There isn’t a clear cut prospect for the Cavs after Anthony Edwards
Already facing a weaker NBA draft class than usual the coronavirus pandemic has thrown an even bigger spanner into the works.
As the NBA suspension continues teams around the association are using the time to scout for the looming 2020 NBA Draft. One thing has been discovered quickly that the long-held belief of this particular draft has held true that the class is significantly weaker than in draft classes of the past.
Anthony Edwards has cemented himself as the best prospect in the class and possibly the only one with All-Star potential after a strong season at Georgia but behind him there isn’t exactly a clear cut number two prospect.
Prospects will likely be unable to fly around the US to participate in team workouts nor will they be going from team to team to conduct interviews. It feels unlikely that there is going to be a scouting combine in mid-May, if at all. In all likelihood, teams have scouted these prospects in person for the last time.
The draft is scheduled for the 25th of June but it can’t be held until there is an order for the draft. For that to happen, the season needs to finish.
LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman along with Edwards were viewed as the cream of the crop in this class. However, both have deficiencies which has seen their stock fallen.
Wiseman played a mere three games at Memphis and although he averaged over 19 points and ten rebounds, the sample size is far too small. As for LaMelo, although his vision and passing are superb, his shooting is somewhat shaky, a worry for any point guard at the next level.
Furthermore, it wouldn’t make much sense for the Cavaliers to add a third successive point guard via the draft in Ball anyway with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland already on the roster.
Further down the draft players like Obi Toppin and Deni Avdija have shown flashes of excellence, but the former, despite his offensive prowess, could already be close to his ceiling due to his age. The Dayton star is considered a liability when guarding in space on the defensive end and brings concern as to whether he could play as a small ball five at the next level.
On the other hand, Avdija is a prospect with great size can play multiple positions, can shoot the three-ball effectively and has great passing for a big man built for the modern game. But with any overseas prospect it comes with a great deal or risk, moreso at a time like this.
In terms of fits for the Cavs, Wiseman wouldn’t really be a need if Andre Drummond opts into the player option in his contract. Toppin could likely slot into to a sixth man role should Koby Altman opt against trading Kevin Love.
Avdija could be a potential fit at small fit at small forward but regardless none seem to be a clear cut above the rest at this point and is an issue the Cavaliers will have to work out before they are on the clock.
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