The Cleveland Cavaliers were in a terrific spot in the 2021 NBA Draft as they selected USC forward Evan Mobley with the third overall selection. Mobley turned out to become a sensational choice as the primary or secondary option for the future of the Cavs. Missing out on the playoffs this season was tough for the franchise as they began their campaign on a spectacular note.
Injuries and inexperience hounded their roster at the latter juncture of the season, but the silver lining is having another draft pick in the stacked 2022 class. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen are the building blocks of the bright future, but there the ancillary pieces are still missing from the Cleveland lineup. Having another shot creator to play alongside Garland will be crucial to keep the defenses guessing, along with more defense and versatility on the wings.
Finding a gem at the 14th pick is plausible. These are three names the Cavs must keep their eye on.
Cavs 2022 NBA Draft Options At 14
Johnny Davis
A sophomore shooting guard from the Wisconsin Badgers, Johnny Davis would be a fantastic complement to star point guard Darius Garland. Collin Sexton is a bit too undersized at the two-position, while Caris LeVert would thrive more as the sixth man of the Cavaliers. Davis’ skillset as a fabulous two-way player would fit in the system of coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
In both play-in tournament losses for the Cavs, Kyrie Irving and Trae Young cooked them because Isaac Okoro is the sole option that Bickerstaff could insert in trying to contain both guards. The inefficiency and shot selection are still facets of Johnny Davis’ arsenal that he must address at the NBA level, but the defense, shot creation and ball handling are already at a high level.
Jaden Hardy
One of the best recruits entering their collegiate season, Jaden Hardy decided to pursue a different path in joining the G-League Ignite squad for this year. It was an underwhelming season for Hardy which may have caused his stock to plummet even past the lottery, but the Cavaliers must heavily consider selecting him. Hardy gives the Cavaliers an additional three-level scorer but more importantly a reliable knock-down shooter.
Jaden Hardy would thrive more as a wing who would shoot instantly and mix it up with a few drives and mid-range jumpers as well. The playmaking and court vision are still a work in progress for Hardy, but he can already gain Bickerstaff’s trust as a sidekick to Garland. Floor spacing has been a persisting issue for the Cavaliers, but Hardy’s presence will open more space for Darius Garland, and Caris LeVert to create for themselves and their teammates.
Tari Eason
A lanky and versatile forward from LSU, Tari Eason will address several of the holes and weaknesses of the Cavaliers. As an athletic wing, he provides the perimeter defense that is crucial in the system of coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Playing at the two or three for Bickerstaff will give opponents massive problems with his ability to disrupt smaller guards and provide timely help defense on the weak side as well.
Tari Eason is also an incredible scorer who could easily record 10-12 points a night for the Cavaliers. Playing off the ball as a cutter and screener is an integral facet of a rookie’s repertoire that forces coaches to increase their playing time instantly. His approach to the game at LSU exemplifies a style that shows his utmost desire and eagerness to win every game. The pacing and methodical steps could still be enhanced, but a robust foundation is a tremendous springboard for his success in the NBA.
Even if they do not have a chance to select an Evan Mobley type of player, there have been people who are selected at the tail-end of the lottery who end up as stars of the league. The crucial decision-making prowess is looking for the player that fits the culture and environment of the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers.
