For the fourth consecutive season, the Cleveland Cavaliers participated in the NBA Finals and, most of the time, that indicates a franchise that has some level of stability. However, the Cavs can’t claim that kind of level ground in advance of the 2018 off-season, as LeBron James is set to weigh different options in free agency.
James is, of course, the Alpha and Omega in Cleveland, to the point that it would be very aggressive to project the Cavaliers as even a fringe playoff contender if he elects to spend the 2018-19 season elsewhere. Dan Gilbert and company could certainly choose to pursue a playoff run by adding veteran talent elsewhere but, in the event that James exits stage left, the Cavaliers will have a myriad of long-term decisions to make and one of them arrives even before the best player on the planet officially reaches free agency on July 1.
The Cavs hold the No. 8 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, formally held by the Boston Celtics (via the Brooklyn Nets), by virtue of the deal that sent Kyrie Irving to Boston. While that particular transaction has been litigated from every angle, the reality is that Cleveland must decide its choice well before any tangible information on James will be available, providing considerations from “best player available in a vacuum” to “best player next to LeBron” and even “best option should James vacate the premises” — as well as the possibility they trade the pick.
At this early juncture, it is difficult to gauge Cleveland’s actions through any prism rather than simply taking the best player that falls into their lap at No. 8 overall and, in this space, we’ll do just that. Here are five players that could make sense for the Cavaliers, and their one and only draft pick, on June 21.
- Mikal Bridges – SF, Villanova – Bridges is the perfect idea of a 3-and-D wing that would have been quite useful in the 2018 NBA Finals. Obviously, he is a rookie and not “there” just yet, but Bridges has a wingspan north of 7’0 with big-time shooting ability and legitimate quickness and burst. He’s probably an elite role player type but there is nothing wrong with that at No. 8.
- Miles Bridges – SF/PF, Michigan State – It is a little odd to have two different “M. Bridges” prospects in the top ten overall but, well, here we are. Miles is a do-everything forward that should see his considerable talent shine through on an NBA court with more spacing. He’s a very good athlete and, even without obscene upside, there aren’t many weaknesses to his game and that matters.
- Wendell Carter Jr. – C, Duke – If Carter Jr. is available at No. 8, he will likely be the top remaining player on the board. He isn’t an overly flashy choice but Carter Jr.’s floor is obscenely high. He is a polished, well-rounded big man with defensive acumen, high basketball IQ and a nice, smooth (and effective) jump shot. If the Cavs want to compete right away, he would be a great addition and, even if they don’t, he might be the best bet.
- Michael Porter Jr. – PF/SF, Missouri – Porter Jr. is perhaps the biggest wild card in this class. He was once seen, at least by many, as the No. 1 high school prospect in this class but a lost season at Missouri and a looming back injury make things challenging. From a talent perspective, he blends power forward size with on-ball creation from the wing and that is a potentially dynamic skill set in today’s NBA. The downside is real but he’s likely worth the gamble, at least if the Cavaliers are looking for future upside, in this slot.
- Trae Young – PG, Oklahoma – It wouldn’t be insane to discuss Alabama’s Collin Sexton or Kentucky’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the top point guard in this class but Young comes with more upside and it’s not particularly close. At this point, Young’s game has been heavily dissected but, if his off-the-dribble shooting and high-end passing vision override defensive and size concerns, he could prove to be a fantastic value if and when he slips to No. 8 overall.
