equipped to make their selection despite the fact most draft workouts and interviews will have to be conducted virtually. But, the player they select at fifth-overall may not be the team’s only selection. Due to the pandemic, teams may be looking to cut costs wherever they can, according to league sources. That means that some of the more cash strapped organizations towards the end of the draft could be looking to shed their first-round pick and the guaranteed money that comes with it. That, or teams are looking to make a win now move if Giannis Antetokounmpo makes his intentions with the Milwaukee Bucks clear. Knowing this, the Cavaliers could be in business to look to acquire an additional pick leading up to the draft.

If this were to happen, there are actually some players that would fill a lot of Cleveland’s needs. There are plenty of them too from playmaking to perimeter defense to rim protection to everything in between. With the Cavaliers likely taking a wing with their own selection, they’ll be able to cover some of those bases – mostly perimeter defense. But, today, we’ll break down three prospects that can help fill some of the other voids throughout Cleveland’s roster.

Precious Achiuwa – PF, Memphis – 14.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks

Precious Achiuwa is an imposing big man with elite-level athletic ability that is raw offensively but sound defensively. Achiuwa combined his strong frame, great length, solid coordination, explosiveness and adept body control to anchor a Memphis Tigers team that was ranked in the top 50 defensively. That ability will allow him to thrive at the next level almost instantly as the combination of energy, hustle, and defensive grit can be hard for teams to contain and he projects as a multi-positional defender.

While his defense will translate instantly, it will take time for Achiuwa’s offensive game to grow. But, Achiuwa already has a solid enough foundation that shows potential for him finishing consistently in the paint and even as a reliable catch and shoot option from three. But, there are concerns with his overall shot selection and whatever team drafts him will need to be patient with his development.

It all depends on where he ends up though and needs to be with a team that’s focused on player development – like the Cavaliers. If given time, Achiuwa could grow into a mold similar to Denver forward Jerami Grant – who is vital to the Nuggets success off the bench. Also like Grant, Achiuwa has the potential to play as a small-ball five at the next level as well only making him even more appealing. Achiuwa would be an awesome addition to the Cavaliers’ young core.

Tyrell Terry – PG, Stanford – 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists

After selecting Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, both point guards, in back-to-back draft classes, Cleveland selecting Tyrell Terry seems frankly, foolish. But, with Matthew Dellavedova set to enter free agency this offseason, the Cavaliers might be in the market for a guard to play in relief of either Sexton or Garland. That’s where Terry, a player Cleveland interviewed at the 2020 NBA Draft Combine, starts to make more sense as a late first-round option for the Cavaliers.

Unlike Achiuwa, Terry’s biggest appeal is his offensive skillset while his biggest warts come on the defensive end of the court. Terry is a pure shooter with an effortless shot – connecting on 40.8% of his attempts at Stanford. His range is as deep as anyone in the draft class and he possesses confidence that can seem like it borders on arrogance. He also is an adept playmaker, averaging 3.2 dimes per game for the Cardinal and has showcased a good feel in both the open floor and in pick and roll sets.

In all seriousness, Terry actually best compares to Garland. So it might seem a little redundant for the Cavaliers to select him. But, due to Terry’s lack of explosiveness and his slight frame, he likely projects as a sweet-shooting facilitator that is also a defensively liability off the bench. His skillset would both be a boon to Cleveland’s future and fill a dire need for them. But, the Cavaliers would also need to pair Terry with a plus-sized defender to cover for his missteps as he continues to grow.

Desmond Bane – SG, TCU – 16.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals

Finally, another late first-round prospect that makes a ton of sense for Cleveland is TCU senior Desmond Bane. At first, his age seems like a major red flag since the Cavaliers are looking to find talent that can grow towards the future. But, Cleveland forward Dylan Windler will be 24 entering his rookie season and the organization thinks the world of his potential. That, and what Bane brings to the table would be too enticing for the Cavaliers to pass up if the opportunity allowed it.

What Bane brings to the table is the fact that there really isn’t a glaring hole anywhere in his game. Offensively, Bane is a high IQ player that solidly finishes with both hands and is an elite shooter, albeit with unorthodox mechanics. On defense, Bane also showcases a high IQ both in terms of team and positional defense. Despite a lack of athleticism, Bane has the potential to guard every position on the floor at the next level.

In time, Bane has the potential to be a floor-spacing off-ball guard that can also operate as a tertiary creator on offense and a multifaceted switch defender on the other end of the floor. Due to his age, Bane is likely to fall towards the back end of the first round and if the Cavaliers have an extra pick, it would be remiss of them not to take him. The fire would rise in Cleveland if they took Bane, and his plug and play potential alongside the rest of their young core would be limitless.