Cavs Open To Moving Down In Draft For Another First-Rounder

June 20, 2022

While Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman has said he likes the upcoming NBA Draft, he may not be so big on the No. 14 overall pick.

That is where the Cavs are currently selecting, but per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, they are open to moving down in the first round if it means landing another pick. Another first-round pick, that is.

Scotto has the Cavs taking Duke center Mark Williams in the HoopsHype mock draft. But added that’s only because Williams is the 14th-ranked prospect, as opposed to being a prospect the Cavs want to keep for themselves.

“With Cleveland’s loaded frontcourt, Williams is unlikely to be under consideration for this pick,” Scotto wrote. “Instead, his No. 14 overall ranking on the aggregate mock draft is more of an indication of his overall draft range.”

Actually, the Cavs are indeed looking for a backup center/power forward-type to assist the likes of Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Lauri Markkanen. But Scotto is correct when he writes that the Cavs aren’t likely to draft a center at No. 14. It seems they would prefer to find a veteran free agent (a la Moses Brown) to help in reserve when it comes to the position.

Brown could potentially return, though the Cavs aren’t likely to re-sign Ed Davis, a free agent.

As for the draft, several teams are looking to move up, down and all around as Thursday’s draft approaches — so if the Cavs are truly looking to move back in the draft, and acquire another first-rounder, well, it’s hardly a pipe dream.

Interestingly, Altman alluded to the idea of the Cavs getting an extra pick even before the lottery, when the Cavs learned they would be drafting No. 14 overall.

“I think we’ve done an incredible job through the draft, and taking a step back now and looking at the draft, I like the draft. I really do,” Altman said in April. “I’m not just saying that. Where our pick lands, can we get another … there’s nothing wrong with having another young player that you can develop.”

Along with the No 14 pick, the Cavs also own two second-rounders — Nos. 39 and 58. For now, anyway. Of course, sources have told Hoops Wire they are open to moving both of those as well, and that may be another way for them to land another first.