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The Cleveland Cavaliers will have several offseason decisions to make, but surprisingly, it doesn't start with what will happen with Donovan Mitchell.
Instead, the Cavs will have to shift their focus to the 2024 NBA Draft, in which Cleveland has the No. 20 pick. Sure, on the night of the draft, the Cavs could make an offer to an opposing team that could involve the No. 20 pick after they select a prospect. But with the clear needs the Cavs have on their roster right now, Cleveland may want to consider taking a player at No. 20 and keeping him, adding depth to a position of need on the roster that they may not find elsewhere in free agency or through a trade.
Several teams across the NBA have done this, including the Denver Nuggets, which means the Cavs aren't the first hopeful contender trying to inject youth into their rotation. Thankfully, with where Cleveland is selecting in the 2024 NBA Draft, several players could be available to contribute next season immediately. Here are a few prospects to keep tabs on as the Cavs creep closer to the 2024 NBA Draft this summer, thanks to several mock drafts, including one from ClutchPoints, across the internet.
What are the latest mock drafts saying about the Cleveland Cavaliers?
ClutchPoints mock draft:
#20 selection: Kevin McCullar – SG/SF, Kansas
In McCullar, the Cavs would get a swingman who, as Brett Siegel writes, is a proven winner at Kansas and is a two-way wing that would provide instant depth on Cleveland's bench. McCullar fits how the Cavs function on defense and, more importantly, thrives off the ball as a three-point shooting threat and could complement the skillsets of both Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley beautifully. Granted, McCullar is on the older side for a prospect and needs to prove that he can develop his shot beyond what he showcased during his senior season at Kansas. But, with shades of Nic Batum and Bruce Brown in his game, McCullar could be a low-risk pick for Cleveland at No. 20.
ESPN mock draft:
#20 selection: Carlton Carrington – PG/SG, Pittsburgh
Unlike McCullar, Carrington isn't as finished of a product and is more of a pick where the Cavs place faith in their player development. But, like McCullar, and unlike other young prospects, Carrington has showcased an ability during his time in Pittsburgh to be an immediate contributor at the NBA level, which makes this pick make sense.
Between the combination of his size, age, and already flashing point guard abilities, Carrington could slot in nicely behind Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, all while giving Cleveland an avenue to look at possibly trading Caris LeVert for an upgrade elsewhere this offseason. His instincts in snaking pick-and-roll, getting to his mid-range spots, and stepping back into 3-pointers form a dynamic scoring package that could empower the Cavs rotation-wise next season.
The Ringer mock draft:
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#20 selection: Nikola Djurisic – SF, Mega Basket, Serbia
Another mock draft with a totally different prospect to Cleveland with the same overall focus of the prospect being able to contribute immediately next season.
Djurisic stands at 6 feet 8 inches and has excellent positional size. His shooting touch and overall instincts resemble those of a shooting guard rather than a small forward. Djurisic is also an effective passer and can score at all three levels, often using his dribbling ability to create for himself but also showing vision to create for others.
Although he might need to refine some aspects of his game, adjust to the NBA’s physicality, and work on his defensive instincts, Djurisic has all the tools and fundamentals, particularly on offense, to eventually carve a role as a regular rotation in the NBA. He can knock down shots and stretch the floor as a second-unit scoring weapon in his rookie season for Cleveland, and he can possibly develop into the permanent answer at small forward.
Bleacher Report mock draft:
#20 selection: Tristan da Silva – SF/PF, Colorado
Although he's more of a finished product coming out of Colorado, da Silva, being viewed as a versatile prospect who could act as a day-one glue guy, makes much sense for Cleveland at No. 20.
There will be concerns about his athletic limitations at the next level, especially when dealing with NBA-level rim protection. Regardless, da Silva has a crafty touch, savvy cutting, and good decision-making to score efficiently. He also possesses defensive versatility, a feel for the game, and perimeter shooting, making 40% of his 3-point attempts this past season for Colorado.
More importantly, da Silva cleanly fits the mold of the archetype of player Cleveland needs to add more of this offseason. A blend between Rui Hachimura and Kyle Anderson is a starting point comparison, while Tobias Harris would be a best-case scenario, which would be a solid addition coming off the bench next season for the Cavs.
Although McCullar, Carrington, Djurisic, and da Silva are only a few of the prospects who scratch the surface of who could be available at No. 20 for Cleveland, it's clear that they can get a willing and able player who can contribute to their quest to become a legitimate title threat.
