Thoughts on the Draft and Saying Goodbye

The only constant in life is change. We see that every day, both on a global scale and in our own lives. Between the quarantine brought on by Covid-19, as well as the recent protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd (and 400 years of injustice), we have seen a lot of recent changes, and hopefully some for the better. Still, the grim realities of the world we live in can be overwhelming to all of us.

Besides the life-altering events that have affected all of us, the Cleveland Cavaliers have also been dealing with the sudden and unforeseen changes to the NBA schedule brought on by the global pandemic. While these changes are insignificant when compared to other problems people are facing right now, watching the the Cavaliers move forward over these next few months can provide a welcome and needed distraction for the team’s fans.

First and foremost in the minds of Cavalier fans are the NBA Draft Lottery, as well as the draft itself. These events, which will take place on August 25 and October 15, respectively, should be significant in the shaping of the Cavaliers’ roster, both next season and beyond. Although this is considered to be a weak draft, there are always some quality players in every draft, and the Cavaliers should be in good position to find one. The Cavs have the second worst record in the NBA, and will pick anywhere between first and sixth depending on how the lottery goes.

While it would obviously be preferable for the Cavaliers to have good luck in the lottery, it might not really matter. None of the players at the top of the draft are considered sure things. LaMelo Ball is a brilliant passer with great size for a guard, but he can’t shoot, can’t finish at the rim, and hasn’t shown much interest on the defensive end. James Wiseman is enormous and has shown touch on offense and potential as a rim protector. Unfortuantely, Wiseman isn’t consistent at all on either end, and has very little experience against top level competition in either high school or college. Anthony Edwards looks like the ideal shooting guard, and his highlight reals are extremely impressive, but an inconsistent motor to go along with poor instincts and a shaky jumper have earned him comparisons to Andrew Wiggins and Dion Waiters. Obi Toppin is 148 years old and can’t guard anyone.

Many of the players who would seem to be better fits for the Cavaliers are projected to be selected in the middle or back end of the top ten, and even then there are concerns. Onyeka Okongwu would give the Cavaliers another big man to potentially replace Tristan Thompson and Ante Zizic. Although he doesn’t fill a major need, Okongwu is an excellent scorer in the paint who can both protect the rim and guard out on the perimeter, making him a bit more modern fit as an NBA center than Wiseman. Still, he’s undersized for a center, and his passing and shooting need work. Devin Vassell profiles as the kind of 3-and-D wing that every team wants, but many question his upside due to his slight frame and and perceived lack of ability to create offense off the dribble. Isaac Okoro and Deni Avdija both fit as small forwards who are high I.Q. players with real potential on the defensive end. Unfortunately, both have real concerns about their ability to space the floor, and Avdija may be a power forward masquerading as a small forward. Why spend a high draft pick on them when you can sign a wing who’s a good defender and poor shooter for the minimum? Killian Hayes and Tyrese Haliburton both look like guys who will play in the league for a long time, but both are point or combo guards who aren’t considered better prospects than Darius Garland or Collin Sexton, so what’s the point?

The ideal situation for the Cavaliers would likely be to get a high pick in the lottery and then trade down for a lower pick and another asset. Unfortunately, this isn’t the NFL and those types of trades rarely happen at the top of the draft. It also seems unlikely that any team would give up anything substantial to move up in the draft, although it only takes one. Considering the lack of star prospects in this draft, selecting a safe prospect may be a better idea than swinging for the fences due to upside. The most likely outcome is the Cavs keep whatever pick they have and take the player they feel the best about, and not worry about the groupthink that seems to dominate the NBA Draft. Then again, going against the grain hasn’t really worked out for them in the past.

Whoever the Cavaliers select in the draft likely won’t be the only big change to the roster. With Andre Drummond likely picking up his option for next season, it’s highly probable that Tristan Thompson has played his last game with the Cavaliers. If there’s a current “Mr. Cavalier” on the roster, it’s undoubtedly Thompson. While Thompson is a somewhat polarizing figure among Cavs fans, and certainly has some real flaws in his game, his effort on the court is unquestioned, as his importance to the 2016 Championship team. Thompson is undoubtedly on the back nine of his career at this point, and wherever he goes next, he will always be remembered as a Cavalier.

Speaking of goodbyes, it’s time for me to say mine. After five years at Cavs: The Blog, I’ve decided to step away from writing. I can honestly say it’s been an absolute pleasure to share my thoughts here. I started writing for Right Down Euclid (now King James Gospel) in 2013. I had just finished ten years of coaching high school track and cross country when I decided that wasn’t the path for me anymore. My wife and I had just had our second child only 20 months after the first, and I wanted to be home more so that I didn’t miss the milestones of them growing up. Still, I knew that I needed some kind of hobby that I could do according to my schedule. I’d been a Cavs fan all my life, and a die-hard for a few years, and writing about the team seemed like a logical step for me.

After two years or writing for Right Down Euclid, I was lucky enough to have a chance to start writing here at Cavs: The Blog (and write about the Indians for It’s Pronounced Lajaway). During this time, I was lucky enough to get to know a great group of guys who shared my passion for the Cavaliers, and interact with so many of you in our live threads and comments section. We also got to witness a Cleveland sports championship, something that I had dreamed about my whole life, but never really believed it would happen. It was a real privilege to write for you all, and I hope that you know I tried to provide something interesting in every post.

Now, the kids are getting older and our evenings are getting busier. Finding the time to write has become increasingly difficult for me. I’ll still share some thoughts on Twitter, and will be sure to drop by in the comments to say hi and talk Cavs, but writing full length pieces several times a month has just gotten to be too much in the face of soccer, baseball, dance class, and homework. If I can’t find the time to write to the best of my ability, then I’d rather not write at all.

Before I go, I’d like to thank Nate, Tom, and E.G. for all of their support the last five years. They challenged me to become a better writer while also offering all the guidance and support that I could ever ask for. Running this blog is a lot of work, and they do a great job of it. Nate, in particular, goes above and beyond in making sure that we have regular quality coverage during each season for no other reason and reward than to give people solid, non click bait content to consume.

Thanks, everyone. Go Cavs.

[Editor’s Note: Please join me in wishing a fond farewell to Mike Schreiner. Mike, I cannot thank you enough for your professionalism, positive attitude, writing, work ethic, willingness to grow as a writer, and for most importantly just being an all around good and decent fellow. As much as I’ve enjoyed your writing, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you as a person far more. Please know you’re always welcome here, Mike, and we wish you all the best in the future. -Nate ]