With the 49th and 58th picks in the draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select…
Brian Windhorst of ESPN recently reported, “I would expect the Cavs to do something.”
This could mean using both picks to move up and target a player earlier in the second round. It could also mean using the picks to shed salary, such as Dean Wade‘s $6.6 million or Isaac Okoro‘s $11 million.
Either way, the current expectation is for them to make some deal.
When it comes to impact playoff players found in the second round, the reality is that it’s scarce. In the 2024 draft, Quinten Post was the only draftee to log significant minutes in the playoffs. Which means the Cavaliers should not be expecting any meaningful playoff production from any potential draftees.
That doesn’t mean they cannot find regular season contributors or a prospect with potential to provide playoff minutes in future seasons.
Draft Prospect Profiles
AMARI WILLIAMS
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BIG | KENTUCKY | 7’0″ | 262 LBS | 23 YRS OLD
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PPG: 10.9 RPG: 8.5 APG: 3.2 BPG: 1.2 TS%: 58.7% Minutes Per Game: 22.8
Amari Williams‘ greatest selling point is his rebounding. Williams led the SEC conference in TRB%, which would be a welcome replacement for Cavaliers legend, Tristan Thompson, who is now 34 years old.
Williams slotting in as the third big would alleviate that recurring need with a cheap contract, who can learn under Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
SION JAMES
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WING | DUKE | 6’4.5″ | 218 LBS | 22 YRS OLD
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PPG: 8.6 RPG: 4.2 APG: 2.9 SPG: 0.8 TS%: 63.5% 3PT%: 41.3% Minutes Per Game: 25.5
Sion James will sell teams on his shooting, especially in catch-and-shoot situations, where he landed in the 99th percentile. Make no mistake, however, as James invites contact on his drives. His 46.1 FTA rate may change how some teams evaluate his true ceiling.
James showed out at the combine, which included finishing first in the three-quarter sprint and tying for third in the max vertical leap. James may struggle to find a role with how the Cavaliers are currently constructed.
This shouldn’t scare anybody because, as seen in the recent Boston Celtics trades, teams can change quickly.
KOBE SANDERS
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WING | NEVADA | 6’7″ | 203 LBS | 23 YRS OLD
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PPG: 15.8 APG: 4.5 RPG: 3.9 SPG: 1.1 TS%: 57.2% 3PT%: 34.2% Minutes Per Game: 31.7
Kobe Sanders provides interesting playmaking and shot-creation potential for a second-rounder. His 2.41 AST/TO ratio is impressive, as he was tasked with heavy ball-handling duties. His ability to use his shoulders, hesitations, and spins to either create mid-range shots or shots at the rim is notable.
Sanders might struggle to carve out a role early, but his skill set could shine if given the proper opportunity.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
With the looming decisions of whether or not to bring back Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill, Cleveland has a few roles to fill.
Three-point shooting and a third big man stand out as needs. Depending on how the Cavs feel about Craig Porter Jr., backup point guard could be a major need. Plenty of older, proven college players will be available.
But will Koby Altman look to find contributors on cost-controlled contracts or look to make a move like many of its conference rivals?
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