Cavs in need of new foundation

With LeBron James gone, seemingly for good this time, the Cavaliers are in full-on rebuilding mode again. With a young and disjointed roster, the Cavs are a franchise in need of a foundation player. They’re in need of star power.

Enter Zion Williamson. The presumptive top pick in June’s draft would benefit every team. But he’d make an immense, immediate impact on a floundering Cavs team in search of a concrete direction forward. Williamson would instantly become the clearcut cornerstone piece around whom to build.

Collin Sexton, drafted eighth overall last year, has shown promise while fighting through the typical ups and downs of a rookie season. However, he’s better suited for a complementary role around a star. As the best college prospect to enter the league since Anthony Davis, Williamson is that star.

Beyond his box-office draw, Williamson fits well with the Cavs’ other pieces.

Cleveland has expressed interest in potentially trading Kevin Love, 30. But with four years and roughly $120 million left on his contract, finding a trade partner could be difficult. If the Cavs elected to keep him, Love pairs well with Williamson on paper. Love’s ability to stretch the floor and shoot from the perimeter would allow Williamson the space to wreak havoc inside with his 6-7, 285-pound frame. Williamson’s passing needs work, but collapsing defenses would leave shooters like Love and Sexton open on the outside.

Williamson also needs to improve his playmaking abilities, but he has shown the raw talent at Duke and has the athleticism to do so. He has the tools to be a secondary, and even primary, playmaker to complement Sexton, who has shown a tenacity that would pair well with Williamson’s all-out style of play.

It’s certainly unfair to compare Williamson to an all-time great like James before he’s played an NBA game. But he would get the fan base buzzing again and inject hope into the franchise on its road back to relevance.