CLEVELAND — We are just hours away from the 2024 NBA Draft and 3News is taking a look at who could be the next member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
While the Cavaliers took a step in the right direction in 2023-24, reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals, the team has since undergone changes, including the firing of J.B. Bickerstaff.
Just two days before the start of the NBA Draft, the Cavaliers reportedly hired Kenny Atkinson as their head coach. Now, the attention will turn away from the coaching search and toward the draft, as the Wine and Gold will pick at No. 20 in Round 1. This year, the Cavs have no second-round picks.
One thing that the Cavaliers need this offseason is a wing player who has length and can shoot, plus individuals who can score off the bench.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 NBA Draft:
2024 NBA Draft details:
- Round 1 | Wednesday, June 26, 8 p.m.
- Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
- Watch on ESPN and ABC
Cleveland’s current roster entering the 2024 NBA Draft:
Under Contract
- G: Darius Garland
- G: Caris LeVert
- G: Sam Merrill
- G: Donovan Mitchell
- G: Craig Porter Jr.
- G/F: Max Strus
- G/F: Ty Jerome
- F: Georges Niang
- F/C: Dean Wade
- C: Evan Mobley
Free Agents
- F/G: Isaac Okoro
- F: Emoni Bates
- F: Isaiah Mobley
- F: Marcus Morris Sr.
- F: Pete Nance
- C/F: Tristan Thompson
- C: Damian Jones
3 Draft Prospects for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Kyshawn George - Guard- Miami Hurricanes
While it is rumored that the Cavaliers will continue with their current "core four," George could be a solid addition to the team. The 6-foot-7 wing has the ability to be a robust 3-point shooter from the bench. The Switzerland-born 20-year-old shot 43% from the floor and 41% from beyond the arc during his lone college season. On the other hand, George will need development, as he averaged 7.6 points per game, 3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. George has a lot of potential, having the upside of a point guard with the length of a forward.
Here's how NBA.com describes George in his 2024 Draft Profile:
"It’s a relevant red flag that George logged just three dunks across 713 minutes of action, as the 6-foot-7 guard continuing to develop as a finisher would be strongly reinforced with an above-the-rim style. Even still, converting 58.5% of his attempts alongside a potent 42.7% clip off 96 catch-and-shoot 3s creates multi-level scoring upside. George has deep range, advantageous size to release his shot and a handle to create separation at will. Development is needed, however. Among all players with at least 50 pick-and-roll ball handler possessions, George turned the ball over 26.9 percent of the time to rank 835th out of 884 qualifiers. He had similar struggles taking care of the rock and making decisions in transition, but his physical profile and shooting touch are huge pillars to work from. George is not an on-ball hound defensively, but he was a critical component of Miami’s defense -with the Hurricanes performing 10.8 points better with George on the court and ranking in the 82nd percentile nationwide in defensive rating during those minutes."
Jaylon Tyson - Forward - California Golden Bears
Tyson would fit the small forward position with the Cavaliers well, as he displayed the skills that the Cavs needed at that position in the postseason. In his three collegiate seasons, Tyson proved to be an efficient scorer with a strong playmaking ability. In his last season with the Golden Bears, he averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He is a capable ball handler who can create his own shot in the transition. Tyson would undoubtedly be a powerful rotation piece to add to the roster if available.
Here's how NBA.com describes Tyson in his 2024 Draft Profile:
"At 6-foot-6, Tyson has the size to get to the rim and match up with opposing wings on the defensive end. The 21-year-old’s biggest strength is his ability to create his own shot, but he has also proven to be a reliable spot-up shooter. Tyson is a willing passer and can find teammates as a playmaker in the pick-and-roll."
Kyle Filipowski - Forward / Center - Duke University
If FiIipowski is still available when the Cavaliers select at No. 20, Cleveland may consider this 20-year-old. The 7-foot forward started 72 games for the Blue Devils, thriving as a freshman, averaging 15.1 points, 9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. While he is not a star shooter from beyond the arc, he still averaged 34.8% during his sophomore campaign. If the Cavaliers do decide to trade Jarrett Allen, Filipowski would fit in well, co-existing alongside Mobley for the future.
Here's how NBA.com describes Filipowski in his 2024 Draft Profile:
"A seven-footer who can play both power forward and center, Filipowski seems like one of the safest picks in the 2024 NBA Draft among players widely projected to be in the lottery due to his high floor and elite basketball instincts. He has an excellent assist rate, has proven to be a solid shooter with a range that stretches beyond the three-point line and owns a decent offensive game near the rim, where his efficiency plays at his best. There are question marks as to how he’d handle the league’s physicality, but he seems to have a strong enough frame since he’s a 248-pound seven-footer. He’s not the most athletic big man out there, but he compensates for the lack of athleticism with above-average passing and an ability to stretch the floor. Filipowski needs to improve defensively, particularly as a rim protector, and he’s an absolute liability from the free-throw line, but overall, the positives outweigh the negatives when determining his potential as a prospect."
BONUS: Bronny James - Guard - University of Southern California
While it is unlikely that he will go in Round 1, another bonus name to mention is Bronny James. The eldest son of NBA superstar and former Cleveland Cavaliers F LeBron James is entering the draft after playing his freshman year at USC. During his first season with the Trojans, Bronny averaged 4.8 points per game, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Previously, his dad, LeBron, said, "My last year will be played with my son. Wherever Bronny is at, that's where I'll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It's not about money at that point."
Here's how NBA.com describes Bronny James in his 2024 Draft Profile:
"James excels in catch-and-shoot situations and shows great energy and instincts on defense. At 6-foot-2, he lacks size at the NBA level, but his athleticism is considered elite. James can handle the ball and is a willing passer but isn’t a true point guard."
Round 1 draft order
- 1. Atlanta Hawks
- 2. Washington Wizards
- 3. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
- 4. San Antonio Spurs
- 5. Detroit Pistons
- 6. Charlotte Hornets
- 7. Portland Trail Blazers
- 8. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
- 9. Memphis Grizzlies
- 10. Utah Jazz
- 11. Chicago Bulls
- 12. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 13. Sacramento Kings
- 14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
- 15. Miami Heat
- 16. Philadelphia 76ers
- 17. Los Angeles Lakers
- 18. Orlando Magic
- 19. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana)
- 20. Cleveland Cavaliers
- 21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Milwaukee)
- 22. Phoenix Suns
- 23. Milwaukee Bucks (via New Orleans)
- 24. New York Knicks (via Dallas)
- 25. New York Knicks
- 26. Washington Wizards (via Los Angeles Clippers)
- 27. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 28. Denver Nuggets
- 29. Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City)
- 30. Boston Celtics
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