The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Show goes on with LeBron in limbo
Cavaliers GM Koby Altman has difficult task of managing No. 8 pick in the draft without a commitment from James
Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman faces a near-impossible task June 21.
Altman and the Cavaliers own the No. 8 selection in the 2018 NBA Draft. The pick, acquired from the Celtics in exchange for Kyrie Irving last summer, is Altman’s most valuable asset regardless of how scenarios with LeBron James develop.
Altman can package the draft choice in a trade to sway James toward a return to Cleveland. If James leaves, it’s imperative for Altman to select a cornerstone of his future rosters.
Assuming the Cavaliers retain the No. 8 pick, these five players could fit the Cavaliers’ needs based on who will likely be available in the middle of the lottery:
Miles Bridges, Michigan State
MEASUREMENTS » 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, 81.6-inch wingspan STATS » 17.1 ppg, 7 rpg ANALYSIS » No such thing as a “safe” pick exists, but Bridges has one of the highest floors among players in the lottery. Bridges already has a strong allaround game with a solid jumpshot, ability to penetrate and move off the ball. His ability to defend on the wing and rebound should earn him consistent minutes as a rookie. If Bridges’ handle improves and his shot becomes more reliable from the perimeter, his game will elevate beyond that of a quality role player. If James decides to stay in Cleveland, Bridges would help him immediately.
Wendell Carter Jr., Duke
MEASUREMENTS » 6-foot-10, 251 pounds, 88.5-inch wingspan STATS » 13.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 41.3% 3FG ANALYSIS » Carter Jr. reportedly worked out for the Cavaliers while they were in the midst of their NBA Finals series against the Warriors. Since, there’s been little connecting the parties beyond speculation. But, if the Duke big man is available at No. 8, the Cavaliers could choose a center apt to play alongside James. Carter made 41 percent of his 3-point attempts at Duke and his shooting ability to reinforced by his 74 percent clip at the free-throw line. Carter is a staunch rim protector with a formidable frame but can also cover switches in pick-and-rolls.
Michael Porter Jr., Missouri
MEASUREMENTS » 6-foot11, 211 pounds, 84.25-inch wingspan STATS » 10 ppg, 6.7 rpg ANALYSIS » Porter is rumored to be the Cavaliers’ favored choice should be available at the No. 8 pick. Like the Cavaliers’ own circumstances this summer, Porter is this draft’s most volatile prospect. A year ago, he was unquestionably the best player in the class. Then he suffered a back injury and played only 53 minutes in his freshman year at Missouri. Porter has the potential to become an All-Star caliber player with a skilled offensive game complementing his 6-foot-10 frame. Porter’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for the modern NBA, especially as it pertains to switching on defense.
Collin Sexton, Alabama
MEASUREMENTS » 6-foot-2, 183 pounds, 79-inch wingspan STATS » 19.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 33.6% 3FG ANALYSIS » The morning after the Cavaliers were swept in the NBA Finals, they brought Sexton in for a workout. Sexton is most well-known for his 40-point effort in a game the Crimson Tide played 3-on-5 for the final 10 minutes of the second half. His ultra-competitive attitude would suit the Cavaliers, whether they remain in “championship mode” upon James’ return or as the franchise begins a rebuilding effort. Sexton shoots well, is dangerous off the dribble and brings energy at the defensive end.
Trae Young, Oklahoma
MEASUREMENTS » 6-foot-2, 178 pounds, 75-inch wingspan STATS » 27.4 ppg, 8.7 apg, 36.1% 3FG
ANALYSIS » Young was the sole proprietor of college basketball’s early-season headlines as the freshman recorded eye-popping numbers for the Sooners throughout December. The NCAA’s leader in scoring and assists from this past season reportedly declined to work out for the Cavaliers initially, then was brought in for a “secret” workout last weekend. If Porter is not available, he’s supposedly next on the Cavaliers’ board alongside Kentucky’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Young’s perception suffers from the extreme hype he received during the winter and his boom-or-bust potential is similar to Porter’s — but the promised offered if he booms makes the chance of a bust well worth a selection. Young can create his own shot, handles the ball at an elite level, passes at a level that would fit alongside James and could become one of the league’s most dangerous scorers from 3-point range.