The Cleveland Cavaliers are almost certainly going to be at the top of the 2018 NBA Draft. This is not a snarky way of mentioning that they’ve struggled so far this year, it’s a way to point out that they have the unprotected first-round pick belonging to the Brooklyn Nets. Despite LeBron James‘ comments on the subject, odds are Brooklyn’s pick will be better than Cleveland’s.
But all eyes are on what Cleveland will do with that pick. Some have speculated that they need to move it to get a player that will help convince LeBron to stay with the franchise this offseason. Others think they should keep it as a plan in the event he splits, or as a way to give him a young running mate, which is something the Cavaliers could really use.
If the actions of the Cavaliers’ GM are any indication, the team might be leaning toward keeping the pick. While Cleveland was getting ready to take on Houston on Thursday night, Koby Altman was in Israel to watch 18-year-old Slovenian wunderkind Luka Doncic in action.
Cavs GM Koby Altman is in Israel scouting and taking notes on Real Madrid's Luka Doncic. Cleveland own Brooklyn's pick, currently projected at #6.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) November 9, 2017
Doncic suits up for Real Madrid, which took on Maccabi Tel Aviv in a massive Euroleague matchup. Madrid lost, 90-83, but Doncic had a monster game, going for 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Here are some of his highlights.
Having Doncic would give LeBron quite the running mate on the wing, in addition to a three-point threat and a gifted passer who can make Cleveland’s offense more potent. And if LeBron were to leave, he’s a potential face of the franchise who the team can build around going forward.
It remains to be seen whether we should take this as a sign that Altman is committed to keeping the pick, or if he’s doing his due diligence before he puts the pick on the market. Either way, it seems like he got to watch a really good basketball player in an entertaining game, so that’s a pretty solid trip either way.
