Here's a look at who is likely on the radar of the Cavs heading into the 2018 NBA Draft on Thursday night.
Here’s a look at five prospects the Cavs could select in Thursday’s NBA Draft. (Quotes via the NBA.):
Trae Young
Position: PG
College/Class: Oklahoma/Freshman
Height/Weight: 6-1¾, 178 pounds
What he brings: Young became the first player in NCAA Division I history to lead the country in both scoring (27.4) and assists (8.7). He was the first NCAA major-conference player to total 800 points and 250 assists in the same season and tied the NCAA single-game assists record with 22 against Northwestern State. His 3.7 3-pointers per game ranked fourth in the nation and he posted four 40-point games. A smooth ball-hander who excels at changing speeds, Young can score from all over the court. He also has been praised for his court vision and feel for the pick-and-roll. Cavs coach Tyronn Lue, a point guard at Nebraska, played two years in the Big 12 against Young’s father, Rayford, a Texas Tech point guard. The biggest knock on Trae Young is Oklahoma’s 2-9 swoon to end the season.
Quote: “Just the confidence he plays with. I call it the flair, but it seems like he’s always composed and knows what he’s trying to do every time he has the ball in his hands. He shoots a lot of deep 3s and has a creativity to his game that’s just so fluid to watch.” — Two-time MVP Stephen Curry.
How he fits: Young would give the Cavs’ instant offense, supplanting George Hill or bumping Hill to shooting guard. The Kyrie Irving trade might not feel as painful if Young falls to No. 8.
Michael Porter Jr.
Position: SF/PF
College/Class: Missouri/Freshman
Height/Weight: 6-10¾, 211 pounds
What he brings: Porter played in only three games, averaging 10 points and 6.7 rebounds, after suffering a back injury two minutes into his college debut. He underwent a microdiscectomy procedure on the L3 and L4 spinal disks and didn’t return until March 8 against Georgia in the SEC Tournament. The Cavs have been linked to Porter despite the injury. Porter has size, can create his own shot and possesses scoring instincts, but is also fluid and plays above the rim. His wingspan measured 7-0¼. He’s considered an active defender with good timing. His coach at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle was former NBA All-Star Brandon Roy. As a high school senior, Porter was named Most Valuable Player of the McDonald’s All-American Game and was the Naismith and Gatorade national player of the year. He joined Dwight Howard (2004), LeBron James (2003), Chris Webber (1991) and Alonzo Mourning (1988) as the only players to accomplish that feat. At the 2016 Under-18 FIBA Americas tournament, Porter’s 15.8 points per game led the USA, which also included Young, Markelle Fultz and Jarrett Allen.
Quote: “He reminds me of a combination of — when they were at the high school stage — Kevin Durant and Kevin Garnett.” — Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin.
How he fits: A frontcourt of James, Kevin Love and Porter might be enough to convince James to stay.
Collin Sexton
Position: PG
College/Class: Alabama/Freshman
Height/Weight: 6-1½, 183 pounds
What he brings: Sexton led Alabama to its first NCAA Tournament victory since 2006 before it lost to eventual national champion Villanova. Averaging 19.2 points and 3.6 assists, Sexton set the Crimson Tide freshman scoring record with 40 points against No. 14 Minnesota, 31 in the second half, and totaled a school-record 79 points in three SEC Tournament games. Known for his elite speed and quickness and fearlessness attacking the basket, Sexton is an explosive leaper and finisher, which he can do with either hand. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas called Sexton “overall the best point guard prospect in the draft” despite his .447 field-goal percentage, .336 on 3-pointers. Bilas noted that Sexton shot .778 from the free-throw line. “Often times when a guy who doesn’t shoot it well from the field makes his free throws, that means he can really improve,” Bilas said. Another question mark is how Sexton’s body will hold up with his rugged style. Bilas also said Sexton might be the most competitive player in the draft, describing him as “a real fighter.” Alabama has not had a player selected in the top 10 since Antonio McDyess went second in 1995.
Quote: “Of all the guys I’ve coached in the (NBA), played against in the league, he was arguably the fastest guy I’ve seen with and without the basketball. That’s a strong statement. But he’s got a lot of room to grow. He’s going to get better.” — Alabama coach Avery Johnson, the former Mavericks and Nets coach
How he fits: Same as Young, would step into lineup at point guard immediately.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Position: PG
College/Class: Kentucky/Freshman
Height/Weight: 6-6, 180 pounds
What he brings: Gilgeous-Alexander moved into Kentucky’s starting lineup on Jan. 9 against Texas A&M and averaged 16.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists the rest of the season and was named MVP of the SEC Tournament. Gilgeous-Alexander led UK in free throw percentage (.817) and 3-point percentage (.404) and finished third in the SEC in steals (81), a total surpassed by only two other Wildcat freshmen — Rajon Rondo and John Wall. Gilgeous-Alexander can play at multiple speeds, is a crafty scorer and has the size and strength to guard multiple positions. Gilgeous-Alexander started his high school career in his native Ontario, Canada, before moving to Hamilton Heights in Chattanooga, Tenn. His mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, competed for Canada as a sprinter in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Quote: “I’ve never met a kid who is undisciplined off the court be disciplined on it. Shai’s entire life is disciplined, and it’s not forced by others around him. It’s that attitude that will ensure his success at the next level.” — Kentucky coach John Calipari
How he fits: Even if he sat behind Hill for a time, Gilgeous-Alexander might use that disciplined style to push Clarkson (12.6 points for the Cavs in the regular season, 4.7 in 19 playoff games) farther down the bench.
Wendell Carter Jr.
Position: C
College/Class: Duke/Freshman
Height/Weight: 6-10, 251 pounds
What he brings: Carter became the sixth Duke player to shoot better than 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 70 percent from the free-throw line; the last was Shane Battier in 1998-99. Carter would fit James’ basketball IQ requirement. Carter is known for his advanced feel for the game, his court awareness, his defensive instincts and he chose Duke over Harvard. Carter was overshadowed by Marvin Bagley III, projected as a top three pick, but Carter used his 7-4½ wingspan to rank fourth in the ACC in rebounding (9.1, third-highest by a Duke freshman) and fifth in blocked shots (2.1). He scored in double figures 30 times, including a stretch of 19 consecutive games. His biggest question mark is whether he can defend in pick-and-roll situations. Carter declared for the draft on April 16, his 19th birthday. Carter’s father Wendell played professionally in the Dominican Republic; his mother Kylia at the University of Mississippi.
Quote: “I think Wendell Carter Jr. is capable of so much more than he showed. He’s a real workhorse of a player. Every rebound he grabs, he grabs with two hands. He can block shots, he scores with his back to the basket. He showed a good touch stepping away from the basket and I think he can really improve there.” — ESPN analyst Jay Bilas
How he fits: Carter could split time with Tristan Thompson, freeing Kevin Love to return to his natural position at power forward.